Gahra got a thrust through the arm, Carmen a gash in the thigh; and as I gave one fellow the point in his throat his spear pierced my hat and cut my head.

If some of the patriots had not come to the rescue our lives would have paid the forfeit of our rashness.
The incident was witnessed by Mejia himself, who, when he recognized Carmen, rode forward, greeted us warmly and remarked that we were just in time.
"To be too late," answered Carmen, discontentedly, as he twisted a handkerchief round his wounded thigh.
"Not much; and you have done your share.

That was a bold charge you made.
And your friends?
I don't think I have the pleasure of knowing them." Carmen introduced us, and told him who I was.
"I am delighted to make your acquaintance, senor," he said, graciously, "and I will give you of my best; but I can offer you only rough fare and plenty of fighting.

Will that content you ?" I bowed, and answered that I desired nothing better.

The guerilla leader was a man of striking appearance, tall, spare, and long limbed.