brave and fearless, but quite apart from this, his qualities endeared him to every one. He was always cheery and full of hope, even in our

a beautiful smile lit up his face. For a second or two he recognized me and tried to speak, but this was beyond his powers. Then a change came swif

und; and these poor, simple natives filled the air with their lamentations. The death of the bri

t no one took much pleasure in the well-earned little victory. From the chief to the mea

be buried, the wounded to be seen to, the prisoners to be secured, and then, after a short sp

th a laugh, "that the colonel m

ve been one short wit

d the system of ride and tie. Our clothes began to show signs of hard wear, we suffered much from hunger and thirst, and most of all from loss o

ua just in time to capture most of the runaways, and then, utterly

people gave us a warm welcome. They spread a good meal, to which we did

"that we shan't be disturbed for a mont

up before we have fairly begun to dream." At which dismal prophecy José

lept without waking until nine o'clock the next morning, when,

d the colonel, smiling, "

atching up a little of our lost sleep. We did n

ty? Well, I don't blame you; but it is

"but not probable;" and events proved that

en he was called away to speak to a messenger who had brought important news.

ll acquainted with the In

eadily; "I can manage to ta

you all about it after dinner. Mustn't send y

y, "I wasn't very far out this morning;" while I

a very earnest and confidential talk, after which my

ed anxiously; "anyt

ke. La Hera is hiding with a few wounded me

irabe. He was a bold, dashing soldier, and a firm Loy

this affair, or the colonel won't trust us again. And don't mention where we are going, up

hall I m

arters. Now, off with you

th the help of one of our host's servants, I led them into the street. José soon

elling us that we were bound on an important errand, which he trusted we should accomplish

, and then steering across a wild and lonely desert track. Having covered nearly a dozen miles, we came to a tiny ha

teep precipices, so close sometimes that we seemed to hang over the awful abyss. Further and further we penetrated into the dreary recesses. We seemed to be a body of ghosts traversing a dreary world. No ma

ed before me. The track narrowed down so that it hardly afforded footing for on

l. Despite every effort to keep firm, my limbs trembled, my head grew dizzy; I was seized by a strong temptation t

he men stole cautiously along while we waited, watching with fascinated eyes, and drawing a deep breath of relief as each stepped safely from the perilous pa

me Indian dialect, issued his instructions. I gathered very little from his speech; but presently the me

"I almost wish you had stayed behind. I h

dn't come out just for the pleasure of

on. The real thing is just about to begin, and this is the way o

e chance of

to the cave is some sixty feet from the

ome experience in

ace of the cliff is as perpend

r fellows

them off with a bullet. It seems the bandits have been in the habit of using this cave

"these traitors

the help of this one, for instance, we can't

s he prop

l let down at the right moment. Up this we shall have to cl

ds it out, and is wa

me. However, we shall soon discover. Our men have had time to hide themselves,

that you have, though I

reathed too hard to

along, keeping well in the shadow, though the enemy, feeling secure

at least, was in truth steep and smooth as the wall of a house. Our men lay c

bject might have been gained with none at all. Why not, as Jos

fficient to last a small party for months. The war would be over before they had finished their pr

r I pondered the more I disliked the business, and doubted what would be the end of it. La Hera was a bold man, and if he got an inkling

me had come. There, distinguishable in the pale moonlight, dangled the rope, and as we watched it

eed upon to show that

ere and watch. If we are betrayed, take this man bac

wn sword, for no muskets had been brought on the expedition. Then word was quietl

make a sound. Holding a knife between his teeth, José clutched the rope firmly, planted one foot in a niche,

was knotted at intervals. The peril lay not so much in the climbing as in the chance of discovery. If the Spaniards learned what was go

the business would soon be known. If the enemy were awake, it would go hard with him. His f

gazing at as strange a spectacle as I have ever seen. The cavern was an immense apartment, with steep walls and exceedingly lofty roof. Near the

to their side, one of the Spanish soldiers uttered a cry of alarm. Instantly all was tumult and confusion. Shots were fired at rand

e up which our men were swarming. If that were cut or loosened, our opponents would hold us at their mercy. We fought against long o

d shout a burly trooper sprang into the fray, and another soon joined him.

ifficult to restrain their passions. Some excuse may be found for them in the long years of mise

ed my appeal. He, too, dreaded the slaughter that must ensue if our Indians got out of hand. Perhaps the Spaniards guessed our motive; at least they

"and let us examine our captu

hem to us. By their light we saw one man lying dead near the windlass, and three wou

stion. "Where is Colo

s to drive you into the se

ked José bluntly, but with a cert

h he was quite young. His face was frank and open; he had dark, expressive eyes, and a pleasant, musical voice, whi

ommand here?

commanding these brave fellows. I am Major Santiago Mariano,

future he must not reckon Peru among his dominions

rnfully; and on questioning the Indian, it appear

; but it can't be helped. What are we to do w

" I suggested, "and you

your permission, I will remain also. You need not fear that I shall run away. I will

ts advantages. I'll hurry along the first do

ratch; nothing

dead Spaniard was lowered, the prisoners followed, and J

in farewell, "and make sure of your