CAPTAIN LAFFAN AND I GO OUT TO RECONNOITRE--A PRISONER--GAINING
INFORMATION--THE SPANIARDS TWICE ASSAULT THE FORT, AND ARE REPULSED WITH
SLAUGHTER--WE LOSE A NUMBER OF MEN--A COUNCIL OF WAR--SCARCITY OF
AMMUNITION AND PROVISIONS--DON JUAN INVITES TWO OF US TO OBTAIN
ASSISTANCE--LAFFAN AND I UNDERTAKE THE DUTY--WE SET OUT--NARROWLY ESCAPE
THE SPANIARDS--ENTER A TOWN LATELY SACKED BY THEM--OBTAIN REFRESHMENT--
DIRECTED ON OUR COURSE--A BIVOUAC FOR THE NIGHT--WE PROCEED NEXT
MORNING--LAFFAN'S HORSE BITTEN BY A SNAKE--MY COMPANION TRUDGES FORWARD
ON FOOT--WE REACH A FARM--OBTAIN SHELTER AND FOOD, A HORSE AND A GUIDE,
AND CONTINUE OUR JOURNEY.
Juan and most of our little garrison exulted in the idea that, after the
defeat we had inflicted on the Spaniards, they would abandon the attempt
to take the fort, and retire from the neighbourhood.
"Do not be too sure of that," said Captain Laffan; "they will watch
their opportunity, and attempt to surprise us if we are off our guard.
They know the value of the pass too well to leave us in quiet
possession. They may be looking all this time for a path over the
mountains, to try and take us in the rear; though they would find that a
hard matter, to be sure."
Juan, however, still persisted in his belief that the Spaniards had
retired, and turned their attention to some other enterprise. Fearing
that this opinion would make him and his followers less vigilant, I
volunteered to go out and reconnoitre.
"You shall not go alone," said Mr Laffan.
"No," I answered; "I intend to take Lion with me."
"I intend to go also," he replied. "I have done a little skirmishing in
my day, and three pairs of eyes will take in more than two. Indeed, I
do not think you should count much on the services Lion may render."
"He will, at all events, give us timely notice should we get near a
sentinel, or should one of the enemy approach us," I remarked.
"You are right," answered Mr Laffan. "We will go together; and I am
pretty strongly of opinion that we shall bring Don Juan word that the
enemy are not far off."
"But shall we go by night or day?" I asked.
"At night we should have the advantage of being able to get up to the
enemy without being seen," said Mr Laffan; "but we should be quite as
likely to find ourselves in their midst before we had discovered where
they were. Whereas in daylight, though we may find more difficulty in
approaching them, we shall be able to see any of their men moving about
at a distance. During the day, too, they will be less likely to be on
the watch for scouts."
It was finally settled, after a discussion in which Juan and the other
officers took part, that we should leave the fort just before dawn, and
remain concealed until daylight, when we were to make our way in the
direction in which it was most probable that we should find the
Spaniards, if they were still in the neighbourhood. This plan was
finally agreed on; and Captain Laffan, Lion, and I, at the hour fixed
on, left the fort, and made our way across the river to a grove of trees
which afforded us sufficient concealment; while, should the Spaniards
themselves have sent out any reconnoitring party to ascertain what we
were about, we should to a certainty discover them.
As soon as it was daylight we continued our route, Lion going on just
before me, and turning round frequently to see if I was following. By
his conduct, I was very sure that he understood the object of our
expedition. We kept as much as possible under cover; occasionally when
we came to open ground we ran across it in a stooping posture, so that,
should we be seen by those at a distance, we might be mistaken for
animals. We had gone nearly a league without observing a human being,
when we caught sight of a small hamlet in the distance, with a wood on
one side, and a stream partly encircling it.
"That's a likely place for the enemy to have occupied," observed Mr
Laffan; "and if they are in the neighbourhood, we shall find them
there."
We now approached more cautiously than before, while Lion showed a
considerable amount of excitement, as if he believed that an enemy was
near. Presently he stopped short, then advanced slowly, like a tiger
stealing on its prey, glancing back every now and then to ascertain if
we were following. Again he stopped, and then came running towards us,
when, placing himself directly before me, he pointed with his nose in
the direction he had before been taking.
