ak, and has an edge like a razor. I
give it to you to be used against my country's enemies, and I am sure you
will never draw it without cause, nor sheathe it without honor."

I thanked my host warmly for his timely gift, and, as I buckled the
historic weapon to my side, glanced at the horse which he had placed at my
disposal. It was a beautiful flea-bitten gray, with a small, fiery head,
arched neck, sloping shoulders, deep chest, powerful quarters, well-bent
hocks, and "clean" shapely legs--a very model of a horse, and as it
seemed, in perfect condition.

"Ah, you may look at Pizarro as long as you like, Senor Fortescue, and he
is well worth looking at; but you will never tire him," said Carera. "What
will you do if you meet the patrol, Salvador?"

"Evade them if we can, charge them if we cannot."

"By all means the former, if possible, and then you may not be pursued.
And now, Senor, I trust you will not hold me wanting in hospitality if I
urge you to mount; but your lives are in jeopardy, and there may be death
in delay. Put out the lights, men, and open the gates. _Adios_, Senor
Fortescue! _Adios_, my dear Salvador. We shall meet again in happier
times. God guard you, and bring you safe to your journey's end."

And then we rode forth into the night.

"We had better take to the open country at once, and strike the road about
a few miles farther on. It is rather risky, for we shall have to get over
several rifts made by the earthquake and cross a stream with high banks.
But if we take to the road straightway, we are almost sure to meet a
patrol. We may meet one in any case; but the farther from the city the
encounter takes place, the greater will be our chance of getting through."

"You know best. Lead on, and I will follow. Are these rifts you speak of
wide?"

"They are easily jumpable by daylight; but how we shall do them in the
dark, I don't know. However, these horses are as nimble as cats, and
almost as keen-sighted. I think, if we leave it to them, they will carry
us safely over. The sky is a little clearer, too, and that will count in
our favor. This way!"

We sped on as swiftly and silently as the spectre horseman of the story,
for Venezuelan horses being unshod and their favorite pace a gliding run
(much less fatiguing for horse and rider than the high trot of Europe)
they move as noiselessly over grass as a man in slippers.

"Look out!" cried Carmen, reining in his horse. "We are not far from the