ve messenger. By their known
watchword the two parties of insurgents recognised each other; and,
after joining their forces, they agreed to separate again into three
bodies, and thus advance towards the spot where it was conjectured Don
Rafael might be hidden. Four parties were now closing in upon a common
centre; and just in that centre stood the great cedrela in which Don
Rafael had ensconced himself.

As all four were acting under a common understanding that the Royalist
Colonel was to be shot down upon sight, it will be perceived that the
position of Don Rafael was now one of imminent danger. The very least
misfortune that seemed to menace him would be to have the opportunity to
die sword in hand--fighting to the death: for this would be far
preferable to falling into the hands of his pitiless foeman, the brigand
Arroyo. With the Royalist Colonel it was in reality a moment of extreme
peril.

CHAPTER SIXTY.

EL ZAPOTE AND GASPAR.

Just about the moment when Pepe Lobos and his comrades had made their
dispositions for advancing into the thicket, Don Rafael awoke from his
prolonged slumber. On first opening his eyes, the glare of the sunlight
so dazzled them, that he inquired of himself where he was. Presently,
however, objects appeared more distinctly; and he became aware of the
extraordinary situation in which he had placed himself.

He had scarce time for a single reflection, when his attention was drawn
to a rustling among the leaves at a short distance off; and, looking
diagonally downward, he perceived two men on foot advancing towards the
cedrela.

On first awaking, he had felt such an extreme lassitude throughout all
his limbs, that he could scarce believe himself to have slept as long as
he had done. The height of the sun, however, proclaimed that he had
slumbered for many hours.

Notwithstanding the strong desire he had to descend from his
uncomfortable couch, at the sight of the two men he prudently deferred
his intention. He took the precaution, however, to untie the sash that
bound him to the branches--doing this as gently as possible--while he
kept his eyes fixed upon the new-comers, who, to say the least,
presented a suspicious appearance.

The costume of both was odd enough, and altogether unsuited for
traversing such a thorny jungle as that through which they were passing.
It consisted merely of a shirt and cotton drawers--while each of them
carried in hand a large parcel. Althou