We at once guessed that some one was concealed behind the brushwood; but
if a sentry, he had not discovered us, or he would have fired. We
accordingly determined to seize him and gain what information we could.
Making a sign to Lion to keep behind, we cautiously crept on, bending
almost to the ground, and completely hidden by the bushes. I made a
motion to Lion to seize the man, if there was one. He understood me;
and as he sprang forward we heard a half-stifled cry. The next instant
we saw Lion struggling with a soldier, who had dropped his musket, and
was endeavouring to draw his knife to thrust into the dog's body.
We grasped the fellow's arms, and quickly mastered him. It was at once
evident that he had been sitting down, while we were approaching, to
light his cigarrillo; or perhaps he might have dropped off to sleep.
Releasing him from Lion, we threatened him with instant death if he
opened his mouth or attempted to escape. Then, each of us taking an
arm, we dragged him along towards the fort.
"If we carry this fellow with us, he will to a certainty be put to
death," I observed to Mr Laffan.
"I don't like the idea of that," said he.
"Nor do I," I answered. "The best thing we can do is to get what
information we can out of him, then bind him to a tree, and leave him.
The Spaniards will discover him in time, and will yet be none the
wiser."
"A good idea," said Mr Laffan.
The captive Spanish soldier looked imploringly at us, fully expecting
that his minutes were numbered.
"We do not intend to kill you," I said, "if you will give us a faithful
account of the number of troops in this neighbourhood, and what it is
intended they should do,--whether they are about to attack the fort
again, or to march away; and if so, where they are going."
"Have I your word of honour?" asked the Spaniard, looking at me, very
much puzzled to know who I could be, as he heard me speak in English,
and then address him in genuine Spanish.
"You have my word. We have no wish to murder our enemies," said I.
"That's more than I can say for my countrymen," he answered. "I will
tell you frankly, senor. There are a thousand men in yonder camp. It
was intended to attack you again to-night. Our officers have resolved
to capture the fort at all risks, and they have told the men it must be
done. If you will undertake, senor, to protect my life, I will follow
you, and serve you faithfully. I would rather do that than have again
to assault yonder fort."
"I believe what you say," I answered; "but I cannot venture to take you
with me, for the Patriots would instantly put you to death, as they have
vowed to do with every Spaniard who falls into their hands."
"I must submit to my hard fate, then," said the man.
"You will regain your liberty in a few hours," observed Captain Laffan.
"Ah, senor, if I am caught I shall be shot for sleeping at my post. If
you will give me my liberty I will run away, and not again fight against
you."
"The very best thing such a fellow as you can do. I think we may trust
you," said Captain Laffan.
We led our prisoner on until within a short distance of the fort, when,
instead of binding him, we let him go. He bolted away to the
northward,--showing that he fully intended to carry out his promise.
On our return to Juan, he thanked us warmly for the service we had
rendered.
As may be supposed, we were all on the watch; and about two hours before
dawn we caught sight of the Spaniards advancing to the attack. As they
crossed the river, we opened a heavy fire upon them; to which they
replied, and then rushed forward, attempting to storm the stockades.
The fort, from one side to the other, was in a blaze of light. Each man
was fighting with desperation, and hurling back those who crossed the
ditch and endeavoured to climb the walls. After the Spaniards had made
several desperate attempts, they were driven back; and again getting
under shelter, contented themselves with keeping up a hot fire at us.
We, of course, replied in the same fashion; but, except that both
parties expended a large amount of powder and shot, no great loss was
suffered. In the attack a considerable number had been killed and
wounded, and not a few of our own men had been hit.
We waited, fully expecting that with the return of daylight the enemy
would make another assault. And we were not mistaken; but the result
was the same as before, though I cannot say that, had they persevered,
they would not have got in. Greatly to our relief, however, we heard
the recall sounded. Once more they retired; and two of our men sallying
out, traced them back to their former quarters.
