Thus far the venture, with one exception, had succeeded admirably. The
prisoner was out of his cage, and would soon be clear of the pass.
Then I should only have Pedro to deal with. His company was a
nuisance, but it must be borne with for the present; later I should
have to find means to get rid of him.

We rode slowly down the narrow path, Pedro in front, Don Felipe and I
abreast. The poor fellow was in a hapless plight. The gag hurt his
mouth, and the cords cut into his flesh. Had we been alone, I should,
of course, have done something to ease his pain; but as long as Pedro
was there, this was out of the question.

"Anyhow, it's better than being shot," I thought; "and really the
wretch deserves it all."

We passed the sentries without trouble; but at the bottom of the pass
my difficulties began again.

"I suppose the chief has gone to San Mateo, senor?" said Pedro
questioningly. "That is the best place to watch from."

This was an awkward question, as I had intended making a straight dash
for Lima; but it would not do to arouse the man's suspicions. We were
too close to the mountains to run any unnecessary risks, and if Pedro
showed fight there, our chance of escape was gone.

So I answered, "Yes," and rode along, wondering what would come of it.
Every step led us into greater danger. We might run into the arms of
the guerillas, in which event Don Felipe's fate was certain; or be
stopped by the Royalists, when I should be made prisoner.

Day was now breaking, and with the strengthening light I began to see
our position more clearly. It was not promising. We were farther from
Lima than we had been when in the ravine, and were making straight for
the mountains again. Another half-hour's riding would cut us off from
escape completely. What could be done? There was no time to lose, and
I must hit on a plan at once. The simplest and perhaps the only one
likely to be successful I set aside without a moment's hesitation. Not
for a dozen men's lives, my own included, would I harm the unsuspecting
man whom chance had thrown into my power. I might, however, frighten
him into obedience. As far as I could see, it was that or nothing, and
the attempt must be made at once.

So, with beating heart and greatly doubting what would be the issue, I
whipped out my pistol, and, levelling it at him, said quietly, "Move
your hand to your musket, and you are a dead man! do as I bid you, and
no harm will befall y