Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 1.djvu/95

Rh and; above all, the blood upon my clothes and person, seemed alike to fix the accursed deed on me; my protestations of innocence were disregarded, my representations were disbelieved, and for months I was confined in the Accordada upon the horrible charge. At length, some traces left by the assassin of his flight were discovered; and though he had escaped, the truth gradually came to light, and I was liberated. I hastily made what preparations I could for my journey; strapped a bag for provisions upon my shoulder; paid a last visit to the grave of my wife and babes; and set out on my pursuit.

" 'My enemy was cunning and contriving, and had had abundance of time to make his way to a distant region; so that my search—though constant, and animated by the spirit of revenge that possessed me—was unsuccessful; I wandered about from one part of the country to another, for a considerable period in vain. But I resolved never to give up my pursuit, and the difficulties I encountered only served to strengthen me in my purpose.

" 'At length, I procured some intelligence concerning him, which led me northwards; and as I was hastening, one evening, over a wild