him cruelly; but a
desperate disease requires a desperate remedy. I thought at first he
would kill me. His eyes blazed fiercely, and he sprang forward with
uplifted hands. Suddenly he paused, and returned abruptly to his seat.

Thinking it best not to disturb him, I rose and made the round of the
wounded men. I felt awfully sorry for the young major, and almost
wished he had not passed his word to Jose. Having done so, he must, of
course, abide by it, unless he cared to live with tarnished honour.

Presently, returning to the fire, I threw some more fuel on, and sat
down again on my heap of sacks. Santiago had covered his face with his
hands, and was rocking himself gently to and fro, like a child in pain.
Evidently the wild fit had passed, and he had overcome the temptation
which had tried him so sorely.

For nearly an hour we sat there, speaking no word, then looking me
straight in the face, he said suddenly,--

"Crawford, I have acted like a madman, but there is nothing to be
feared now."

"Nor before," I answered cheerfully. "You would not have gone a
hundred yards. Come, let us now dismiss the subject. After all, it
was no more than a bad dream."

"By St. Philip," he exclaimed, "it was a very ugly one. However, I am
in my right mind now, and as soon as we arrive at Moquegua I will
withdraw my parole. Then if a chance to escape comes, I can avail
myself of it with an easy conscience. You have not reloaded your
pistol?"

"No. Why should I? there is no need of it."

"Not now," he said. "I am master of myself now," and he actually
smiled.

"You were going to tell me some news," I observed, after a pause. "Now
that you have roused my curiosity, I hope you will satisfy it."

I spoke half jestingly, and more for the sake of keeping up the
conversation than in the expectation of hearing any particular
information. It was unlikely, I considered, that Santiago could tell
me anything of real interest. In this I was much mistaken, as you will
find.

"I don't know," said he thoughtfully, "that it will be doing you any
real kindness, yet it is only right that you should know. Of course,
you will understand that your escape occasioned some little stir among
the garrison of the fort."

"I am quite ready to believe it," I replied, chuckling at the
remembrance. "I have often laughed to think of your astonishment in
the morning."

"It was no laughing matter to us, I can assure you. The commandant