g it; then, utterly
exhausted, I felt myself slip from the saddle. I disengaged my foot,
and was aware that I had reached the ground, on which I stretched
myself, trying to hold the rein in my hand. The next instant I must
have swooned. There I lay, utterly unable to help myself--my faithful
horse standing over me.

How long I had thus lain, I cannot say. Certain it is that,
providentially, no wild beasts came near me, or I should have become an
easy prey. When I returned to semi-consciousness, I found several
people standing round me, one of whom had poured some brandy down my
throat, while others were rubbing my feet and hands. I again closed my
eyes, unable to make out who the strangers were. They gave me, I
believe, more brandy, diluted with water, and then some broth, the
effect of which was that I speedily regained a little strength.

In half an hour I was able to sit up. I then discovered that the
Samaritans who had relieved me were Spaniards, who, having encamped
under shelter of the wood, had, while in search of game for breakfast,
discovered me at early dawn. When I was sufficiently recovered, they
moved me to their camp where they intended remaining for a day to dry
their clothes and packages, which had been saturated by the rain. They
formed a large party, bound across the continent with goods for traffic;
for only a strong body of well-armed men could venture to travel, with
the certainty of meeting bands of hostile Indians, who would be
restrained from attacking so formidable a force through dread of their
rifles.

The day's rest, and the careful treatment I received from the Spaniards,
quickly restored my strength. They had all been in the States, and
consequently many of them could speak English; but I had no wish to live
long amongst them, for, though kind to me, many of them were fierce,
desperate characters, long accustomed to savage warfare with the
Indians, and held life at a remarkably cheap rate. The one who was
especially attentive to me was old Pablo,--who acted as cook,--and he
was constantly bringing me the most delicate messes he could concoct.

By the time they were ready to start I was well able to sit my horse.
The question now was, In what direction should I proceed? They assured
me that, were I to attempt to make my way back to my friends, I should
certainly be cut off by the Indians, who were tracking their footsteps,
looking out for stragglers, and ready to pounce down