At the Point of the Sword

  CHAPTER XIX.

  FALSE PLAY, OR NOT?

  There was no actual reason why we should feel alarmed; but Lima was anunsafe place in those days, and people who travelled at night generallywent well armed.

  As yet the bend in the road prevented us from seeing any one, butlistening intently, we distinctly heard the sounds of a horse's hoofs.

  "There's only one, Jose," I whispered; and he nodded. I do not knowthat we should have taken any notice of the man, but for his efforts toconceal his identity. We came upon him suddenly, while the moon shonefull in his face, and before he had time either to draw his ponchocloser or to pull the slouch hat over his eyes. Both these things hedid quickly, but meanwhile we had seen, and a look of keen surpriseshot across Jose's face. Recovering himself instantly, he saidcheerfully,--

  "Good-night, senor. Fine night for a ride."

  "So you seem to think," replied the other surlily.

  "You have come from the town, I see," said Jose, for we lived eastwardof Lima; "is all quiet there?"

  "Why shouldn't it be? Kindly allow me to pass; I am in a hurry,"responded our morose stranger.

  "Then 'twas lucky that you knew of this short cut," remarked Jose,nothing daunted by the fellow's manner. "Well, good-night, senor.Pleasant ride!" and he drew his horse aside that the stranger mightpass.

  "He isn't any too polite!" I remarked, as digging his spurs into hishorse the fellow galloped off. "He's a fine horseman, though, and hasthe air of a military man, if I'm not mistaken."

  "Yes," agreed Jose; "he certainly rides like a soldier."

  "But he isn't in uniform."

  "No; he has left his uniform at home, I expect."

  "He must be pretty familiar with Lima to know this short cut."

  "I daresay he is. But didn't you recognize him? Well, I suppose it'shardly likely you would; you were only a little chap at the time, andperhaps never saw him. He's a rascal to the marrow!"

  "But who is he?" I asked impatiently.

  "Pardo Lurena."

  "Lurena? Haven't I heard my father speak of him?"

  "Very likely. He was one of the 'young bloods' of Peru, and, being acadet of a wealthy family, able to do much as he pleased. He wasalways a thorough ruffian, and the common people hated him like poison.His pranks, however, were hushed up by those in authority, until, forsome offence more startling than usual, your father got him clapped inprison. The Dons howled finely, but your father stood firm, and thepeople backed him up; so young Lurena had a taste of prison life.There was great excitement over it at the time."

  "What happened afterwards?"

  "Lurena left Lima. He went from bad to worse, and finally joined theranks. Of course his relatives used their influence, and he was givena commission; but he never rose very high, I believe."

  "What could he be doing in Lima to-night?"

  "Something rascally, I'll be bound! He may have been to the town, butI believe the last place he stopped at was over there," and Josepointed toward Don Felipe's house.

  "You don't think there's some treachery afoot between them, do you?"

  "Why not? Once a traitor, always a traitor! Montilla means to savehis property at all costs, and to pick up as much as possible in thegeneral scramble. Should the Spaniards win, your father will saygood-bye to his estates."

  "Isn't your prejudice making you a little unjust, Jose? Remember thatwe know nothing against Don Felipe."

  "Oh, don't we? He got the estates into his hands once, and by hook orby crook he'll get them again!"

  I thought Jose exaggerated the danger, but this meeting with Lurena setme thinking. The fellow was evidently a Royalist soldier, and on asecret errand. If Jose's idea was correct, there could be only oneobject in his visiting Montilla.

  But our neighbour was not the man to compromise himself unless therewas a distinct chance of success. Had he learned any news favourableto the Royalist cause? If so, that might account for his action.

  Silently we rode through the sleeping town and along the road toCallao, where Jose waited at an inn while I did the business which hadbrought me to the port. The bay was filled with shipping, and men werehard at work fitting out the transports for the troops ordered south.

  "Isn't it rather risky to remove so many troops?" I asked the colonel."Suppose the enemy should swoop down on the capital?"

  "They're quite welcome to do so," he replied, with a laugh. "Lima isof no use to us really; it's Callao that matters."

