CHAPTER XXVII: A DANGEROUS PRISONER
He was tall and thin, wearing a wide cloak about his shoulders, andhigh hat with broad brim. Even at that distance it could be seen thathis long hair was grey, and that a heavy moustache, snow-white, mademore noticeable the thin features of his face. The man was Mexican, nodoubt of that, but of the higher class, the dead pallor of his skinaccented by the black, deep-seated eyes. He looked at the two menclosely, and his voice easily reached the ears of the listeners.
"Who posted you here?"
"Juan Cateras, _senor_," answered one.
"Not on my order. Dias is watching above. Did the lieutenant give youa reason?"
"The prisoners, _senor_."
"The prisoners! Oh, yes; those that Lacy had confined here. Well,they will not be here for long. I do not believe in prisoners, andbecause I do business with that dog is no reason why he is privilegedto use this place to hold his victims. I have just despatched amessenger to Haskell to that effect, and we'll soon be rid of them.Where is Cateras?"
"In the valley, _senor_! he went back down the passage with Silva afterposting us here."
"And the prisoners?"
"Occupy the two inner cells. Merodiz here says one of them is a girl."
"A girl!" the tall man laughed. "That then will account for theunusual interest of Juan Cateras, and why he preferred being left incharge. A girl, hey, Merodiz! You saw the witch? What sort was she?"
"An American, _senor_, young, and good to look at," the other manexplained. "Her eyes as blue as the skies."
"Good! 'tis not often the gods serve us so well. I forgive Cateras forfailure to report such a prize, but from now on will see that he takeshis proper place. She was here when we came?"
"No, _senor_; the two Americanos brought her; it was Silva and I whoput her in the cell."
"At Cateras's order?"
"Yes, _senor_."
"In what cell?"
"The second in the passage; the man who was here when we came has theone this way."
"Caramba! this is all pleasant enough. I will pay my respects to thelady, and there is no time like the present."
He turned away, thumbing his moustache, quite pleased with his conceit,but one of the men stopped him with a question.
"We remain here, _senor_?"
"Yes, you might as well," his lips smiling, "and if the Senor Cateraspasses, you can tell him that I visit the fair American. It will givehim joy."
The girl drew Cavendish back hurriedly, her mind working in a flash ofinspiration.
"Quick," she breathed in his ear. "There is a niche where we can hidea few yards back. If he follows the other wall he might pass, and notnotice."
"But he goes to your cell; 'tis Pasqual Mendez."
"I know, but come. He must not go there. I will tell you my plan."
They were pressed back within the slight recess before the Mexicanturned the corner, and she had hastily breathed her desperate scheme.
"It can be done," she insisted, "and there is nought else possible. Wedare not let him enter, and find Cateras, and to kill the man willserve no good end. You will not? Then give me the revolver. Good!Be silent now."
Mendez came down the black passage evidently in rare good humour,humming a tune, with one hand pressed upon the wall to better guide hismovements. So dark it was, even the outlines of his form wereindistinguishable, yet, as he felt no need for caution, it was easyenough to trace his forward progress. The girl stood erect, therevolver gripped in one hand, the other pressing back her companioninto the recess. She had lost all sense of fear in the determinationto act; better risk all than surrender without a struggle. Mendezfumbled along the wall, stumbled over some slight projection and swore;another step, and his groping hand would touch her. He never took thestep, but was whirled against the side wall, with the cold barrel of arevolver pressed against his cheek. A stern, sibilant whisper held himmotionless.
"If you move I fire, _senor_; raise your hands--quick!"
He responded mechanically, too profoundly astounded to dream ofresistance. It was the sound of the voice which impressed him.
"Santa Maria! A woman?"
"Yes, _senor_, a woman; the same you sought, but I have found youfirst."
He chuckled.
"A good jest surely; how came you here?"
"Not to discuss that, _senor_," quietly. "Nor is this to be laughedover. If you would live, do as I say. Mr. Cavendish, see if the manbears weapons."
"Only a belt with a knife."
"Keep the knife; it may come handy for some purpose. Now bind hishands with the belt. Cross your wrists, _senor_."
He had lost his temper, no longer deeming this a joke.
"You damn vixen," he growled savagely. "This play will soon be done;do you know who I am?"
"The Senor Pasqual Mendez, but that means nothing," she answered."This revolver will kill you as surely as any one else. Do what I saythen, and talk no more--cross your wrists behind."
He did so, and Cavendish strapped the stout belt about them, winding itin and out until he had sure purchase. He drew it so tightly thefellow winced.
"It hurts, _senor_," she said, satisfied. "Well, to hurt you a littleis better than what you planned for me. Now lead on. No, listenfirst. I know who you are and your power here. That is why we tookthis chance of making you prisoner. We are desperate; it is eitheryour life, or ours, _senor_. You are an outlaw, with a price on yourhead, and you realise what chances one will take to escape. Now thereis just one opportunity given you to live."
"What, _senorita_?"
"That you accompany us down this passage into the valley as hostage.You will compel your men, if we encounter any, to furnish us horses."
