e. The poison
had spread throughout the whole command. My adherents were soon
overpowered, several of them killed; myself wounded, dragged to the
_carcel_, and there locked up. The wonder is that I was not executed on
the spot; since I know Gil Uraga thirsted for my life. He was only
restrained, however, by a bit of caution; for, although I was not put to
death on that day, he intended I should never see the sun rise upon
another. In this he was disappointed, and I escaped.

"I know you will be impatient to learn how," resumes the refugee, after
rolling and igniting a fresh cigarrito. "It is somewhat of an incident,
and might serve the writer of a romance. I owe my life, my liberty,
and, what is more, my sister's safety, to our good friend Don Prospero.
In his capacity of military surgeon he was not compromised like the rest
of us; and after the revolt in the cuartel he was left free to follow
his vocation. While seeking permission to dress the wound I had
received, chance conducted him to a place where he could overhear a
conversation that was being carried on between Uraga and one of his
lieutenants--a ruffian named Roblez, fit associate for his superior.
They were in high glee over what had happened, carousing, and in their
cups not very cautious of what they said. Don Prospero heard enough to
make him acquainted with their scheme, so diabolical you will scarcely
give credence to it. I was to be made away with in the night--carried
up to the mountains, and there murdered! With no traces left, it would
be supposed that I had made my escape from the prison. And the good
doctor heard other designs equally atrocious. What the demons
afterwards intended doing when my sister should be left unprotected--"

Something like a groan escapes from the listener's lips, while his
fingers move nervously, as if clutching at a weapon.

"Devoted to me, Don Prospero at once resolved upon a course of action.
There was not a moment to be lost. He obtained permission to attend me
professionally in the prison. It was a cheap grace on Uraga's part,
considering his ulterior design. An attendant, a sort of hospital
assistant, was allowed to accompany the doctor to the cell, carrying his
lints, drugs, and instruments. Fortunately, I had not been quite
stripped by the ruffians who had imprisoned me, and in my own purse,
along with that of Don Prospero, was a considerable sum of gold--enough
for tempting the attendant to change