WE OVERTAKE AN ESCORT WITH PRISONERS ON THE ROAD TO BOGOTA--DR. CAZALLA
AMONG THEM--HE MAKES NO SIGN OF RECOGNITION--WE NEXT SEE UNCLE RICHARD--
HOW LION NEARLY BETRAYED US--WE SPEAK TO UNCLE RICHARD IN ENGLISH--
ANTONIO AMONG THE GUARD--HAS HE TURNED TRAITOR?--HURRYING ON BEFORE THE
ESCORT, WE FALL IN WITH A BODY OF VOLUNTEERS FOR THE SPANISH ARMY--AT A
POSADA--COCK-FIGHTING--THE SERGEANT AND HIS RECRUITS ARRIVE--ENTERING
BOGOTA--DESCRIPTION OF THE CITY--THE GREAT SQUARE--AT THE HOUSE OF DON
JOSE--THE CHILDREN'S REMARKS--WE ARE KINDLY TREATED--THE DEATH OF DONA
PAULA SALABARIATA--DON JOSE'S SYMPATHY--SOME OTHER PATRIOTS SHOT.
Having made a circuit to the southward, we reached the highroad which
runs between the capital and La Plata. As we did so, we saw before us a
considerable body of men both on foot and horseback; and on inquiring of
some peons who were coming in our direction, they told us that they were
soldiers escorting a number of Republican prisoners to Bogota. Could
any of our friends be among them?
Mr Laffan and I determined to ride up and ascertain; and by assuming a
bold front, we hoped to escape detection.
We soon overtook the party, but found it impossible to pass them on the
road; and although we saw some prisoners in their midst, we could not
find out who they were. The escort, however, at length halted in the
plaza of a village, which, being of considerable width, enabled us to
ride past them. Pretending not to be much concerned, yet eagerly
scanning the countenances of the prisoners, I saw several whom I knew,
but among them my uncle, Doctor Cazalla, who, with the rest, had been
compelled to walk, his hands secured behind his back with a rope. He
was now, with his companions in misfortune, seated on a log of wood. I
felt sure that he knew me, though he made no sign of recognition, and I
dared not make any to him; but my appearance showed him, I trusted, that
every effort would be made for his liberation. Further on was another
group of prisoners, some lying on the ground, others seated on a stone
bench. Fearing that the account the Spanish captain had given might not
be true, I half expected to see Dona Dolores and her father. The
Spaniards, of course, would not have treated her with more consideration
than they did their other prisoners; but I could see neither her nor
Senor Monteverde.
At that instant Lion rushed forward towards one of the people seated on
the bench, and what was my dismay to discover Uncle Richard! Fearful
lest the dog should betray us, I loudly called him back, pretending that
I thought he was about to fly at the prisoners. Though always obedient,
on this occasion he did not seem to heed me, until Uncle Richard spoke
to him in a stern voice, when the sagacious animal returned to my side
and remained there, as if he had never before seen Uncle Richard. He, I
saw, immediately recognised Mr Laffan and me, by the glance he cast at
us; but retaining his presence of mind, he made no sign to show that he
had done so.
I rode close to him, and turning round to Mr Laffan, I said aloud,--"I
wish he would address us as Englishmen, which he might easily do without
causing suspicion; we could then learn all we want to know, and form a
plan for helping him."
Directly I had said this, Uncle Richard shouted out, "I am sure those
are Englishmen! Have pity on me, noble gentlemen; I am your countryman,
made prisoner by the Spaniards, and shall very likely be shot if I am
not rescued."
He turned to the soldiers standing by, and said in Spanish, "Those are
English travellers--my countrymen. Allow them to speak to me; they are
always generous, and will reward you."
Without waiting for leave, we turned our horses towards the bench; and
leaning over, I asked Uncle Richard after our families, and how he had
been made prisoner,--trying to assume as unconcerned a tone as possible.
"They are all safe," he answered. "Your father's black servant--I won't
mention his name--has charge of them, and they are still safe in the
mountains. I was unfortunately tempted to leave our retreat, in the
hope of raising a body of Indians and others to be ready to aid a
projected attack by the Patriots on the Spaniards, when I was surprised
and taken prisoner. It will go hard with me, I fear, as, though I am an
Englishman, Murillo will not stand on ceremony on that account."
"Do not be cast down. We will try to find out where you are imprisoned,
and will do everything we can to rescue you," I answered.
"I am sure of that," he said. "By what wonderful chance are you here?"
