The Street of the Sparrows appeared to be my doomed spot. For the
second time there seemed no chance of my getting out of it alive; and
for the second time I made up my mind to die hard in it.
Despite the suddenness with which Carrasco had surprised me, I was upon
my guard--before he or any of his comrades could come to close quarters.
But this time, alas! I was without revolver, or pistol of any kind.
Not dreaming of danger at that early hour of the day, I had sallied
forth, wearing only my parade sword. With this fickle weapon I could
not possibly defend myself against half a score of men armed with thin
long-bladed _machetes_.
Grasping its hilt was like leaning upon a reed.