But the reader, who is
aware of the scene referred to, can easily imagine with what
feelings the soldier took his seat by her side, and secretly watched
the anxious and assiduous glances that she gave his wounded arm and
side, as well as the kind looks she bestowed upon his pallid face.
"I fear I annoy you," said the soldier, realizing his proximity to
her on the seat.
"No, no, by no means. I pray you rest your arm here," said Isabella
Gonzales, as she offered her rebosa supported in part by her own
person!
"You are too kind-far too kind to me," said the wounded officer,
faintly; for he was now really very weak from loss of blood and the
pain of his wounds.
"Speak not, I beseech of you, but strive to keep your courage up
till we can gain the aid of some experienced surgeon," she said,
supporting him tenderly.
Thus the party drove on towards the city, by easy stages, where they
arrived in safety, and left Captain Bezan to pursue his way to his
barracks, which he did, not, however, until he had, like a faithful
courier, reported to the governor-general the safe result of his
mission to the south of the island.
The story of the gallant rescue was the theme of the hour for a
period in Havana, but attacks from robbers on the road, under
Tacon's governorship, were too common an occurrence to create any
great wonder or curiosity among the inhabitants of the city.
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