I then told him the object of our journey, and how I had letters to a
number of persons of influence in Bogota, so that I might hope to be of
effectual service to him.
"You will do your best, I am sure," he said; "and, depend upon it, I do
not intend to be killed like a rat in a hole, but shall try to gnaw my
way out. You had better not stay much longer, or some of those fellows
may possibly recognise you. Bestow a gold piece or two on me, if you
have any to spare; in truth, I am greatly in need of money, as every
dollar I had in my pocket was taken from me when I was made prisoner.
And do not forget to bestow your promised gift on our guards--it will
incline them to favour me. Two or three of them seem very good fellows,
and have been attentive to me on the journey."
"Now," I said, "if you have an opportunity, tell my mother's brother--I
will not mention his name--why I have come to Bogota, and that every
effort will be made for his liberation."
After a few more words, I took out my purse and put a few gold pieces
into Uncle Richard's hand. I then turned to Mr Laffan, who had been
standing by, occasionally joining in the conversation, and begged him to
distribute some money among the men. As I glanced my eye over them,
what was my surprise to see my servant Antonio in a corporal's uniform,
and apparently in command of the party! I was sure it was he, although
he looked at me in the most unconcerned manner possible, returning only
a military salute as Mr Laffan handed him the money. Could he have
deserted to the enemy? I had considered him a faithful fellow, as he
certainly was a brave one. He must have had some object in joining the
Spaniards; what it was, however, we could not now ascertain.
Uttering our farewells, we mounted and rode on, followed by Domingo. As
we did so, Lion turned and cast a lingering glance behind; but the stern
look Uncle Richard put on, told him that he must not take any notice of
him.
It now became more important than ever that we should reach the city
without delay. We had not gone far, when we saw a party of recruits
marching from a large village to the eastward. Mr Laffan, however,
thought that they were prisoners,--which they certainly resembled more
than soldiers, except that each man carried a musket on his shoulder;
for they were all secured together by a long rope, the end of which was
held by a ruffianly-looking fellow on horseback. They were dressed in
broad-brimmed hats, loose trousers, and ponchos over their shoulders;
but the rest of their bodies, legs and feet, were bare. The sergeant
had on a very unmilitary-looking hat of large dimensions, with wide
leggings, and huge spurs.
"Faith, I wonder the fellows don't turn round and shoot him," observed
Mr Laffan.
"Probably, to save the risk of that, they are not supplied with
ammunition," I rejoined. "This is the way in which the Spaniards obtain
their recruits. The poor fellows are thus marched off to be
slaughtered; unless they can contrive to run away, which they certainly
will do if they have the opportunity."
Saluting the sergeant, who only scowled at us in return, we rode on
ahead of the party. We found, on inquiring the distance we should have
to go, that we could not reach Bogota that evening, and accordingly
stopped at a posada three or four leagues from the city. It was a large
straggling building, at which small traders and merchants generally put
up. People of more consequence were accustomed to proceed further, or
stop at the country-houses of their friends.
As we rode up, we found all the inhabitants and guests assembled in the
yard witnessing a cock-fight, their eager countenances and excited
exclamations showing the interest they took in the brutal pastime. The
birds, armed with steel spurs, flew at each other and fought
desperately. When one was killed or hopelessly wounded, the owner tore
his hair and swore fearfully at his misfortune--by which, probably, he
had lost no inconsiderable sum.
We turned away disgusted and entered the inn--Domingo having taken our
horses into the stable--but it was some time before we could get anybody
to attend to us. At last the landlord appeared; and Mr Laffan having
explained who we were, or rather who we pretended to be, begged that we
might have a private apartment. On this the landlord laughed, and said
that even for an English milord this was impossible, but that we might
have a corner of the public room for ourselves. He then inquired what
we would have for supper, assuring us that anything we might ask for
would be provided. As usual, when Mr Laffan mentioned one thing after
another, it was not to be had. At length, however, a tough fowl, with
some salt beef and fried eggs, was placed before us, together with some
plantains and various fruits, off which we contrived to make a very
satisfactory repast. The scene at night reminded me of that at the
posada on the opposite side of the mountains, the arrangements being
very similar. On this occasion, the greater part of the floor was
covered by recumbent figures.
