rushed forward eagerly in search of the welcome water.
One who for the last mile had been crawling along, supported by the
doctor, darted off like a champion runner, though he fell exhausted
before covering half the distance. On reaching the sparkling stream,
we all, without exception, flung ourselves down by the margin, and
lapped the water like thirsty dogs.

Here we remained till the next day, being supplied with food by the
people from Sama, who also procured for us about a dozen horses, two of
which, I am thankful to say, fell to Jose and myself.

Most of the men, after eating and drinking, stretched themselves out on
the grass, and were fast asleep in a moment; but our leader had much to
do, and the cheery young doctor spent half his time in attending on the
sick. In this Jose helped him. I wished to do so, but in truth the
long march, and the want of food and water, had worn me out.

"Lie down and get some rest," said the doctor, "or you will be left
behind to-morrow. We have another twelve leagues or so before us yet."

"Where are we going?" I asked.

"To a village called Tacna."

"We call it a town," laughed Jose. "Why, there are more than four
thousand people living in it."

"Dear me," exclaimed the doctor good-humouredly, "what a considerable
place!"

Attended by Jose, he passed on laughing, and I curled up in the
sheltered nook which I had selected as bed and bedchamber in one. I
know nothing of what happened after that until Jose, shaking my arm,
told me to rise.

It was scarcely light; but the troops were already preparing their
simple breakfast, for they had another long and tedious march before
them.

"How do you feel, Jack?" asked Jose.

"All right, thank you," said I, giving myself a shake, "but
tremendously hungry. I could eat a horse!"

At that he laughed, saying, "Before the campaign's over I daresay you
will be glad to eat part of one"--a prophecy that was more than
fulfilled.

Directly after breakfast the men were assembled, the colonel addressed
them in a few stirring words, and the march began. We did not
anticipate an attack, but a few sturdy and well-mounted peasants from
Sama rode ahead to make sure that the route was clear.

Outside Tacna we were met by the inhabitants, who escorted us, with
much noise and cheering, in triumph to the town.

"These worthy people are good patriots, Crawford," said the doctor, who
was riding next me. "Hark how they cry 'Down with th