was
furious, and went about vowing vengeance against everybody.
Search-parties scoured the neighbourhood in all directions, but with no
result, and we at last concluded that by some means you had been taken
off by ship."

"Quite a wrong conclusion," I interposed.

"We could think of no other. However, to get on with the story. In
the midst of the confusion Barejo turned up on his way back to Lima.
He was simply furious, and threatened to put us all in irons, the
commandant included; which, by the way, was absurd."

"It was paying me a very high compliment."

"Don't be puffed up, or imagine the general was afraid of you," laughed
Santiago.

"Oh!" I exclaimed, affecting to feel disappointed, "that alters the
case. But why should he be angry at my escape?"

"Because he really wished to keep you out of mischief."

"Then I have sadly misjudged him."

"I think you have. Of course, I don't profess to understand the
matter, but it seems to be something in this way. When we have crushed
this rebellion, the estates of those who have borne arms against the
king will be confiscated."

"Spoils to the victors!" I laughed; "an old-fashioned principle."

"And, of course," continued Santiago, not heeding the interruption,
"your father's estates will be among them. Now, as far as I can
gather, Barejo thought that by preventing you from joining the rebels
something might be saved from the wreck."

"That was very kind of the general," I remarked. "I had no idea that
he took any interest in my affairs. But isn't it possible, major, that
you are going a trifle too fast? Suppose, for instance, that the
rebels, as you call us, should win?"

The major tossed his head scornfully.

"That is utterly impossible!" he answered, with a short, quick snap.

"But let us suppose it, just for argument," I urged.

"Well in that case," said he, "of which there is no possible
likelihood, your father will keep his property."

At first I thought he had forgotten, but something in his face held my
attention, and brought the blood to my head with a rush.

"Do you mean-- What is it? Tell me quickly! Is my father--"

"Alive! That is my news; but you must not build on it too greatly. I
can only tell you he was not slain that day in the mountains. He was
dangerously wounded, but was still living when the soldiers carried him
away."

"Where did they take him?"

"That I do not know; neither, I think, does Barejo. Perhaps, and