Now, off with your shirt and trousers." The turnkey obeys without the least attempt at resistance.

The shaking of his limbs as I help him to undress shows that he is half frightened to death.
Then Carmen, still gripping the man's throat and threatening him with his dagger, makes him lie down, and I bind his arms with the cord.
That done, I slip the man's trousers and shirt over my own, don his sombrero, and take his key.
"So far, well," says Carmen, "if we only get safely through the _patio_ and pass the guard! Put the sombrero over your face, imitate the zambo's shuffling gait, and walk carelessly by my side, as if you were conducting me to the gate and a short way down the street.

Have you your dagger! Good! Open the door and let us go forth.

One word more! If it comes to a fight, back to back.

Try to grasp the muskets with your left and stab with your right--upward!".