On giving this counsel, the Zapoteque borrowed a sling from one of the Indians, in which he placed a stone carefully chosen. Then ordering two others to make ready their bows, he continued, addressing himself to Don Cornelio-- "You, Senor Captain, can give the signal. Take two stones--strike them together so that the fellow may hear you--strike them twice. And you," continued he, turning to the bowmen, "on hearing the second stroke, take good aim, and let fly your arrows." Costal stood holding the sling in readiness. It was one of those rare occasions when the bow and the sling serve better than any kind of firearm. Lantejas brought the two stones into collision with a loud crack. The sentry heard the concussion, suddenly halted in his steps, brought his piece to the "ready," and stood listening. The Captain gave the second signal. The stone and arrows hissed simultaneously through the air; and, struck by all three, the soldier fell dead without even uttering a cry. "Go! scatter yourselves among the bushes," cried Costal, hurriedly; "the rest I can manage better without you." Don Cornelio and the Indians, in obedience to Costal's injunction, glided from behind the wall, and crept forward among the aloes. As they were advancing, directly in front of them, there arose the cry, "_Alerta, centinela_!" It came from the place where the sentry had just fallen; and Don Cornelio, on looking in that direction, perceived, to his horror and surprise, that the man was once more upon his feet, and walking his rounds as if nothing had happened! Lantejas turned to demand an explanation from Costal, but the latter was nowhere to be seen. The Captain then faced towards the other Indians; but these, instead of concealing themselves any longer behind the bushes, had risen erect, and were running past the sentinel, who seemed to take no notice of them! A ray of light broke upon the mind of the innocent Lantejas. "_Santissima_!" cried he, "the sentinel--it must be Costal himself!" And so it was. The living had replaced the dead; and so aptly did Costal imitate the voice and movements of the soldier who had fallen, that the other sentries along the line had not the slightest suspicion of the change that had taken place. On comprehending the situation of affairs, Don Cornelio sprang to his feet; and, passing the decoy sentinel, ran on at full speed towards the walls of the town--where his Indians had already preceded him. Seeing his captain clear through the lines, Costal flung away the shako and musket of the soldier, and hastened after. Soon overtaking Don Cornelio, he cried out, "Quicker, run quicker, Senor Captain! The others will give the alarm as soon as they have missed their comrade!" As he spoke, he caught Don Cornelio by the wrist, and dragged him along at such a rate that the Captain was scarce able to keep upon his feet.