hunger and thirst, and most of all
from loss of sleep. This last was really a terrible hardship, and I
noticed more than one poor fellow fall from his mule in a kind of
stupor as I rode along.

However, by dint of pegging away, we arrived at the town of Moquegua
just in time to capture most of the runaways, and then, utterly worn
out and exhausted, gladly settled down for a few days' rest.

Jose and I were billeted in a house near the colonel's quarters, and
the people gave us a warm welcome. They spread a good meal, to which
we did ample justice, and then, although barely noon, we went straight
to bed.

"I hope," exclaimed Jose as he lay down, "that we shan't be disturbed
for a month. I can easily do with a month's sleep."

"The chances are," said I gloomily, "that the colonel will be knocking
us up before we have fairly begun to dream." At which dismal prophecy
Jose threatened me with all sorts of pains and penalties unless I held
my peace.

As it happened, the colonel did not need us, and we actually slept
without waking until nine o'clock the next morning, when, having made a
hearty breakfast, we went to call upon the chief.

"Why, Crawford," exclaimed the colonel, smiling, "I thought you were
lost!"

"Only in dreams, sir," I replied. "We've been catching up a little of
our lost sleep. We did not know how soon we might be on the march
again."

"So you made the most of your opportunity? Well, I don't blame you;
but it is possible we shall make a long halt here."

"Possible," remarked Jose to me afterwards, "but not probable;" and
events proved that, as far as we were concerned, he was right.

That evening the colonel invited us to dinner; but we had scarcely sat
down when he was called away to speak to a messenger who had brought
important news. He returned looking rather thoughtful, and, catching
sight of Jose, exclaimed,--

"Craig, you are pretty well acquainted with the Indian dialects, I
believe?"

"Yes, sir," answered Jose readily; "I can manage to talk with most of
the natives."

"Then you are the very man I want. I'll tell you all about it after
dinner. Mustn't send you off without satisfying the inner man, eh?"

Jose glanced at me with a smile, as much as to say, "I wasn't very far
out this morning;" while I was all curiosity as to what the business
might be.

As soon as we had finished, the colonel and Jose had a very earnest and
confidential talk, after which my companion rej