n't kill ourselves through over-exertion."

By degrees we pushed on to a place about nine leagues east of Lima,
where it seemed as if the lumbering machine had broken down altogether.
It was evening when we arrived and halted; the men ate the last morsel
of their scanty rations; the chief officers, though no one could
imagine what they found to discuss, held a conference, and presently it
leaked out that the pursuit had been abandoned.

"I don't profess to understand it," exclaimed Major Gamarra, "but you
will find that there's some grand scheme in the air."

"Ah!" interrupted another officer, in a sarcastic tone, "and no doubt
it will stay there; most of these precious schemes do. What I should
like to see would be a little common sense."

"Would you recognize it if you saw it?" put in the major quick as
lightning; and all the others laughed.

"Perhaps not. I've had little opportunity of renewing my acquaintance
with it since San Martin came to Peru."

This was a dangerous remark, as we were a very mixed crowd. Some had
come from Buenos Ayres with San Martin; others were Chilians who had
fought with him throughout the Chilian War; several, like myself, were
natives of Peru; while two or three were Englishmen.

Fortunately, before the dispute had had time to become hot, the colonel
returned from the conference, and joined us at the fire.

"I don't know, gentlemen, that anything is likely to happen," said he;
"but we may as well enjoy a night's rest while we can," and wrapping
his cloak around him, he lay down, setting an example which most of us
followed.

CHAPTER XV.

WE CATCH A TARTAR.

When I awoke at six o'clock in the morning, most of the officers and
men were still sleeping, but the colonel had disappeared. There was
nothing to be done beyond feeding and grooming my horse, which I always
made a point of doing myself. As to my own breakfast, my haversack was
empty, and I think there was hardly a pound of meat to be found among
the whole column.

After a short time the men were roused, and just after seven o'clock we
saw the colonel come tearing along on horseback, as if pursued by a
cavalry division. Evidently he was in a great hurry, and his face was
wreathed in smiles.

"Good-morning, gentlemen," he cried. "You will be glad to hear my
news: we move in an hour's time. The general has only a scanty stock
of provisions, but there is sufficient to provide your men with
breakfast.--Crawf