human
Where do you think they are taking us, Raoul?
gpt
To Cenobio's hacienda. I hope so, at least!
human
Why do you hope so?
gpt
Because we shall stand some chance for our lives. Cenobio is a noble fellow.
human
You know him, then?
gpt
Yes, Captain; I have helped him a little in the contraband trade.
human
A smuggler, is he?
gpt
Why, in this country it is hardly fair to call it by so harsh a name, as the Government itself dips out of the same dish. Smuggling here, as in most other countries, should be looked upon rather as the offspring of necessity and maladministration than as a vice in itself. Cenobio is a _contrabandisto_, and upon a large scale.
human
And you are a political philosopher, Raoul!
gpt
Bah! Captain; it would be bad if I could not defend my own calling,
human
You think, then, that we are in the hands of Cenobio's men.
gpt
I am sure of it, Captain. _Sacre_! had it been Jarauta's band, we would have been in heaven--that is, our souls--and our bodies would now be embellishing some of the trees upon Don Cosme's plantation. Heaven protect us from Jarauta! The robber-priest gives but short shrift to any of his enemies; but if he could lay his hands on your humble servant, you would see hanging done in double-quick time.
human
Why think you we are with Cenobio's guerilla?
gpt
I know Yanez, whom we saw at the rancho. He is one of Cenobio's officers, and the leader of this party, which is only a detachment. I am rather surprised that _he_ has brought us away, considering that Dubrosc is with him; there must have been some influence in our favour which I cannot understand.
human
I cannot be mistaken. No--this hill--it runs down to the San Juan River.
gpt
Yes, the San Juan--I know the stony bottom--just the depth, too, at this season.