Rodriguez had timed it very nicely.
Next Rodriguez put the bottle to his lips and held it there a
little time, while the fourth man of the law, who was guarding the
prisoner, watched Rodriguez wistfully, and afterwards Morano, who
took the bottle next. Yet neither Rodriguez nor Morano drank.
"You can finish the bottle," said Rodriguez to this anxious
watcher, who came forward eagerly though full of doubts, which
changed to warm feelings of exuberant gratitude when he found how
much remained. Thus he obtained not much less than two tumblerfuls
of wine that, as I have said, was stronger than port; and noon was
nearing and it was spring in Spain. And then he returned to guard
his prisoner under the oak-tree and lay down there on the moss,
remembering that it was his duty to keep awake. And afterwards
with one hand he took hold of a rope that bound the prisoner's
ankles, so that he might still guard his prisoner even though he
should fall asleep.
Now two of the men had had little more than the full of a sherry
glass each. To these Morano made signs that there was another
bottle, and, coming round behind his master, he covertly uncorked
it and gave them their heart's desire; and a little was left over
for the man who drank third on the first occasion. And presently
the spirits of all four of la Garda grew haughty and forgot their
humble bodies, and would fain have gone forth to dwell with the
sons of light, while their bodies lay on the moss and the sun grew
warmer and warmer, shining dappled in amongst the small green
leaves.
Pages:
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127