  "Are you going with them, colonel?"

  "No; I stay behind with General Sucre."

  There was one question I wanted very much to ask, but it was longbefore I could muster the courage to do so.

  "Colonel," I said at length, "I want to ask a rather queer question,but I have reasons for it. Do you think the war will end in favour ofthe Spaniards?"

  "That depends," he answered, looking at me in surprise. "It certainlywill do so if our people quarrel among themselves, which is what theenemy reckon on. That is their sheet-anchor, in fact."

  "Would a clever man think they had a chance just now?"

  "Why, yes," replied the colonel thoughtfully; "he might think theystand an excellent chance."

  "Thank you, sir," I said, and the incident of the preceding nightloomed up larger and uglier than ever.

  Day had fairly broken when I sought Jose for the purpose of returninghome. I said nothing to him of my talk with the colonel, though theremembrance of it kept running through my mind. On our return I foundmy father alone, so I told him my suspicions, and asked his advice.

  "It certainly has an ugly look, Jack," said he; "yet it may be easy ofexplanation. For Rosa's sake, I hope Montilla isn't playing false. Heis in our counsels, and knows everything that goes on, so that he couldmake the Spaniards pay high for his treachery."

  "And if he is discovered?"

  "He will be shot."

  "And you couldn't save him, if you would?"

  "I couldn't and wouldn't. A man may be a turncoat in good faith, but atraitor--bah! But after all, my boy, it seems to me we are hunting afox that hasn't broken cover. This Lurena, whom Jose recognized, is nofriend of mine; and though he was an ensign in the Royalist army yearsago, it does not follow that he is a Royalist now. Ah, I have it!"said he, in a tone of relief.

  "What--an explanation?" I asked curiously.

  "Yes; and the right one, I'll wager! It is through Lurena we get ourinformation of the enemy's doings! No doubt Montilla employs him as aspy."

  "Then why was he so put out at meeting with us?"

  "Well, naturally he would not want his secret known."

  My father's idea was feasible enough, but it did not altogether satisfyme; yet what could I do? If Montilla were playing false, I seemedalmost as guilty in not denouncing him. But for Rosa's sake I couldnot bring myself to act; and after all, it was merely a matter ofsuspicion.

  About three days before the sailing of the expedition I rode home tospend the evening. Jose met me at the outer gate, and I saw in amoment that something had happened.

  "What is it?" I asked. "Have you come to meet me?"

  "Yes. Send your horse on; I want to talk to you."

  We walked across the park out of earshot, when Jose said in a whisper,as if still fearful of being overheard,--

  "He is here again."

  "He!" said I; "who?"

  "Lurena. He went into Don Felipe's house half an hour ago."

  "Well, what of that? You know what my father said."

  I spoke boldly, as if there could be nothing in the business; but Josesmiled grimly.

  "Look here, Jack," said he at length, "we can easily settle thisaffair. If Montilla is innocent, there's no harm done; if he'sguilty--well, better for one to suffer than thousands."

  "What do you propose?"

  "To waylay this Lurena. He is almost certain to have papers on himwhich will tell all we wish to know."

  "I can't do it, Jose. Don Felipe is Rosa's father
, and I am reluctantto bring trouble to her."

  "Would you rather sacrifice your own father and mother?"

  "How dare you ask such a question, Jose?" I cried angrily.

  "I dare anything for my master," said he, unmoved. "If the Spaniardswin, your father is doomed, and you also, while your mother will be abeggar. See, Jack, I have no right to speak thus, but I can't help it.With or without your help, I intend getting to the bottom of thismatter."

  I knew Jose of old, and that once his mind was made up, no amount ofthreats or coaxing would turn him from his purpose.

  "If your father is right," he continued, "so much the better--theknowledge will make our minds easy; but I can't and won't stand thissuspense any longer."

  In a sense I was completely in his power. Whether I went or not hewould go, and by himself would most certainly proceed to extrememeasures.

  "Very well, Jose," I said reluctantly, after weighing the matter in mymind, "have your own way."

