I fully
believe would have sprung upon me and torn me limb from limb, had not
his masters called him off. I trembled so with agitation that I could
scarcely apply the key to the keyhole. Luckily the light did not fall
on me, or it would have been perceived.

"Come, young Senor, be quick about it; somebody is in there--of that I
can be sworn," exclaimed the alguazil.

"There, take the key yourself, and try and open it," I answered, hoping
that as he did so the Indian would rush out and make his escape, though
his chance was a forlorn one. The officer took the key; some of his men
approached with lights, while others held their swords and pistols ready
for use. Jose looked very much astonished, though in no way alarmed at
the proceedings; but I knew too well what was about to be revealed. The
door flew open, and the men and their hateful dog rushed in. The fate
of the poor Indian was sealed, I thought. I followed, expecting to see
them tearing him to pieces. What, then, was my astonishment and
satisfaction to find not a trace of him remaining! The bedding, and
even the dishes in which his food had been carried to him, were nowhere
to be seen.

"There, I told you so," exclaimed Jose triumphantly, "there were nothing
but rats."

But the dog was not so easily satisfied; and to my horror he rushed down
the narrow flight of steps leading to the secret outlet. The door at
the bottom I knew was locked, and I too justly feared that the Indian
would be found there. The officers hesitated about descending; for as
only one could go at a time, they saw that a determined man might kill
them in detail, if so inclined; so they sent their inferiors forward to
make the experiment. I stood by, waiting the result with increased
anxiety; for I felt that if the Indian should kill some of the officers,
the difficulties of our position would be still more increased. The dog
led the way, and I hoped would be the only victim; the others followed
very reluctantly. Some time passed; but still there was no sign of
their having discovered the fugitive.

"Have you found the rat?" shouted Jose, laughingly, from above.

"Bring the key of the other door," thundered the alguazil in return from
below. I had got it, but I did not say so.

"Of what door do you speak?" asked Jose, in real ignorance of the fact
that there was a door. I was anxious to gain all the time possible,
believing that the Indian must have made his escape throug