erything! Jump
in, Crawford, and have a nap; I may want you presently."

He went away with Jose, while I got into his bed, pulled the sand over
me, and was fast asleep before the two men had gone a dozen yards.

For two whole hours I lay like a log; then a soldier pulled the poncho
from my head, saying that the colonel waited for me at breakfast. I
rose quickly, made my toilet--not an elaborate proceeding, you may be
sure--and waited on the colonel.

"Sit down," said he, laughing; "it's early in the day for banqueting,
but we must feast when we can. I hope you are not blessed with too
good an appetite?"

"I don't think I should feel greatly tempted to indulge much at
present," I replied, with a grimace at the dried meat I was cutting.
"Indigestion would only too surely follow."

"Then," said he, and his eyes twinkled with merriment, "we will eat
sparingly. I am going straight to Arica, and you will ride with me."

"I am afraid I shall have to get you to find me a fresh horse, as my
own has broken down, colonel."

Turning to one of the soldiers near, he said, "Ask Major Videla to send
me a good horse at once.--Take your time, Crawford; I am awaiting a
messenger from Tacna."

Nearly an hour passed before he was ready, during which time I saddled
my fresh mount, transferred my holsters, and had a chat with Jose. He
told me they had been compelled to release their prisoners, Santiago
among them.

"I had no idea you were so hard pressed," I said.

"If La Hera doesn't blunder," answered Jose, "he can sweep us all into
his net. The only thing that saves us now is Miller's skill and
reputation. Every one believes he is going to show fight somewhere
between this and the coast."

Presently the colonel came along, accompanied by Major Videla, to whom
he gave final directions; and then, bidding me follow, rode from the
camp. Four miles out we came upon Castro, walking, and leading his
horse, which had fallen dead lame.

"Have you been into Arica?" asked Miller.

"No, colonel; but I have learned some news. There are four fine
vessels in the roadstead; if you could get them, the troops would be
safe."

"Ah!" cried the colonel sharply; and telling Castro to wait for the
cavalry, he rode off at a great pace towards Arica. At four o'clock we
staggered into the town, and were instantly met by the governor with a
sorrowful tale. He had secured the use of three vessels, but the
commander of the fourth absolute