riscelli's blood-hounds, only to
be hanged by our own people."

"And that is not the worst," put in Guido.

"Not the worst! Why what can be worse than being hanged?"

"I mean that even if the general did not carry out his threat you would be
killed all the same. The Colombian gauchos swear that they will hack you
to pieces wherever they find you. When Gahra comes he will tell you the
same."

"You have heard; what do you say?" asked Carmen, turning to me.

"Well, as it seems so certain that if we return to the camp we shall
either be hanged or hacked to pieces, I am decidedly of opinion that we
had better not return."

"So am I. At the same time, it is quite evident that we cannot remain
here, while every man's hand is against us. Is there any possibility of
procuring horses, Guido?"

"Yes, sir. I think Gahra and I will be able to bring you horses and arms
after nightfall."

"Good! And will Gahra and you throw in your lot with us?"

"Where you go I will go, senor. Let Gahra speak for himself. He will be
here shortly. He is coming now. I will show myself that he may know we are
here" (stepping out of the thicket).

When the negro arrived he expressed great satisfaction at finding us alive
and well. He did not think there would be any great difficulty in getting
away and bringing us horses. The _lleranos_ were still allowed to come and
go pretty much as they liked, and if awkward questions were asked it would
be easy to invent excuses. The best time to get away would be immediately
after nightfall, when most of the foraging parties would have returned to
camp and the men be at supper.

It was thereupon agreed that the attempt should be made, and that we
should stay where we were until we heard the howl of an _araguato_, which
Guido could imitate to perfection. This would signify that all was well,
and the coast clear.

Then, after giving us a few pieces of _tasajo_ and a handful of cigars,
the two men rode off; for the night was at hand, and if we did not escape
before light of moon, the chances were very much against our escaping at
all.

CHAPTER XVIII.

A NEW DEPARTURE.

"We seem always to be escaping, _amigo mio_," said Carmen, as we sat in
the shade, eating our _tasajo_. "We got out of one scrape only to get into
another. Your experience of the country so far has not been happy."

"Well, I certainly have had rather a lively time of it since I landed at
La Guayra, if that is what you mean."