"But the men may not obey. I cannot promise; Senor Cateras----"
"Senor Cateras will not be there," she interrupted sharply. "We havealready seen to Senor Cateras. The others will obey you?"
"They may; I cannot promise."
"Then it will be your own loss; for if there be a shot fired, you willget either a bullet or a knife thrust. I would try no sharp tricks,Senor Mendez. Now we go on."
Mendez smiled grimly in the dark, his mind busy. He had seen much oflife of a kind and felt no doubt but this young woman would keep herword. She had become sufficiently desperate to be dangerous, and hefelt no desire to drive her to extremes. Besides he was helpless toresist, but would watch for opportunity, trusting in luck.
"I am to go first?" and his voice assumed polite deference.
"Beside Mr. Cavendish," she replied, "and I will be behind."
"This gentleman, you mean?"
"Yes; and there is no need for any more acting. This is the revolverpressing against your back, _senor_. I could scarcely miss you at thatdistance."
They advanced in silence, through the faint gleam of light whichillumined the passage through the stone slits over the cell doors.Only then did Mendez venture to pause, and glance back at his captor.
"Pardon, _senorita_," he said gallantly, "but I would have view of thefirst lady who ever took Pasqual Mendez prisoner. The sight robs me ofall displeasure. In truth it is hardly necessary for you to resort tofire-arms."
"I prefer them," shortly. "Go on!"
The darkness swallowed them again, but the way was clear, and, oncearound the sharp turn, a glimmer of distant daylight made advanceeasier. There was no sign of any guard visible, nor any movementperceptible in the open vista beyond the cave entrance. The girltouched Mendez's arm.
"Wait; I would ask a question, or two first, before we venture further.I was brought in this way, yet my memory is not clear. There are twolog houses before the cave?"
"Yes," he answered readily, "one somewhat larger than the other--themen occupy that; the other is for myself and my officers."
"Besides Cateras?"
"No, not at present; at times I have guests. It would be pleasurableto entertain you, and your friend."
"
No doubt. You expect Lacy?"
"You know that also? How did you learn?"
"I heard you talk to the men at the other end. It is true, is it not?"
"I have sent for him; it was yesterday."
"And he could be here now?"
"Not before night; it is a hard ride; why ask all this?"
"I have reasons. Now another thing; where are your men?"
His eyes wandered to the gleam of daylight.
"There will be one or two in the bunk-house likely; the others are withthe cattle up the valley."
"But none in your cabin?"
He shook his head.
"And you say Lacy cannot get here before dark? How late?"
He hesitated over his reply, endeavouring shrewdly to conjecture whatcould be the object of all this questioning, yet finally concludingthat the truth would make very little difference.
"Well, _senorita_, I may as well tell you, I suppose. It is the rulenot to enter this valley until after dark. I expect the Americanos toarrive about ten o'clock."
"The Americanos?"
"_Si_, there will be three in the party, one of them a man from NewYork, who has business with me."
Miss Donovan's decision was rapidly made, her mind instantly graspingthe situation. This man would be Enright, and the business he had withMendez concerned Cavendish, and possibly herself also. She glancedagain into the stern, hawklike face of the Mexican, recognising itslines of relentless cruelty, the complete absence of any sense ofmercy. His piercing eyes and thin lips gave evidence enough that hewas open to any bargain if the reward should be commensurate with therisk. The man's age, and grey hair, only served to render morenoticeable his real character--he was a human tiger, held now inrestraint, but only waiting a chance to break his chains, and sinkteeth in any victim. The very sight of him sent a shudder through herbody, even as it stiffened her purpose.
Her clear, thoughtful eyes turned inquiringly toward Cavendish, but thesurvey brought with it no encouragement. The man meant well, no doubt,and would fight valiantly on occasion; he was no coward, noweakling--equally clear his was not the stuff from which leaders aremade. There was uncertainty in his eyes, a lack of force in his facewhich told the story. Whatever was decided upon, or accomplished, mustbe by her volition; she could trust him to obey, but that was all. Herbody straightened into new resolve, all her womanhood called to thefront by this emergency.
"Then we will make no attempt to leave the valley until after dark,"she said slowly. "Even if we got away now, we would be pursued, andovertaken, for the desert offers few chances for concealment. If wecan reach that smaller cabin unseen we ought to be safe enough therefor hours. Cateras will not bother, and with Mendez captive, his menwill not learn what has occurred. Is not this our best plan, Mr.Cavendish?"
"And at night?"
"We must work some scheme to get horses, and depart before those othersreach here. There will be plenty of time between dark and ten o'clock.If we leave this man securely bound, his plight will not even bediscovered until Lacy arrives. By that time, with any good fortune, wewill be beyond pursuit, lost in the desert. Do you think of anythingbetter?"
That he did not was evidenced by the vacant look in his eyes, and shewaited for no answer.
"Here," she said, thrusting the revolver into his hand, "take this, andguard Mendez until I return. It will only be a moment. Don't takeyour eyes off him; there must be no alarm."
