text:  The country to the north-east of the Amezcoa through which they would have to pass was known to be free from Carlists with the exception of unimportant parties of armed peasants; Rodil himself had gone in pursuit of Zumalacarregui who had retired in the same direction whence he had approached the valley; and therefore this escort although so few in number was deemed amply sufficient to convey the prisoners in all safety to their destination to which one long day's march would bring them