him and said farewell for that time, and when the coach
had gone on, taking the wounded prisoner with it, we continued our way
up the mountains, first supping heartily of the food and wine, and
blessing God for it.

"'Tis always well to help them that need help," said Pharaoh. "Verily we
are rewarded for so doing. This meat and drink makes a new man of me,
master."

And so it did of me, and it was well, for previously we had been sorely
put to it to keep any heart or soul within our starving bodies.

CHAPTER X.

THE BLACK SHADOWS.

Our course that night being of more than usual roughness and difficulty,
we made little headway, and by morning we had done no more than reach
the height of the mountain range over which we were climbing, and which
at that point was some three or four thousand feet above sea-level.
Howbeit, we were not disappointed with our night's work, for when the
sun rose we found ourselves looking out upon the wide plain which
stretches from those mountains to the sea-coast of the Pacific. Half our
journey was over.

"God send that all may be as well with us during this next journey as it
has been during the last," said Pharaoh. "We have prospered exceeding
well so far--yea, much better than I expected. Only let us do as well
on our way over yonder plain and we shall reach Acapulco in safety."

"But what then?" I asked, not knowing what his plans might be.

"That," he answered, "is a difficult question, master. We shall
certainly meet with no more love at Acapulco than at Vera Cruz, for the
Spaniards have still some sore memories of the drubbings we have given
them. But there we may find an English ship, for 'tis a convenient port
for those vessels that come north. Maybe we shall have to wait awhile,
and lie hidden outside the city or on the coast. All that we must leave
till the time comes. 'Tis something that we have come thus far without
let or hindrance."

And truly he was right there and we felt thankful to God for it. In
truth we had so far been most mercifully protected, and our adventures
had abundantly proved to us that God is merciful to men who have no hope
of any mercy or consideration from their fellow-creatures.

We now sought out a convenient resting-place, and having found a quiet
corner amongst the rocks, we sat down there and ate another hearty meal
from the stores given to us by the old Spaniard, after which, feeling
much refreshed, we lay down to sleep in a hopefu