ever it became light enough, Alzura jumped up, saying,
"Where is the pole?" and grasping it, he began trying to touch bottom.
He poked long and vigorously in all directions, but without success,
till it seemed as if our only plan was to return and give ourselves up.

"Yet there must be a way out," said I impatiently. "The track leads
here plainly enough, and it wouldn't come to an end just in the middle
of the morass."

"I shouldn't think so," said Alzura. "I wonder whether they've missed
us yet. How old Barriero will grin on seeing us back again!"

"We aren't back yet," I replied. "Look at that hump yonder. It seems
solid, doesn't it? Lend me the pole. Ah, too short! What d'you
think, Alzura?"

"It looks all right," said he; "but appearances are often deceptive.
Besides, we can't reach it."

"We can jump it, perhaps."

"Yes," said he thoughtfully, "we might. It's a big risk, though. If
it isn't firm ground, the one who jumps will go to his death."

"I'll chance it," said L

"No, you won't; it's my venture. Stand aside, and give me room for a
take-off. Remember me to the others if I go down."

"Wait," said I; "there's no need for you to go. We can put it to the
test without risking life," and I hastily unslung the packet of
provisions which hung over my shoulder.

"Bravo, Juan! that is a good dodge. Mind your aim, though!"

"All right," and raising the bundle, I swung it carefully to and fro,
trying to gauge the distance. Then giving it an upward sweep, I let it
go, and we watched breathlessly as it fell plump on the spot.

"Firm as a rock," cried Alzura. "Viva! now for the jump, my boy; it's
easy enough."

"As long as we come down in the proper place. Stand back," and pulling
myself together, I took the leap, landing close beside the bundle.
This I picked up, and, telling Alzura to throw me the pole, proceeded
to investigate.

"Is it all right?" he cried softly.

"Yes," said I, and stood back while he jumped across.

"Caramba!" said he, "that's a nasty bit well over!" and I noticed that
his limbs trembled.

"All's well that ends well," I replied. "Come on, my boy; we've done
the worst part, and the track's as plain as a pikestaff now. If we can
reach the hill we came down months ago, 'twill be an easy matter to
hide."

"I wonder if the sergeant has discovered anything yet? According to
his account, the guards will think us dead."

"So much the better for us; they'll give up