“This passes comprehension.  What does it all mean?  Out with it, good Guido; you have always been faithful, and I don’t think you are a fool.”

“Thanks for your good opinion, senor.  Well, it is very painful for me to have to say it; but the general believes, and save your own personal friends, all the army believes, that you and senor Fortescue are traitors—­that you betrayed them to the enemy.”

“On what grounds?” asked Carmen, highly indignant.

“You went to reconnoitre; you did not come back; the next morning we were attacked by Griscelli in force, and Senor Fortescue was seen among the enemy, seen by General Mejia himself.  It was, moreover, reported this morning in the camp that Griscelli had let you go.”

“So he did, and hunted us with his infernal blood-hounds, and we only escaped by the skin of our teeth.  We were surprised and taken prisoners.  Senor Fortescue was a prisoner on parole when the general saw him.  I believe Griscelli obtained his parole and took him to the quebrada for no other purpose than to compromise him with the patriots.  And that I, who have killed more than a hundred Spaniards with my own hand, should be suspected of deserting to the enemy is too monstrous for belief.”

“Of course, it is an absurd mistake.  Appearances are certainly rather against us—­at any rate, against me; but a word of explanation will put the matter right.  Let us go to the camp at once and have it out.”

“Not so fast, Senor Fortescue.  I should like to have it out much.  But there is one little difficulty in the way which you may not have taken into account.  Mejia never listens to explanations, and never goes back on his word.  If he said he would hang us he will.  He would be very sorry afterward, I have no doubt; but that would not bring us back to life, and it would be rather ridiculous to escape Griscelli’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).