the only joy of my
life. O Juan, Juan! it is hard to let you go; but Jose is right--there
is no other way. I will be brave, dear, and wait patiently for your
return. Follow in your father's footsteps. Do the right, and fear not
whatever may happen; be brave and gentle, and filled with love for your
country, even as he was. Keep his memory green in your heart, and you
cannot stray from the path of honour."

"I will try, mother."

"And if--if we never meet again, my boy, I will try to be brave too."

She wiped away the tears which veiled like a mist the brilliance of her
starry eyes, and we sat quietly in the darkening room, while outside
Jose was making preparations for our immediate departure.

At last he knocked at the door, and without a tremor in her voice she
bade him enter.

"The horses are saddled, senora."

"Yes; and your plan, what is it?" she asked.

"It is very simple, senora. Juan and I will ride straight to Mr.
Warren at Callao. He may have a vessel bound for Valparaiso; if not,
he will find us one for my master's sake. Once at sea, we shall be out
of danger. General San Martin will give us welcome, and there are many
Peruvians in his army."

Once my mother's wonderful nerve nearly failed her. "You will take
care of him, Jose," she said brokenly.

"I will guard him with my life, senora!"

"I know it, I am sure of it; and some day yon will bring him back to
me. God will reward you, Jose.--Good-bye, Juan, my boy. Oh how
reluctant I am to let you go!"

I will not dwell on the sadness of that parting. The horses were
waiting in the courtyard, and after the last fond embrace I mounted.

"Good-bye, mother!"

"Farewell, my boy. God keep you!" and as we moved away I saw her white
handkerchief fluttering through the gloom.

At the gate the Indian waited for us, and he followed a few paces in
the rear.

I thought this strange, and asked Jose about it.

"It may be well to have a friend to guard our backs," he replied.

So in the gathering darkness I stole away from my home, with my heart
sore for my father's death and my mother's suffering. And it was the
eve of my birthday--the eve of the day to which I had looked forward
with such delight!

Being so young, I did not really understand the peril that surrounded
me; but my faith in Jose was strong, and I felt confident that in
taking me away he was acting for the best.

Our path through the park led us near the lake, and I glance