  "There is no other," he replied. "Come, let us go to the workshop andget a few tools."

  I did not know his plan, but it was evident he had thought it all out.First he made a simple but effective gag; then he selected a long pieceof thin but tough rope, several strips of hide, a large rug, and a tinylantern.

  "Now," said he with a chuckle, "I think we shan't have much troublewith Mr. Lurena."

  On our way to the lane he told me his plan, and gave me full directionsas to my share in it. The night was dark, but we moved quietly,speaking only in whispers, and straining our ears for the slightestsound.

  At the bend in the narrow lane Jose unrolled the cord, and I, takingone end in my hand, sat down in the darkness, laying the gag and astrip or two of hide on the ground near me. Jose moved to the otherside of the lane, and we let the rope lie slack across the road. Thenwe waited in silence for the coming of Lurena, feeling confident thathe would not leave the house till the night was far spent.

  This adventure was not to my liking, and I could only hope that in someway my presence might be of use to Montilla. Somehow I had not theslightest hope of my father's idea proving right. My old distrust ofthe man returned in full force, and I dreaded what an examination ofLurena's pockets would reveal.

  Slowly, very slowly, the minutes passed; a whole hour went by, andstill there was no sign of our intended victim. Had he left the houseby the front? I almost hoped he had. Yet, should he escape us thistime, I knew that now Jose had started his quarry he would run it toearth.

  A second hour passed. He must come soon now or not at all. My limbswere dreadfully cramped, and I began to get fidgety. Once I coughedslightly, but a sharp pull at the rope warned me to be silent. At lastthe hoof-beats of a horse could be distinctly heard. From the way herode, the horseman evidently knew the road well. Nearer and nearer hecame, while we, raising the rope, stretched it tight. The figure ofhorse and man loomed up dimly, came close to us; there was a stumble, alow cry of surprise, and the next moment our man lay on the ground, hishead enveloped in Jose's rug.

  A spectator might easily have mistaken us for professional thieves, wedid the thing so neatly. Almost in less time than it takes to tell, wehad thrust the gag into our victim's mouth, and bound both his legs andarms. Then, while I removed his weapons, Jose lit the lantern, and welooked for the incriminating papers. We searched minutely everyarticle of his clothing and the trappings of his horse, but withoutresult, except for a scrap of paper hidden in his girdle.

  Jose pounced on this like a hawk, and we examined it together by thelight of the lantern. I could have shouted for joy when at last wewere able to read it: "To all good friends of Peru. Pass the bearerwithout question." It was signed by the president, Riva-Aguero, andbore the official seal.

  "It seems you were right," whispered Jose sulkily. "Help me to raisethe horse, and we will let the fellow go."

  Fortunately the animal was unhurt, and very soon we had it on its feet.Then we unbound the man, removed the rug from his head, and slipped outthe gag.

  "Mount and ride on," said Jose sternly, disguising his voice. "We wishyou no harm."

  "Give me my pistols, you rascal!" cried Lurena, stamping his footangrily.

  "Mount!" repeated Jose, and the click of his own pistol soundedominously on the still air.

  There was nothing for it but to obey, and fuming with passion, thefellow clambered sullenly to the saddle. Shaking his fist at us andvowing all manner of vengeance, he disappeared in the gloom.

  "I'm glad we came," said I, helping Jose to pick up the things; "thatbit of paper has removed a load from my mind. I thought my fathermight be right, but must admit I was rather doubtful."

  "I am in no doubt whatever," responded Jose. "Either the fellow wastoo sharp for us, or we made our venture at an unlucky time. If therewas nothing wrong, why did he ride off so quickly?"

  "Well," said I, laughing, "the click of a pistol in one's ears is notmuch of an inducement to stay. I think he acted very wisely."

  "If all were square and aboveboard, he would have shouted for help."

  "And drawn more attention to himself! That would have been foolish inany case. No, no, Jose; the case is clear, I think. We have misjudgedMontilla, and though I don't admire his methods, it is evident he isworking on our side. Let us be just, at least."

