Saints' love! a soldier can place faith only in what he sees--yet your face is frank and simple enough, and, as you say, there are but three of you, besides the woman.

I did mark that much from yonder tree.

It will be small risk to one of my experience in arms, and my men sleep in weariness.
Lead on, fellow, yet do not forget I wear this sword for use, not show." With muttered thanksgiving at my possessing so honest a countenance, and a blessing on the Spaniard's pride, I turned back, beginning to retrace my steps along the narrow ridge, never deigning to glance across my shoulder, yet confident he was close behind.

Every additional step I inveigled him from his camp was to my advantage, nor would I permit him to feel suspicion on my part, as fearlessness was certain to beget confidence, and my final plan of action was already made.

We thus passed the spot where I had climbed the steep bank, and were, to the best of my memory, some twenty yards beyond the hiding-place of my boat, when the ridge widened, a thick fringe of low-growing trees completely shutting out all view of the water.