We were for some time employed in repairing the damage done to the fort,
and in attending to the wounded; and while we buried our own dead, we
sent out a party to throw the Spaniards who had fallen in the river, as
the easiest way of disposing of them. Several poor fellows who were
found wounded were mercilessly bayoneted, in spite of all Juan, Mr
Laffan, and I could urge to the contrary. Our men were generally
sufficiently obedient; but when told to spare their enemies, who could
no longer oppose them, they turned away with scowling countenances, not
even deigning to reply--evidently resolved to carry out the fearful
spirit of revenge which animated them.
Our men were again rejoicing at having repulsed our foes, when Juan
summoned us to a council of war.
"Though we may rejoice at the victory we have gained," he said, "yet it
has been dearly bought by the death of so many of the garrison, and by
the expenditure I find, of nearly all our ammunition. Should another
attack be made, we have not a sufficient supply to repulse the enemy.
Still I know that you and all my men will fight to the last, and that we
may offer an effectual resistance with our spears and swords. We are
ordered to hold this post, and I am resolved not to quit it alive, or we
might possibly cut our way through the enemy. After the losses they
have received, they may not attack us for some time; so I propose to
send off any two of you who may be willing to go, to endeavour to reach
the general and obtain reinforcements, as well as a further supply of
ammunition and provisions; though, in regard to the latter, we can live
on horse-flesh, if need be, until assistance reaches us."
Juan looked at the other officers; but they made no reply. He then
turned to Captain Laffan and me. "Are you willing to go?" he asked.
"With all my heart," answered Captain Laffan; "and I am sure I may say
the same for Duncan. We gained some experience of the country in our
reconnaissance the other day, and I feel sure we shall get off without
being discovered."
"I am perfectly ready to go," I added; "but I am very unwilling to leave
you, Don Juan, in so critical a position."
"Think not of me," answered Juan. "I have a duty to perform, and I may
well rejoice if I am called upon to die for the sake of my country."
We accordingly settled that we were to set out about three hours before
dawn, which would give us time to get beyond the enemy, and out of their
sight, when we should have the advantage of daylight for seeing our way.
I confess I felt more out of spirits than usual when I bade my friend
Juan farewell. A presentiment of evil oppressed me, as I thought of the
dangers by which he was beset.
It was shortly after two o'clock in the morning, when Mr Laffan and I,
having our horses' hoofs muffled, and followed, of course, by Lion, led
them down to the river; crossing which, we took the road we had before
followed for some distance. We then turned to the left, along the base
of the hills. Between these and the hamlet occupied by the enemy, it
was possible that patrols might be met with, and if so we had agreed to
mount and cut our way through them. As we were on foot, we hoped that
we should not be perceived until close upon the enemy; we should then
have a good chance of escaping. We trudged on, therefore, holding our
horses by the left rein, so that we might mount in a moment.
We had got a good way to the westward, and, as we fancied, clear of the
enemy, when, on doubling a high rock, round which the path led, we came
suddenly upon a picket. Owing to the precautions we had taken, however,
they did not hear or see us until almost within a dozen paces. To leap
on our horses and dig our spurs into their flanks, was the work of a
moment; and before the Spanish soldiers could spring forward and seize
our reins, we had already got to a considerable distance beyond them.
They immediately opened fire, but, owing to the darkness and their
surprise, took very bad aim. Possibly, not hearing any sound, they took
us for phantom horsemen; but they continued to pepper away in the
direction we had taken, long after the darkness had hidden us from their
sight.
Not supposing that we should meet with another picket, we now dashed
forward at full speed, the increasing light enabling us to see our way.
Our horses, being perfectly fresh, went on for several leagues without
flagging, and we now felt confident that there was but little chance of
our being pursued. Not, however, being acquainted with the country, we
knew that unless we could obtain a guide we should very likely lose our
way, or take a much longer route than was necessary. With this object
in view, therefore, seeing a small town on our right we rode towards it,
to procure the assistance we required, and obtain refreshments for
ourselves and steeds. Being uncertain who had possession of the place,
I rode into the town, as I could pass there for an Englishman or a
Spaniard, as the case might necessitate. I could thus obtain the
information, while Mr Laffan remained on watch at some distance.
The place at first appeared deserted; but at length I saw three persons.
One was lying in front of a door-step, another was apparently watching
him,--both being badly wounded,--while a third, leaning against the
wall, watched me as I approached.
