Passing out of the San Augustin towards the city, the great National
Road, as already said, touches upon the Pedregal, the lava rocks here
and there rising cliff-like over it. On the other side are level
meadows stretching to the shore of the Laguna de Xochimilco; this last
overgrown with a lush aquatic vegetation called the _cinta_, at a
distance appearing more pastureland than lake. Excellent pasturage is
afforded on the strip between; that end of it adjacent to the _pueblo_
being apportioned among several of the rich proprietors of villas, who
turn their household stock upon it, as milch kine, and horses kept for
the saddle or carriage.
Just about the time when the hunchback was abruptly bidding "Adios" to
the ladies, a man might have been seen moving along this part of the
road at some half-mile distance from the skirts of the village, with
face turned cityward. But that he had no intention of journeying so far
was evident both by his gait and the character of his dress. He was
going at a slow walk, now and then loitering, as if time was of little
consequence. Moreover, he was in his shirt sleeves, and without the
universal _serape_, which often serves for both cloak and coat.
Otherwise his garb was the ordinary stable wear of a Mexican gentleman's
servant; wide velveteen trousers open along the outer seams, and fended
with leather at breech and bottoms. "Batos" and a black glaze hat
completed his habiliments, with a scarf of China crape, the _chammora_,
around his waist. Scanning the face shadowed by the broad rim of his
_sombrero_, it was seen to be that of Jose, Don Ignacio's groom; while
his errand along that road could be guessed, by seeing what he carried
over his arm--a couple of slip halters. The horses, for whom they were
intended, were to be seen standing at a gate, a little further, having
browsed their fill; a pair of greys, recognisable as the famous
_frisones_; all the easier now from one of them showing a split ear.
They had been turned out to cool their hoofs on the soft meadow sward,
and he was on his way to take them back to their stable.
Along the other side of the road, for a stretch of some distance,
extended the Pedregal, forming a low ridge with a precipitous face
towards the causeway. As the _cochero_ got up to where his pets were
expecting him, he saw a _coyote_ standing upon the crest cliff, just
opposite the horses, in an attitude and with an air as if it had been
holding conversation with them. Solely for frolic's sake, he made a
rush towards it, giving a swoop and swinging the halters around his
head. Of course, the affrighted animal turned tail, and retreated;
instantly disappearing from his sight. The little spurt had carried him
in under the shadow of the rocks; and as he faced round to recross the
moonlit causeway, he saw coming along it that which, by some mysterious
instinct, prompted him to keep his place. After all, no mystery about
it; for in the diminutive, crab-like form seen approaching, he
recognised the dwarf-hunchback who had shared the box seat with him on
that day never to be forgotten.
Nothing had been heard of the creature since, so far as Jose knew; and
therefore it might be supposed his appearance would have been welcome,
promising some news of those with whom he had been last seen. But so
far from the _cochero_ stepping out into the road to receive him, he but
drew closer to the cliff, where an embayment in black shadow promised
him perfect concealment.
Soon after Zorillo came shuffling along through the dust, keeping close
to the shaded side of the road. Having cleared the skirts of the
village, however, he was less careful now. Not likely there would be
any one abroad at that hour--for it had gone ten--but if so, there was
the Pedregal alongside, to which he could retreat. Evidently he had not
seen Jose as when first seen himself he was turning a corner, and the
other had been for some time in shadow.
When nearly opposite the meadow gate he also made a stop, with a start,
at perceiving the two horses' heads stretched over it, one with a cleft
ear! His start came through recognition of them.
"Oho!" he exclaimed, "you there, too, my noble _frisones? Caspita_!
this is meeting one's old acquaintances all in a heap! It now only
needs to encounter _cochero_, and the party will be complete! Well, I
may live in hope to see him too, sometime; and won't there be a
reckoning when we're all together again?"
He was about to pass on, when a clattering of hoofs was heard behind, in
the direction of the _pueblo_, as if horsemen were issuing out of it.
Shortly after, a dark clump was seen rounding the corner, and coming on
along the white ribband of road. The sabres clanking against
stirrup-irons proclaimed it a cavalry troop.
Like a tarantula retreating to its tree-cave, the dwarf darted in under
the cliff, there crouching down--so close to Jose that the latter could
have almost touched him with the tips of his fingers. He had no desire
to do so, no thought of it; but the very opposite. His wish was to
avoid an encounter; and good reason for it, as he was soon after made
aware. Fortunately for him, the hunchback neither saw nor had a
suspicion of his proximity. With face turned to the road, he was
altogether occupied with the party approaching.
The Hussars turned out--an escort of some eight or ten files, with two
officers at its head; these riding side by side, and a little in
advance. They were chatting gaily and rather vociferously; the voice of
him who spoke loudest being well-known to Jose. For Colonel Santander,
whether welcome or not, was a frequent visitor at the _casa de campo_ of
Don Ignacio Valverde. And the dwarf now remembered it too, as he did so
abandoning all attempt at concealment, and gliding out into the middle
of the road.
"_Carajo_!" simultaneously shouted the two officers, as their horses
reared up, snorting at the strange shape so suddenly presented before
them. "What the _Demonio_ is it, if not Satan himself?" added
Santander.
"No, _Senor Coronet_," returned Zorillo. "Not the devil; only a poor
creature whom God has cursed by making him in a shape that isn't
altogether fashionable. But just for that reason I trust being recalled
to your Excellency's remembrance--am I not?"
"Ah! You were in the Acordada?"
"_Si, Senor Coronet_."
"And 'twas you I saw coupled to the Tejano?"
"The same, Senor. In that prosecuted by a like ill, no doubt, the devil
all the time directing it."
"But where have you been since, sirrah?"
"Ah! _Excellenza_! that's just it; the very thing I want to tell you.
I was on my way to the city in hopes of obtaining an interview with you.
What a bit of fortune you passing here: 'twill save me a journey I was
ill able to make; for I'm quite worn out, and weak, from being starved
up there in the mountains."
"Oh! you've been up there?"
"Yes, Senor Coronel, in hiding with the others. But not like them
voluntarily. They took me along with them, whether I would or no, and
have kept me ever since--till this night, when an opportunity offered
for giving them the slip. It isn't all of four hours since I parted
company with them. But if your Excellency wishes to hear the whole
story, perhaps you'd like it better in private. If I mistake not, some
of it should only reach your own ears."
Santander had been already thinking of this, and turning to the officer
by his side, he said--
"Take the men on, Ramirez. Halt at a hundred yards or so, and wait for
me."
In obedience to the order the escort moved on, stopping as directed, the
dialogue between Santander and the dwarf meanwhile continuing. It was
more of a monologue, the latter giving a detailed relation of all that
had occurred to him since the time of their escape from the chain-gang,
with comments and suggestions added.
After hearing all, Santander rose in his stirrups, his features showing
triumph, such as Satan might feel at a world of souls just delivered to
him.
"The game is mine at last!" he muttered to himself, "every trick of it.
They're in a trap now; and when they go out of it, 'twill be to the
_garrota_."
For a moment he sat silent, apparently considering what was his best
course to pursue. Then, seemingly having decided, he called out--
"Ramirez! Send a couple of men to me--the corporal and another."
These, detached from the escort, came trotting back along the road.
"Here, _cabo_! Take charge of this curious specimen. Keep him here,
and see that you hold him safe till you have my orders for releasing
him. Don't stray from this spot as you value your own neck--not an
inch."
Saying which he put spurs to his horse, and rejoined his escort. Then
commanding, "Forward! at the double quick!" they started off at full
gallop towards the city.