Just then the loud booming of a cannon drowned the voice of the
amphibious creature.

"The castle is taken!" cried Lantejas.

"No," replied Costal, "on the contrary, Pepe Gago has betrayed us. I
fear our General has been tricked."

Several discharges of cannon followed on the instant, confirming
Costal's surmise; and the two men, hastening to leave their dangerous
post by the bridge of Hornos, retreated towards a narrow defile called
the _Ojo de Agua_. There they saw the Mexican detachment scattered, and
in full retreat towards their encampment. A man standing in the middle
of the path was trying to intercept their flight.

"Cowards!" cried he, "will you pass over the body of your general?"

Many halted, and, returning, made an attack upon the works of the
citadel. But it was to no purpose: the gate was too well defended; and
a discharge of grape had the effect not only of terrifying the
assailants, but also killed several of their number.

Morelos now saw that he had been betrayed, and caused the retreat to be
sounded. It was the first check he had experienced during a victorious
career of months.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

The day had not yet dawned, when two men were seen advancing from the
direction of the insurgent camp toward the bridge of Los Hornos. One of
these men was Costal, but this time he was accompanied by Clara the
negro. The resin candle still burned within the lantern, but giving out
a more feeble light, as the first streaks of day began to succeed to the
darkness of night.

"You see that lantern, Clara?" said Costal, pointing out the glimmering
light to his companion. "You know what it was hung there for: since I
have just told you. But you haven't yet heard the vow I have taken
against the traitor who has so played with us. I shall tell you now."

And Costal proceeded to disclose to his old camarado the oath he had
registered against Pepe Gago.

"Devil take me!" said Clara in reply, "if I can see how you will ever be
able to fulfil your vow."

"No more do I," rejoined Costal, "but as I have promised Pepe Gago that
he should not forget the lantern on the bridge of Los Hornos, and as I
am determined he shall have a sight of it now and then, to keep his
memory awake, I don't see why I should leave it here to be picked off by
the first comer. At all events, it is no longer needed as a signal."

Saying this, the Indian took down the