As we marched through the unpaved, dirty streets, the inhabitants came
out of their houses to look at us, and to offer the troops refreshments
and congratulations. We found the town full of people of all colours,
of whom a large number were Indians who had refused to join the revolt.
In the centre of the town was the usual large plaza or square; and on
one side of it was a building which we were told was the prison.
Towards it we were at once conducted. One side of the square was
without buildings, a broad stream running past it, beyond which were
cultivated fields, and gardens divided by walls. In the centre was a
fountain, continually throwing up a jet of crystal water--a refreshing
sight in that climate. The prison fronted the river. On one side was a
church, and on the other the residence of the governor of the town, or
of some other civil functionary. On either side of the buildings I have
mentioned, were long rows of houses of various heights, though mostly of
one story, very similar to those I have already described. Three
streets, running at right angles to each other, led into the square. I
have not without reason been thus particular in my description.
The soldiers who had us in charge, led us across the square, amid the
shouts and jeers of the people. Even the blacks, the half-castes, and
the Indians, came to stare at us with stupid wonder, calling us rebels,
traitors, and robbers. The unfortunate Indians who had been made
prisoners, went before us. The massive gates of the prison were thrown
open, and they were forced within. We came last.
My heart sunk within me as we entered those gloomy walls. The interior
was already crowded with human beings, many of them Indians, found with
arms in their hands, or suspected of an intention of joining the rebels.
We advanced along a low, arched gallery, intersected by several gates;
and having passed two of them, we turned to the left, along a narrower
passage, at the end of which we reached a small door. The gaoler, who
showed the way with a torch, opened it; and, to my dismay, I saw that a
steep flight of steps led down from it to some chambers below the
ground.
"We are to be shut up in a dungeon, I fear," I whispered to Pedro.
"So that I am with you, I care not where I am," he answered.
Four of the soldiers followed us, to prevent our running away, I
suppose; though we should have had but a poor chance of escaping even
had we tried. The rest
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