ima,
several of his men, unknown to her, kept ward over the hacienda. They
had received strict orders to protect its mistress against every
danger, even at the risk of their lives. In case of anything
occurring, one was to rouse the natives belonging to the order in Lima,
while another rode post-haste to the chief.

Remembering these things, and others not here set down, I can hardly
judge this remarkable man without bias; but even his most bitter
enemies could not truly say he was wholly bad. And it may be stated
here that during my stay in the ravine I was treated like a prince.
The best of everything was set before me, my slightest wish was law,
and even the fiercest of the white men, forming a small minority of the
band, were compelled to behave peaceably in my presence.

After I had eaten and slept for a time, I told the chief the story I
had heard from the young Spanish officer, Santiago Mariano, concerning
my father, and asked his opinion.

"I would build no hopes on that," said he, shaking his head
thoughtfully. "If your father is alive, we shall find him at Callao;
but I doubt it."

"The governor was expected to capitulate when I left Lima last," I
remarked.

"Yes; his provisions must be gone by now. Your San Martin is an old
woman. Why did he allow Canterac to escape? My men and I have been
marched about from place to place just where we could do no good. I
shall not trouble to obey orders any more. We are not children to be
treated thus."

Sorillo was very sore on the subject, and returned to it over and over
again. In the evening one of the band arrived with the information
that Colonel Miller had sent out search-parties to look for me, and
that three men were waiting at the entrance to the ravine.

"Tell them," said the chief, "that Don Juan Crawford is with me. He
has sprained his ankle very badly, and cannot move for several days;
otherwise he is unhurt. As soon as he is well enough we will take him
home."

"I wish the colonel would let my mother know," said I; "she would be
less anxious."

"That is a poor compliment to me," observed Sorillo, smiling. "My
messenger is already on his way to the hacienda with the news. I have
told him to say you are in absolutely no danger, so that your mother
will not be alarmed."

"Then I am more than ever in your debt," said I gratefully, for the
chief's action showed a thoughtful consideration quite unexpected.

"We shall never pay all that