  "I wish it were possible," muttered Jose, leaving me to conjecture whathis words exactly meant.

  Strangely enough, my distrust of Don Felipe was as strong as ever nextday. The incident of the spy should have removed any lingering doubtas to his fidelity, but it did not. Perhaps it was owing to Jose'sinfluence, but whatever the cause, I still found myself speculatingkeenly on our neighbour's honesty.

  Now, mind you, I do not wish to be praised or blamed on false grounds.What I did afterwards may have been right or wrong--and much, perhaps,can be said on both sides--but it was not done through either love orhatred of Don Felipe. True, the man was no friend of mine, but hisdaughter was, and I could not bear to think of her suffering throughhis misdeeds.

  On the very day that the troops for the south embarked, I met her quiteby accident. She had been for a gallop, and was returning home. Hercheeks were flushed with the exercise, her eyes were bright andsparkling; I had never seen her look so beautiful.

  "Well, Juan," she cried saucily, "so you have sent away your band ofragamuffins? I wonder how many of this lot will come back! Upon myword, I feel half inclined to pity them."

  This, of course, she said to tease me; because, if our men lackedsomething in discipline, they were at least a match for the Spaniardsin bravery.

  "You are pleased to be merry," said I, riding with her to the gate,"but I hope you do not seriously think that the Spaniards have anychance of winning."

  "Why not? It is you who live in a fool's paradise Juan. Before longthe king's flag will be floating over Lima again."

  She spoke so confidently that I looked at her uneasily. Was therereally a Royalist plot on foot, and did she know of it?

  Perhaps I acted foolishly, but what I did was done with a good motive.

  "Send your horse on," said I, "and let me walk with you to the house.There is something on which I wish to speak seriously to you."

  "Is it a penance for my sins?" she laughed, holding up herriding-habit. "Please don't be too severe, Juan! Now begin, and Iwill try to be good."

  "To begin is not so easy as you think, Rosa; but first let me tell youone thing--the Spaniards will never again be masters of Peru."

  "Pouf!" cried she, tossing her head; "that is rubbish, and says littlefor your understanding, Juan."

  "I am sorry you don't believe it; yet it is true, nevertheless. Thereare Royalists in Lima who hope otherwise, but they will bedisappointed. More than that, some of them who are working secretlyagainst us will meet with just punishment."

  "What is that to me? I can't work for the king, being only a girl, butno one can accuse me of hiding my opinions."

  I could have laughed at
that had I been in the mood for merriment. AllLima knew that Peru did not contain a stancher Royalist than RosaMontilla.

  "It is not of you I speak, but of the so-called Patriots, who aresedulously plotting for the enemy. Already names have been mentioned,and before long some of these people will be shot."

  I think it was then she first began to suspect my meaning. Her eyesflashed fire, and looking me full in the face, she cried,--

  "What is all this to me? What have I to do with your wretched story?"

  My face was hot, my forehead clammy with perspiration. I mumbled outmy reply like a toothless old woman.

  "Don't be angry, Rosa," I said. "I hate to give you pain,but--but--can't you understand?"

  "No," replied she calmly; "I understand nothing."

  "I wish to warn you," I continued desperately--"to put you on yourguard. There is a rumour--I heard it in camp, but I do not vouch forits truth--"

  "Come, make an end of this," she said haughtily, "or allow me toproceed to the house. What is this rumour which seems to have tiedyour tongue so?"

  "I will tell you. It is said that the leader of the conspiracy is DonFelipe Montilla! Let me--"

  "Thank you, Juan Crawford," said she, making a superb gesture ofdisdain. "Now go! If our friendship has given you the right to insultme thus, you have that excuse no longer. Go, I say, before I call theservants to whip you from the place."

  I tried in vain to offer some explanation.

  "Go, senor, go!" she repeated, and at last I turned sorrowfully away.

  I had done my best and failed. I had lost my friend, and had effectedno good, for I saw by her face that she would think it treason tomention the subject to her father. And as I rode from the gate, Iwondered whether, after all, we had been mistaken in our judgment.