. But to
desperadoes such as are some of the Acordada gaol-birds it would not be
so if left leg free. More than once had the attempt been made, and with
success; for in no city is it easier, or indeed so easy. In the Mexican
metropolis there are whole districts where the policeman fears to show
his face, and a criminal pursued, even by soldiers in uniform, would
have every door thrown open to him, and every opportunity given for
stowing himself away. Get he but out into the country, and up to the
mountains--on all sides conveniently near--his chances are even better,
since the first man there met may be either footpad or _salteador_.

As said, the street to which the scavengers were taken was the Calle de
Plateros, where it ends at the Alameda Gate. The covering flags of the
_zancas_ had been already lifted off, exposing to view the drain brimful
of liquid filth the tools were beside--scoops, drags, and shovels having
been sent on before.

Soon, on arriving on its edge, Dominguez, who kept close by the two
couples in which were the Tejanos, ordered them to lay hold and fall to.

There could be no question of refusal or disobedience. From the way he
twirled the _quirt_ between his fingers it looked as though he wished
there was, so that he might have an excuse for using it. Besides, any
hanging back would be rewarded by a blow from the butt of a musket, and,
persisted in, possibly a bayonet thrust--like as not to lame the
refractory individual for life.

There was no need for such violent measures now. The others of the gang
had done scavenger work before; and knowing its ways, went at it as soon
as the word was given. _Nolens volens_ Kearney and Cris Rock, with
their chain partners, had to do likewise; though, perhaps, never man
laid hold of labourer's tool with more reluctance than did the Texan.
It was a long shafted shovel that had been assigned to him, and the
first use he made of the implement was to swing it round his head, as
though he intended bringing it down on that of one of the sentries who
stood beside.

"Durnashun!" he shrieked out, still brandishing the tool and looking the
soldier straight in the face. "If 'twarn't that the thing 'ud be o' no
use, an' _you_ ain't the one as is to blame, I'd brain ye on the spot,
ye ugly yaller-belly. Wage! Let me get back to Texas, and grip o' a
good rifle, the Mexikin as kums my way may look out for partickler
forked lightnin'!"

Though not comprehend