CHAPTER XXI.
MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE.
THE fall of Morelos seemed a deathblow to the insurgents. Under his bold leadership men of different ranks in society and of varying shades of opinion had marched shoulder to shoulder, Creole and Indian, priest and layman, monarchist and republican, united by one bond only—"Death to gachupines and independence for Mexico!"
But now all these were scattered to the four winds. In the guerilla warfare that became general during the reign of anarchy which followed, the Indios bravos, or savage tribes, had their opportunity. The open country was given up to banditti, and every ranche and every hacienda was a citadel in danger of siege. The cities were so infested with robbers that the streets were deserted at nightfall, and few rich men escaped being kidnapped for the heavy ransom extorted from