"Friends," I asked, "what has happened lately in this town?"
"The Godos have passed through it, and as we were Patriots they burned
down a large part, and killed most of us. Look at yonder woman; she
alone survives of all her family. You see almost all the remaining
inhabitants," and the speaker uttered a bitter laugh.
"I can feel for you, for I am a Patriot," I answered; "and I want to
find my way to the army of General Bolivar."
"I would act as your guide, but I have no horse," answered the man; "and
I could not sit one if I had; look here, senor,"--and he showed me a
severe wound on his side. "Nor can we help you," he continued, "for
there is no young man left in the place who would be able to go; but I
can direct you on your road. And you will rejoice to hear, senor, that
the last news which reached us is that the general has beaten the
accursed Godos; though whether it is true I know not. Good news never
travels so fast as ill news."
I tried to cheer my new friend, and he undertook to obtain some
refreshments for us.
"You may enter any of the houses you please, for most of them are empty;
but to mine you are welcome."
While he went to find some food and fodder for our horses, I rode back
to where I had left Mr Laffan.
On our return we found plenty of fodder for our horses, but the fare
with which we were supplied was very scanty, almost everything having
been carried off by the plunderers.
"If, however, we would wait," our host said, "he would find some fruit,
and procure some fowls which had escaped."
As we were anxious to proceed, we begged that he would point out the
road we were to take. This he did, and we bade him farewell.
We had still some hours to ride before nightfall, when we must, if
possible, find shelter. As far as we could judge, it might take us
three or four days to reach the Patriot camp, and some time must elapse
before relief could be sent to Juan,--and what might not occur in the
meantime?
Whenever we pulled rein, Mr Laffan stood up and took a survey of the
country.
"It is wise to ascertain what's moving when traversing a country, or in
our course through life," he observed. "We may thus know where to find
our friends and avoid our foes."
Frequently, however, the view on either side was bounded by woods, the
trees rising to a prodigious size. Many of them ran up to an amazing
height in a straight line before they began to branch out. From some of
the fig species, various shoots descended perpendicularly, where they
took root, so that we had no little difficulty in making our way through
these woody columns. Between the openings we caught sight of the
mountains rising to the skies; and occasionally a stream crossed our
path, or ran foaming along on one side or the other.
We had hoped to reach some friendly village or farmhouse, where we might
rest during the hours of darkness, and obtain better food for our horses
than they could pick up in the forest; but though we pushed on until an
hour after sunset, no glimmering window-light appeared to beckon us
towards it, and we had at last to look about for an open space where we
might bivouac. We accordingly dismounted, and tethering our animals,
commenced searching for wood to light a fire. We ran no small risk, as
may be supposed, of rousing up a venomous serpent, or disturbing a boa
during its rest, while at any moment a jaguar or puma might pounce down
upon us, or a bear make its appearance. We succeeded in obtaining fuel
enough to make a pretty large fire, and by its bright flames we the more
easily obtained a further supply of wood. We had, however, but scanty
materials for a meal,--some fruit, and a few pieces of Indian corn
bread. I gave part of my share to poor Lion, who looked up wonderingly
at finding himself put on short commons in a land of plenty. There was
sufficient grass, however, for our horses to obtain a feed, and as we
had watered them a short time before, they were not so badly off.
Having collected fuel enough to last for the night, we cut a number of
sticks, which we ran into the ground to form a shelter against any
sudden attack of wild animals during the night; and then, pretty well
tired out, lay down to rest. Every now and then Captain Laffan or I got
up to change the position of our horses, but we dared not leave them far
from the fire, lest some jaguar might spring out and kill one of them,
although it might not be able to carry off its prey. Great as was our
anxiety, we by turns got some sleep; and at dawn, again mounting, we
rode forward. The sky, however, was cloudy, and we had greater
difficulty than before in guiding our course.
We rode on for some hours, until the pangs of hunger and the necessity
of resting ourselves made us resolve to stop. I was fortunate enough to
kill a good-sized monkey, which was grinning down at us from a bough
close above our heads; and we also found as much wild fruit as we
required. So, having reached the banks of a stream, where we and our
horses could get water, and where there was abundance of grass, we
halted, and quickly had a fire lighted, and part of our monkey roasting
before it. The other part I had given to Lion, who was quite ready to
eat it uncooked.
