complishment of their original design.

"_Carrambo_! what a lovely moon!" remarked Pepe Lobos to his partner in
the search; "it gives me an idea--"

"That the Colonel may see us before we discover him?" interrupted his
companion.

"Bah! nothing of the kind," rejoined Pepe; "that devil of a royalist is
not to be found. What I was thinking of is, that, since it is almost as
clear as daylight, there's a good opportunity for your showing me that
which you have so long promised."

"What is it, camarado?"

"The trick of cards by which one may always win an _albur_ at monte."

"Of course I cannot show you without having the cards."

"But I have them, hombre--a brand-new pack too."

"Ah! it is easier to do that trick with an old pack," replied Pepe's
comrade with a knowing shrug of the shoulders. "However, since I have
promised you, and, as you justly remark, there is no chance of finding
this royalist colonel, I agree to your request."

The two insurgents seated themselves on the turf--in a spot where the
moon fell with a clear light--and Pepe Lobos, having drawn a pack of
cards from his pocket, the lesson commenced. Between the ardour of the
master and the docility of the pupil, the lesson was prolonged to such a
time, that the Colonel, asleep between his two branches, could have
dreamt all the dreams that might present themselves to his imagination
before either of these worthies was likely to awaken him.

Not far distant two others of the searchers put in practice, as regards
Don Rafael, a very similar courtesy.

"So, Suarez," said the first of these two to the other, "five hundred
dollars, isn't it, that the Captain promises the man who may take this
royalist colonel alive?"

"Yes," replied Suarez, "five hundred dollars, and a good round sum it
is. But should one get an arm shot off, or a leg disabled, in capturing
the _demonio_, will the Captain allow anything extra for that, do you
think?"

"Ah! I can't say. I should fancy so."

"Well, then, hear me, friend Suarez. I have no doubt it will be a good
thing; and for you who are married and have a family to support, this
five hundred dollars would be a windfall. I am single, and don't
require it. I am therefore willing to surrender my chance to you, and
you can look for the Colonel by yourself."

Saying this, the soldier stretched himself along the grass, and disposed
himself for a sleep.

"For the last two nights," continued he, "I haven't had a