ea air, or the sight of
his men's most obvious improvement, I know not, but from that day his
strength increased with astonishing rapidity.

During this period of convalescence he talked with me a good deal, and in
the kindest manner, so that shortly I became as ardent a hero-worshipper
as the others. He sent for Jose, too, thanked him for his prompt action,
and declared that in a sense he was indebted to him for his life.

"But," said he, smiling, "I don't know yet who you are, or how you came
to turn up at Pisco just at the right moment!" Whereupon Jose gave him
an outline of our story.

He listened attentively, and at the end said, "I have heard of your
father, my boy, through General San Martin, who will be glad to make your
acquaintance. Meanwhile I shall charge myself with your welfare--that
is, if you care to share my fortunes."

"I ask for nothing better, sir," I replied, flushing with pleasure.
"There is no leader I would rather choose to follow."

"Then you shall have your wish," said he, "unless the general finds other
work for you."

CHAPTER VII.

WHOM THE GODS LOVE DIE YOUNG.

It was, I believe, Lord Cochrane's desire to land his troops close to
the port of Arica; but two unsuccessful attempts having been made, the
plan was abandoned.

Colonel Miller, who had by this time resumed his duties, next
transferred his men to two small schooners captured from the enemy, and
having taken on board food and water sufficient for twenty-four hours,
set sail for the Morro de Sama, a miserable port ten leagues north of
Arica.

Jose and I accompanied him, as did also, to my great delight, the young
doctor. Our two vessels were crazy craft: they had only temporary
rudders, and it was impossible to steer with any degree of accuracy.
Owing to this the trip occupied just double the calculated time, so
that on landing we were half dead with hunger and thirst. The soldiers
still suffered somewhat from the effects of the ague: their legs
tottered under them, and at first they could not march longer than half
an hour at a time without lying down to rest.

You must not, however, suppose that we were at all downhearted on this
account. The men had the greatest confidence in their leader, while
the gaiety and high spirits of the young doctor acted as a fine tonic.
He was full of quips and cranks, and his merry sayings brought a smile
to the faces of even the most wearied.

A winding path three miles in le