wish I were."

"Ah, no doubt he has a clear conscience. Take pattern by him, my boy."

"Thanks for the advice," said I, laughing; "it's very kind of you to
offer it."

"It costs nothing," he answered banteringly; "which explains why so
many people are willing to give it."

After a time I fell asleep, and did not waken till, at the first streak
of dawn, an order was quietly passed through the lines for every man to
hold himself in readiness.

Jose sat up, rubbed his eyes lazily, and declared that he could sleep
another twenty-four hours.

"There's too much hurry and bustle about this kind of warfare," said
he. "Why don't both sides agree to meet at a certain place, and to
fight it out?"

"A famous plan, upon my word!" cried the doctor; "it would save no end
of trouble."

"And get the business over quickly," said Jose, who was saddling up.
"Hullo, there goes the colonel! I wonder if he ever gets tired?"

"No," laughed the doctor merrily; "he's made of iron."

The dawn was broadening now; and moving from the shelter of the wood,
we saw the Spaniards on a level piece of ground about half a mile wide.

"They're trying to gain the ridge on the left," cried Jose; "that will
give them the advantage."

But the colonel had seen the manoeuvre also, and flung his small body
of cavalry at them with such force that they drew back, trying to
retreat by the winding track through the mountains. Again they were
intercepted, this time being forced to the edge of a precipitous cliff.

"By George," exclaimed the doctor, "they're in it now! It's neck or
nothing with them."

All this time I had quietly sat on my horse, watching the phases of the
fight. The scene was to me so extraordinary that I had no sense of
fear. I was not upset even by the strange, wailing sounds made by the
rushing bullets.

Jose and I were with the reserve cavalry; Welsh was at the colonel's
side. The Spaniards fought with desperate courage, I could see that,
and they pushed our men hard. Fallen soldiers dotted the level tract
of ground. Some, raising themselves painfully, began to crawl back.

I make no pretence of giving an accurate description of the combat. To
me it was a confused medley of men and horses inextricably mixed; of
shining swords, of blinding red flashes; and my ears were deafened with
the fierce cries and shouts of men spending their lives recklessly
under the rising sun.

At last I saw the colonel raise his sword. T