We had already turned into our hammocks, when a loud voice demanding
admittance was heard outside the house; and--by the light of the only
candle left burning--on the door being opened I recognised the sergeant
and his recruits. This individual in an authoritative tone ordered
several of the sleeping people to get up, in order to make room for his
party. He then called for supper, while his men lay down, with their
muskets by their sides, to rest their weary limbs. Having quickly
finished his meal, he took possession of a vacant space; placing, I
observed, his pistols under the saddle which served him as a pillow, and
unsheathing his sword, so as to have it ready for instant use. He had
probably no great confidence in his recruits, and thought it not
unlikely that one of them might get up during the night and plunge a
cuchillo in his heart.
On awaking next morning, I proposed starting immediately.
"Take my advice, and stow away breakfast first," observed Mr Laffan.
"It is a sound rule to follow when travelling, unless one knows that a
substantial meal is waiting one at the end of the stage."
We got off at an early hour, however, and again passed the sergeant and
his so-called recruits on the road. We pushed on before them, wishing
to get into Bogota as soon as possible. As we rode on, the towers and
steeples of the city appeared before us, glittering in the rays of the
rising sun. On one side was a range of lofty mountains, running in a
semicircular form; the city itself covering an elevation slightly above
the vast plain extending before it. Here and there we caught sight of
the river Bogota, which runs through the plain in a serpentine form at
about three leagues from the city. The surrounding country was
generally uncultivated, except in the immediate neighbourhood of
villages or quintas, though there were large enclosures for grazing
cattle. On the summits of the mountains which rise immediately above
the city were perched two white buildings, which we ascertained to be
convents. We could see the domes and towers of others, and were told
that thirty-three of them occupied the best sites in the city. They
were, indeed, the only fine-looking buildings to be seen.
I was much struck with the appearance of the town as we entered it. All
the streets appeared to be built at right angles, while a stream of
water flowed through the centre. We passed, also, a number of handsome
public fountains. The streets through which we rode were much crowded,
making us suppose that something unusual was taking place. The
handsomest street we saw was the Calle Real, or Royal Street. The
ground-floors of the houses were occupied by shops; with a story above,
and a large wooden balcony painted green. On either side of the street,
which was well paved, was a foot-path; and as there were no vehicles of
any description, the traffic being carried on by mules, it was free from
ruts, and remarkably clean.
No one seemed especially to regard us, though we were occasionally
favoured with a stare from persons who fancied they were looking at
Englishmen--some of them scowling ominously at us, and bestowing curses
on our heads for being heretics. Beggars of all descriptions swarmed in
the streets, exhibiting their sores, and demanding rather than
soliciting alms. Many were afflicted with that dreadful complaint known
as elephantiasis--their legs being swollen to an enormous size. Still
more numerous were the galenachas, or black vultures. As we reached the
great square of the city, into which the Calle Real led us, we saw them
hopping about, acting as scavengers, engaged in devouring the filth and
offal left on the ground; and so tame were they, that they would
scarcely get out of our way.
On riding forward, we found ourselves in the midst of a large market
being carried on in the great square. It was filled with people vending
their provisions--some sitting before pyramids of fruit piled up on the
ground; others at low stools, on which articles of all sorts were
exposed for sale. Among them were Creoles, Blacks, Sambos, Indians--
indeed, every hue was represented--all jabbering in loud voices. On one
side of the square was the town-house, and on the other the cathedral,
with two convents, and other public buildings.
We inquired our way to the house of Don Jose Lagano, which we found
looked into the great square. Though a noted Royalist, he was a friend
of both my father and Don Cassiodoro, who were satisfied that he could
be thoroughly trusted, even although he might suspect who we were.
Don Jose was at home; and on hearing from the servant that a young
English milord had arrived, he politely came out to receive us. As he
read the letter I delivered him it struck me that his countenance
changed.
"You are welcome, at all events," he said; "and I will endeavour to
forward the object you have in view."
He introduced me to his wife in the character I had assumed, and Mr
Laffan as my tutor. Soon afterwards, several nice boys and girls of
various ages entered the room. While refreshments were preparing, I
endeavoured to amuse the children by playing with them. Though I spoke
a word or two of ill-pronounced Spanish--not being supposed to
understand their language--they were very free in their remarks, and I
could scarcely refrain from laughing as I heard what they said. The
lady spoke French; and as I knew the language pretty well, we could
converse without difficulty. She somewhat puzzled me by the questions
she put about England; but, as I found she had not been there, I gave
her the best account I could of such places as I had heard my father and
Uncle Richard describe.
Don Jose's countenance wore a puzzled expression as he heard me talking,
but I believe he from the first suspected who I was. I found him an
amiable, good-natured man, and really anxious to save the lives of such
prisoners as fell into the hands of the Spanish general.
