nest, and willing to
do himself all that he required of his men. He showed this plainly two
hours after we had resumed the pursuit, when his horse suddenly dropped
from exhaustion. A dozen troopers at once made as if to dismount, but
he ordered them to keep their seats.

"No, no," he roared; "I take no advantage!" and he ran on, holding by
the stirrup to the nearest horseman.

The fellows cheered him, and I think we got on better for the incident,
though the halts became more frequent now, and our numbers lessened, as
one man after another dropped exhausted to the ground. Still we were
gaining on the runaways, as a disagreeable episode presently made clear.

It was about four o'clock in the afternoon, and we were straggling at
no great speed through a narrow valley, when half a dozen bullets from
the rocky sides dropped into our midst.

"Ah!" exclaimed Castro, "now the Spaniards are playing the proper game.
These fellows have been left to hold us in check while the main body
escapes through the Copari Pass."

"Push on there!" roared the captain, who after a spell of riding had
just dismounted. There was, indeed, nothing else to be done. We must
run the gauntlet, and trust to luck for some of us getting through.
The Spaniards were well hidden, and could not be dislodged, unless,
which was out of the question, we came to hand-grasps with them. So
urging our jaded beasts to a spurt, we quickened the pace, while now
and again a groan and a thud told that a bullet had found its mark.

Those who were hit lay where they fell; the most of us reached the open
country just in time to see a dozen or fifteen horsemen mount and ride
off. Evidently they had the pick of Santalla's animals, as they easily
kept their distance, though allowing us to advance within range, when,
discharging their muskets, they recommenced the retreat.

Plaza fumed like one distracted at the galling fire, which considerably
delayed our advance, though we suffered in the loss of horses rather
than of men. He was riding again now, and well in front, with Castro
and myself behind him. Suddenly, after a scattering volley, I felt my
horse slip, and the next instant the poor beast was sprawling on the
ground with a bullet-hole in its chest.

Staggering to my feet, I ran on, but unsteadily, for in truth I was
getting very near the end of my strength. However, a husky shout from
those in front encouraged me, and I saw that at last we had come fair