in my
opinion most likely, to the forts at Callao."

The major's news, as you may imagine, filled me with the liveliest
astonishment and excitement. My father alive! I could hardly credit
the statement. What would my mother say? How would she receive the
startling information? I rose from my seat and walked about the
cavern, trying to think it over coolly.

Then it dawned upon me why Santiago had said he would not be doing me
any real kindness in talking of the discovery. After all, his
information only reopened the old wounds. More than two years had
passed since my father's disappearance, and many things had happened in
that time. Not every one who entered the casemates of Callao came out
alive.

"But," said I aloud, "some one must know the truth. A man can't be
shut up without authority, even in Peru."

"I wish I could help you," replied the major. "As soon as I escape
from Moquegua I will make inquiries."

"Thank you; but I fear it will be a long time to wait," I answered
gloomily.

"Not at all! La Hera will return in a week or two, and your Miller
will be too busy running away to look after prisoners. Imitate me, my
boy, and make Hope your best friend."

In trying to cheer me he forgot his own distress. The light returned
to his eyes, the smile to his face, and he seemed to have banished all
memory of his recent despair.

"Come," said he cheerfully, "put your doubts and fears aside for the
present. Our wounded want attention; we must not neglect them."

I tried hard to act upon his advice, but all the time continued to
wonder whether my father was alive or dead. That was the one question
that racked my brain, and to it I could give no answer.

We had just made our patients comfortable, with the exception of one
who was dying fast, when a shrill whistle sounded outside.

"The surgeon!" I exclaimed, running to the entrance. "Yes, there he is
with the guide and two soldiers."

"Two bandits!" said Santiago banteringly. "Give the men their proper
name."

"Soldiers or bandits, they know how to fight. Help me to uncoil the
rope, will you?"

"That's almost as bad as asking a man to make the noose he is to hang
in. You forget that on leaving here I shall go straight to prison."

"I had forgotten, major, and sorry enough I am to remember it. Still,
as La Hera returns so soon, it will be only a temporary inconvenience,
and I'm sure Colonel Miller will treat you well."

Santiago laughe