Richard! Richard!
They shot him before my eyes, shot him with the cry of 'Christ' upon
his lips. I think my anger supported me, I don't know else how I bore
it, but I was mad with horror and rage at the brutal cowards.
"'When I reached the end of my journey I was imprisoned with some of
my comrades, first in a lazaretto, among lepers, in every stage of
their loathsome disease; and afterward removed to Santiago, where,
hampered with heavy chains, we were set to work upon the public roads.'
"I asked him why he did not apply to the British consul, and he said,
'I had a reason for not doing so, Richard. I may tell you the reason
sometime, but not to-night. I knew that there was diplomatic
correspondence going on about our relief, and that, soon or later,
those who survived their brutal treatment would be set free. I was
one that lived to have my chains knocked off; but I was many weeks
sick afterward, and, indeed, I have not recovered yet.'
"So you began the exchange business here?"
"'Yes; I had saved through all my troubles a little store of gold in
a belt around my waist. It was not much, but I have more than doubled
it; and as soon as I can, I intend leaving Mexico, and beginning life
again among civilized human beings.'"
Elizabeth was weeping bitterly, but she said, "I am glad you have told
me this, Richard.
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