That done, I slip the man's trousers and shirt over my own, don his
sombrero, and take his key.

"So far, well," says Carmen, "if we only get safely through the _patio_
and pass the guard! Put the sombrero over your face, imitate the zambo's
shuffling gait, and walk carelessly by my side, as if you were conducting
me to the gate and a short way down the street. Have you your dagger!
Good! Open the door and let us go forth. One word more! If it comes to a
fight, back to back. Try to grasp the muskets with your left and stab with
your right--upward!"

CHAPTER XI.

OUT OF THE LION'S MOUTH.

As the short sunset of the tropics had now merged into complete darkness,
we crossed the _patio_ without being noticed; but near the gateway several
soldiers of the guard were seated round a small table, playing at cards by
the light of a flickering lamp.

"Hello! Who goes there?" said one of them, looking up. "Pablo, the
turnkey, and a friar! Won't you take a hand, Pablo? You won a _real_ from
me last night; I want my revenge."

"He is going with me as far as the plaza. It is dark, and I am very
near-sighted," put in Carmen, with ready presence of mind. "He will be
back in a few minutes, and then he will give you your revenge, won't you,
Pablo?"

"_Si, padre, con mucho gusto_," I answered, mimicking the deep guttural of
the zambo.

"Good! I shall expect you in a few minutes," said the soldier. "_Buene
noche, padre!_"

"Good-night, my son."

"Now for the sentry," murmured Carmen; "luckily we have the password,
otherwise it might be awkward."

"We must try to slip past him."

But it was not to be. As we step through the gateway into the street, the
man turns right about face and we are seen.

"_Halte! Quien vive?_" he cried.

"Friends."

"Advance, friends, and give the countersign."

"As you see, I am a friar. I have been shriving a condemned prisoner. You
surely do not expect me to give the countersign!" said Carmen, going close
up to him.

"Certainly not, _padre_. But who is that with you?"

"Pablo, the turnkey."

"Advance and give the countersign, Pablo."

"Baylen."

"Wrong; it has been changed within the last ten minutes. You must go back
and get it, friend Pablo."

"It is not worth the trouble. He is only seeing me to the end of the
street," pleaded Carmen.

"I shall not let him go another step without the countersign," returned
the sentry, doggedly. "I am not sure that I ought to let you