We again moved forward, but we both felt very doubtful whether we were
going right. For my own part, I know but few sensations so disagreeable
as the idea that one has lost one's way. We were passing along a low
sandy spot, with high bushes and trees on either side, when Captain
Laffan's horse gave a sudden start; and looking down, we saw a small
shiny snake gliding away. The horse had evidently been bitten, for we
could see the mark of the creature's fangs above the fetlock, and soon
the leg began to swell. The poor animal proceeded with the greatest
difficulty. What remedies to apply we neither of us knew, but we had
heard of the existence of a small snake called the aranas, the poison
from whose fangs is so subtle that animals bitten often die within an
hour; and even when remedies are applied, few are ever saved.
"The creature might have bitten either of ourselves," I observed.
"I do not think this species ever attacks man,--though I should not like
to put the matter to the test," answered Captain Laffan.
There was no use in our stopping, especially as there might be other
snakes of the same kind in the neighbourhood. We therefore, as long as
the poor horse could move, pushed forward; but its pace became more and
more sluggish, as the limb continued to swell. At length the animal
stopped altogether, and my companion, feeling it tremble, leaped off.
Scarcely had he done so when it came to the ground, and lay struggling
in violent convulsions. Mr Laffan contrived to take off the saddle
before it was damaged. In a few minutes, foaming at the mouth, the
horse died, evidently in great pain.
"No use groaning over what cannot be helped," observed the captain.
"You take the saddle, and put it before you; I'll carry the bridle; and
I must try to get another horse as soon as possible."
The delay was serious, but it could not be helped; so we moved along,
Mr Laffan trudging by my side. I asked him to get up, but he
positively refused to do so.
The belief that we had lost our road was still further depressing. I
thought especially of the serious consequences which might ensue to Juan
should we not soon obtain the assistance of which we were in search. At
length my eye fell on a papaw-tree, and what appeared to be a hut just
below it. Riding on, we saw a Creole peasant-woman walking along and
spinning, evidently near her home. At first, on seeing us, she seemed
disposed to fly; but on our calling to her and assuring her that we were
friends, she stood still, waiting for us to come up. Our wants were
soon explained: we should be glad, of a horse, a guide, and especially
of some food. Food she could give us. Her husband was out, she said,
but he would soon return, and he would procure a horse, of which there
were several broken-in on the farm; and perhaps he himself would act as
our guide.
Eager to push on, our patience was greatly tried; though we waited and
waited, the woman's husband did not appear. At last Mr Laffan proposed
going out and catching one of the horses.
"But then you will not know in what direction to ride," observed the
woman. "You have no right, either, to take the horse without my
husband's leave."
"Might makes right," answered Mr Laffan; "however, we will not act the
part of robbers, but will pay you handsomely for the horse."
This promise satisfied the poor woman.
Fortunately, just as we were setting out the husband returned, and was
evidently well-pleased at the thought of getting a good price for one of
his animals. He also undertook to guide us, if we could wait until the
next morning at daybreak, and would promise him a reward. He took good
care, indeed, that we should not start before then, as it was nearly
dark before he returned with the horse. It was a tolerably good animal,
though rather small, and we willingly promised him the price he asked.
He described to us feelingly the terror he had been in lest the Godos
should visit his farm; though, excepting a few cattle and horses, there
was little they could have obtained. His wife had been in still greater
fear lest they might carry her husband off as a recruit; but he had kept
in hiding, and she had conveyed food to him from day to day, until the
Spaniards had left the neighbourhood.
We managed to rest with tolerable comfort on heaps of Indian corn
leaves, and slept securely, without the fear of being attacked by
jaguars, bears, or other wild beasts, or being bitten by serpents.
Faithful to his promise, our host appeared the next morning with the
horse for Mr Laffan, while he brought a smaller animal for himself.
His wife insisted on putting up a supply of food for the day, and was
evidently unwilling to receive any reward. After a good breakfast we
started, thankful to find ourselves on the right road.