I had been directed to plead for Dr Cazalla on account of his
scientific attainments, and as it would be a disgrace, whatever his
political opinions were, to put such a man to death.
Don Jose shook his head when he heard what I said. "That is the very
reason why Murillo will desire to destroy him," he observed. "His
intention is to rid the country of all men of superior intelligence and
influence; and he has especially vowed to put to death every lawyer who
falls into his hands."
As a last resource, I had letters from Don Cassiodoro to Murillo
himself, which I was to deliver in person--bearding the lion in his
den--with my tutor to act as interpreter. It was considered that there
would be no danger in this--that the doing so would rather tend to
confirm him in the idea that I was a young English nobleman; and I
should, on leaving the city, be able to proceed in any direction I might
think fit. My only fear was lest Mr Laffan and I might encounter some
person who had known us at Popayan, in which case we should be placed in
a very dangerous position.
Next morning the sound of muffled drums was heard, and on going to the
window with our host I saw a body of troops marching from the direction
of the prison. In their midst walked several persons, each between two
priests. I was struck by the appearance of one of the unhappy persons--
who were evidently prisoners--a young lady of graceful figure and
features, who appeared to me singularly beautiful.
"Who are they, and where are they going?" I asked of Don Jose in
French, for he spoke that language as well as his wife.
"That lady is Dona Paula Salabariata; and she is going to her death."
"To her death!" I exclaimed.
"Yes; in a few minutes she and those with her are to be shot. She is a
determined Revolutionist, and has long been engaged in inciting the
people to rebellion. Her correspondence with the Republicans has at
length been discovered; and at her trial, which took place yesterday,
she acknowledged her principles, and confessed that she had written the
letters."
"So young, and so beautiful!" I exclaimed.
"Yes, my friend; and she is gentle, and possesses a woman's heart,
though with the spirit of a man. She was engaged to marry a young
Republican officer; but neither her youth nor her beauty will avail her
with our stern viceroy."
"The cruel tyrant!" I exclaimed.
Not noticing what I said, he continued: "Do you think that anything will
induce him to spare the learned doctor?"--and here he fixed his eyes on
me--"or any young man who falls into his power?"
I could make no reply; indeed, our attention was absorbed by the
mournful procession passing through the square. My eyes were fixed on
Dona Paula.
"My heart will burst, if I do not go out and fight for her!" exclaimed
my tutor, who was standing close behind me; and he clapped his hand to
his sword.
"My friend," said Don Jose, "be calm. Although I do not hold her
principles, I would join you if it would avail, but any attempt of the
sort would only result in our certain death."
My heart was swelling with indignation, and I felt as did my worthy
tutor, but I saw the folly of acting as our feelings prompted.
The rest of the prisoners walked with firm step; but I confess that I
scarcely noticed any of them, nor, I believe, did my companions, our
whole attention being absorbed by the lovely girl who formed the
prominent figure. I remarked that she was dressed in black, and that
she advanced with a firm step, her small head erect on her graceful
neck; the only ornament she wore in her glossy black hair being a spray
of orange-blossom, as if she were going to her bridal. She carried a
book in her hand; and when the friar presented the crucifix to her, she
gently but firmly put it aside.
The party moved forward until they reached the centre of the vast
square, when they halted in line, the other prisoners being made to
stand on either side. The lady knelt down, and was allowed to remain
for a few minutes in prayer; she then rose, and handing the wreath and
her shawl to some of her weeping female friends who had followed her,
she stood alone, holding a handkerchief in her hand. Then exclaiming,
"Success to the cause of my oppressed countrymen!" she let the
handkerchief drop. At that moment the firing-party, a few paces off,
discharged the fatal volley; and as the smoke cleared off we saw her
stretched on the ground, not a movement to indicate that she lived being
perceptible. An officer advanced and took her hand, to ascertain that
she was dead, after which her attendants approached and bore her away;
the only favour which the savage tyrant had been induced to grant being
that her friends should be permitted to commit her body to the grave.
Such would have been the fate of Dona Dolores, had she not escaped, I
thought. I was nearly expressing my opinion aloud, when I happily
remembered in whose company I was. The two ladies, I had no doubt, had
frequently communicated with each other; and since such women, full of
intelligence and enthusiasm, were labouring in the cause, it must, I
felt sure, in the end be successful. Would that all the men were like
them, so disinterested, so self-sacrificing, so devoted,--ready, like
Dona Paula, to lay down their lives for their country's good! But,
alas! 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."