together and smiled when my eyes
opened, but he would not talk beyond saying that we were back in Ica.

I felt weak, but in no pain; and in a day or two was able to dress, and
with Jose's help to go for a stroll in the town. Several acquaintances
congratulated me on my recovery; but not seeing Captain Plaza, I asked
Jose if he had been hurt.

"Oh no," he answered, with a smile; "the captain is sound in everything
but temper. Santalla spoiled that by getting clear off. You won't
forget that charming little trip in a hurry, Jack!"

"Oh, it was simply awful! I wouldn't go through it again to be made
commander-in-chief. I wonder it didn't kill me."

"It did kill some, and knocked you all out except Plaza and the guide.
There was precious little difficulty in finding the route you had
taken. One of the troopers showed me where you were. 'The lieutenant
is a bit light-headed; said he; 'so I put him in a corner out of harm's
way. I told him the captain had stopped the pursuit.'"

"I remember something about it. I was tired out before my horse got
hit, and the climb up the pass finished me."

"You weren't the only one to get knocked up. However, the colonel
obtained a light cart, and we brought you all back to Ica."

"So we had our trouble for nothing?"

"Not exactly. Santalla escaped, but he left all his stores behind, and
nearly a hundred of his men were captured. Most of them, I think, were
very glad of it. We couldn't get them to keep their eyes open, they
were so sleepy."

"What did the colonel say?"

"Oh, he laughed, and chaffed Plaza a bit, but I think he was very well
satisfied. Now we had better turn back."

I offered no objection, as even the short distance we had walked had
fatigued me wonderfully. By degrees, however, my strength returned,
and at the end of another week I was able to resume my duties.

The colonel, as usual, was extremely busy, having to keep in order all
the affairs of a huge district. Though my services were very welcome,
he would not let me do too much, saying kindly, "Take it easy, my lad.
One mustn't spur the willing horse. We are not chasing Santalla just
at present."

"Thank goodness!" I exclaimed. "One can have too much of that sport."
And the colonel indulged in one of his merry laughs.

The town at this time was very quiet. There were no Spanish troops
within many miles; our own men, through decent food and careful
nursing, were rapidly recovering from