and that would
have attracted attention to our whereabouts. However, we were successful
in knocking down one or two birds, and these we took along with us,
intending to cook them as soon as we considered ourselves in safety.

As night fell we emerged from the wooded slope up which we had painfully
traveled, and found ourselves on a good road, evidently much used for
traffic.

"This must be the highway that leads from Oaxaca to Vera Cruz," said
Pharaoh, looking out upon it from a sheltering tree; "and lo! yonder is
a post-house. We must bide awhile where we are or we shall be seen."

So we sat down amongst the undergrowth, which was there thick and
luxurious, as it was in every wood we had yet crossed, and served to
conceal us very well from observation. More than once, as we stayed
there, we heard the voices of people passing along the highroad above,
and we judged from that, that if we ventured to show ourselves upon it
before nightfall we should certainly be seen and stopped. Therefore,
apart from our usual hunger and discomfort, we were very well content to
remain hidden until such time as the coast cleared.

Now about dark, and just as we were making up our minds to a fresh
start, and wondering how we should fare in the mountainous range which
we had yet to cross, there arose not far away along the highroad a
chorus of shouts and screams of such exceeding bitterness, that we felt
sure murder was being done. We leapt to our feet and advanced to the
edge of the highway, but feared to go further lest we should be seen.

"'Tis some footpad affray," said Pharaoh, "and none of our business."

But just then came still shriller cries of entreaty for help, and they
were so pleading and full of agony, that we both leapt into the road
with one accord.

"That is a woman's voice," said Pharaoh. "We must needs go to her
assistance, come what will. Have your staff in readiness, master, and if
there is need, strike hard."

We ran swiftly down the road for some fifty yards, and then, turning a
sharp corner, came suddenly upon the cause of the disturbance. In the
middle of the highway stood a coach, drawn by two mules, and on either
side of it were two tall fellows of ferocious aspect, striving to drag
from it the occupants, who screamed for help without ceasing. There was
no driver or servant visible; the rogues had doubtless escaped to the
woods at the first sign of danger.

"Take the two on the left," said Pharaoh, "and