s! too many even among the Patriots were self-opinionated--seeking
their own aggrandisement, and how to fill their coffers, without regard
to the public weal; yet among them were many true Patriots, such as
Bolivar, Paez, Arismendez, Santandar, and many others.

The rest of the prisoners were now brought forward; but Don Jose and
myself, shuddering, retired from the window, unwilling to see our
fellow-creatures slaughtered, while we were without the power to help
them. The dominie, however, kept his post; but I saw that he was
grinding his teeth and clutching the hilt of his sword, while his bosom
heaved, and expressions escaped his lips, which, although I could not
even catch the words, showed how deeply he was agitated.

"Sad, very sad, that such things should be," observed Don Jose; "but the
general believes that the only way of overthrowing the Republican
principles which have gained ground in the country, is to exterminate
all who hold them."

"Does he remember the tale of `the dragon's teeth'?" I asked. "The
blood of that young girl cries for vengeance, and I feel assured that
thousands will rise up to answer the call."

"What! do you Englishmen side with the Liberals?" he asked.

"My countrymen are ever ready to espouse the cause of the oppressed and
suffering; and such, Don Jose, you must acknowledge the inhabitants of
this country have long been," I answered boldly, for I was sure that my
worthy host would not be offended. Indeed, I suspect that he himself
leaned towards the independent side, although a professed Royalist.

"Time will show," he remarked; "but I wish that all this bloodshed could
be avoided."

I remarked that every time a volley was fired he shuddered.

CHAPTER ELEVEN.

AN INTERVIEW WITH MURILLO--WE GAIN NOTHING FOR OUR PAINS--I STILL
ENDEAVOUR TO RESCUE THE PRISONERS--MEET ANTONIO, WHO BELONGS TO THE
GUARD AT THE PRISON--MY CONVERSATION WITH HIM--HE PROMISES ASSISTANCE,
BUT GIVES ME BAD NEWS--OUR PLAN ARRANGED--DON JOSE SUSPECTS US, AND
REQUESTS US TO LEAVE HIS HOUSE--WE REMAIN TILL THE FOLLOWING DAY--DR.
CAZALLA AND SENOR MONTEVERDE, WITH MANY OTHERS, SHOT--DOMINGO BRINGS ME
A DISGUISE, AND ADVISES ME TO ESCAPE WITHOUT DELAY--DON JOSE REQUESTS ME
NOT TO SEE HIM AGAIN--MR. LAFFAN AND I SEPARATE--HE STARTS FOR HONDA; I
GO TOWARDS THE PRISON, FOLLOWED BY LION--OUTSIDE THE PRISON WALLS--
JOINED BY UNCLE RICHARD--OUR ESCAPE FROM THE CITY--WE REACH THE
MOUNTAINS--OUR ARRIVAL AT A R