While they sat together Luiz
came in with a long face.
"Now what is it, my brave Luiz?" said Alvarez, who was in an exceeding
good humor, "why this saturnine countenance?"
"I beg to report, your Excellency," said Luiz, "that the Natchez Indian
whom they call The Cat had been found dead in the forest, of a knife
thrust that came out behind the shoulder."
"That is bad," said Alvarez. "Have they found out who did it?"
"No, Your Excellency. There were some signs of a struggle, and a few
traces of foot-steps, but the trail was gone before they had followed it a
dozen yards."
"We have lost a good man," said Alvarez, "a matchless spy and trailer, but
it cannot be helped. I suppose it was a quarrel with some savage like
himself. I would investigate the matter, but we have not time now. Come,
Luiz, we will take out the prisoners, and then to the boats."
He led the way across the grass to the log house,--two sentinels, again it
was Carlos and Juan--walked up and down in front of it--and the Spanish
captain was pleased at their vigilance. He gave them a very good morning
as they saluted respectfully.
"Unlock the door, Luiz," he said. "This is a strong prison and a close
one. I've no doubt our gallants from Kaintock, where there is much room,
will be glad to be outside again.
Pages:
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237