She moved forward through the gloomy shadows toward the light showingat the mouth of the cave. The rocks here were in their natural state,exactly as left by the forces which had originally disrupted them, thecavern's mouth much wider than the tunnel piercing the hill, andsomewhat obstructed by ridges of stone.
Sheltered by these Stella crept to the very edge of the opening, andwas able to gain a comprehensive view of the entire scene beyond.Within the cave itself there was no movement, no evidence of life.Quite clearly no guard had been posted here, and no precautions taken,although doubtless the only entrance to the deep valley was carefullywatched.
A glance without convinced her that no other guardianship was necessaryto assure safety. The valley lay before her, almost a level plain,except for the stream winding through its centre, and all about,unbroken and precipitous, arose the rampart of rocks, which seemedunscalable.
She rested there long enough to trace this barrier inch by inch in itscomplete circle, but found no opening, no cleft, promising a possibleexit, except where the trail led up almost directly opposite, and onlymemory of her descent enabled her to recognise this. Satisfied thatthe top could be attained in no other way, her eyes sought the thingsof more immediate interest. The two cabins were directly before theentrance, the smaller closely in against the cliff, the larger slightlyadvanced. Neither exhibited any sign of life; indeed the only evidencethat the valley contained human occupants was the distant view of twoherders, busily engaged in rounding up a bunch of cattle on theopposite bank of the stream. These were too far away, and too intentlyengaged at their task, to observe any movement at this distance.
Her study of the situation concentrated on the small cabin immediatelyin front. It was low, a scant story in height, but slightly elevatedfrom the ground, leaving a vacant space beneath. It was built of logs,well mortised together, and plastered between with clay. The roofsloped barely enough to shed water, and there were no windows on theend toward the cliff, or along the one side which she could see fromwhere she lay. The single door must open from the front, andapparently the house had been erected with the thought that it mightsome time be used for purposes of defence, as it had almost theappearance of a fort. The larger building was not entirely unlike thisin general design, except that small openings had been cut in the logwalls, and a rude chimney arose through the roof. Both appeareddeserted. Confident there could be no better time for the venture,Stella signalled with her hand for the others to join her.
They advanced slowly, Cavendish holding the revolver at the Mexican'shead, the latter grinning savagely, his dark eyes never still. Bitterhate, desperate resolve, marked his every action, although he sought toappear indifferent. The girl's lips were compressed, and her eyes methis firmly.
"The way is clear," she said, "and, listen to my warning, _senor_. Weare going straight along the north side of your cabin there, until wereach the door. For about twenty feet we shall be exposed to view fromthat other cabin, if any of your men are there. If you dare utter asound, or make a motion, this man will shoot you dead in yourtracks--do you understand?"
His look was ugly enough, although he compelled the thin lips to smile.
"Quite clearly--yes; but pardon me if I doubt. You might kill me; Ithink that, yet how would it serve you? One shot fired would bringhere a dozen men--then what?"
"I thank you, _senor_; there will be no shot fired. Give me therevolver, Mr. Cavendish; now take this knife. As we advance walk onestep behind Mendez. You will know what to do. Now, _senor_, if youwish to try an experiment--we go now."
There was not a sound, not a word. Not unlike three shadows theycrossed the open space, and found shelter behind the walls of the hut.The girl never removed her eyes from the other cabin, and Cavendish, astep behind his prisoner, poised for a quick blow, the steel bladeglittering in uplifted hand, saw nothing but the back of the man beforehim. The latter shrugged his shoulders and marched forward, his eyesalone evidencing the passion raging within.
Without pausing they reached the door, which stood slightly ajar.Stella pushed it open, took one swift glance within and stepped aside.The other two entered, and she instantly followed, closing the door,and securing it with a stout wooden bar. Her face was white, marked bynervous emotion, her eyes bright and fearless. With one swift glanceshe visioned the interior; there were two rooms, both small, divided bya solid log partition, pierced by a narrow door-way.
The back room was dark, seemingly without windows, but this in whichthey stood had an opening to the right, letting in the
sunlight. Itwas a mere slash in the logs, unframed, and could be closed by a heavywooden shutter. She stepped across and glanced out. The view revealedincluded a large portion of the valley, and the entrance to the othercabin. There was no excitement, no evidence of any alarm--theircrossing from the mouth of the cave had escaped observation. Thus farat least they were safe.
Her heart beat faster as she turned away, satisfied with the success ofher plan. Nothing remained now but to secure Mendez, to make itimpossible for him to raise an alarm. If he could be bound, and lockedinto that rear room. She looked at the two men--the Mexican hadslouched down into a chair, apparently having abandoned all hope ofescape, his chin lowered on his breast, his eyes hidden beneath thewide brim of his hat. He was a perfect picture of depression, butCavendish appeared alert enough, the deadly knife still gripped in hishand, a motionless, threatening figure. Feeling no trepidation, shecrossed toward the other room, noting as she passed that Mendez liftedhis head to observe her movements. She paused at the door, turningsuspiciously, but the man had already seemingly lost interest, and hishead again drooped. She stepped within.
The Strange Case of Cavendish Page 27