ying which, the mayor-domo of the establishment, for such Gregorio
was, caught the hunchback by one of his ears--grand auricles they were--
and led him away along the corridor, with the prison chain trailing
behind.

Rivas did not stay till they were out of sight, but turning, stepped
inside the room into which he had ushered the other two.

It was rather a large apartment, but plainly and sparsely furnished; a
deal table and half a dozen common chairs, with leathern backs and
bottoms, such as may be seen in most Mexican houses. It was better
supplied with arms than household effects; several guns standing in
corners, with swords hanging against the walls, and a variety of
accoutrements--all giving it more the appearance of a guard-house than
the reception-room of a gentleman's mansion.

"Now _amigos_" said the Mexican, after rejoining his guests, on whose
faces he could not fail to note an odd inquiring expression, "I can at
last say to you, feel safe, if I can't assure you of a supper good as
I'd wish to give. Still, if I mistake not, 'twill be superior to our
prison fare. _Por Dios_! Having to put up with that was punishment
enough of itself, without being set to work in the sewers."

"Ah," remarked Kearney, speaking for himself and the Texan, "had you
been one of us prisoners from Mier up to Mexico, the diet you complain
of would have seemed luxury for Lucullus."

"Indeed! What did they give you to eat?"

"Brown beans only half boiled, _tortillas_, usually cold; and sometimes,
for a whole stretch of twenty-four hours, nothing at all."

"_Carramba_!" exclaimed the Mexican. "That was hard usage. But nothing
to surprise. Just as Santa Anna might be expected to treat his captive
enemies, whether of his own people, or as yourselves, foreigners. More
cruel tyrant never ruled country. But his reign, thank Heaven, will not
be long. I've reason for saying that, and better still for thinking
it."

The little interlude of dialogue was brought to a close by the entrance
of the mayor-domo loaded with bottles and glasses. He had orders to
bring the wine first, the cigars along with it.

Lumping all down upon the table, he left them to wait upon themselves,
while he went off to ransack the pantry soon to return with a
sufficiency of viands, and savoury enough to satisfy men who had just
come out of the Acordada. There was cold mutton, ham, and venison,
maize bread, and "guesas de Guatemala," with a variety o