He is delighted--so he
says--to be able to hand over the estates, which he was keeping in
trust for you, to the rightful owner."

"Do you think my father believes him?"

"I can't say. Your mother doesn't; neither do I."

"Nor I."

We remained silent for some minutes, when, Sorillo joining us, I told
him the good news. At first he did not seem to comprehend. When he
did, I thought he would take leave of his senses. Even Jose, who was
not given to judging by outward show, was impressed by the man's
genuine pleasure.

But the grand event took place some days later, when my father himself
came to remove me to Lima. Sorillo marshalled his Indians at the mouth
of the pass, and they escorted him up the ravine in a triumphal
procession, amidst enthusiastic cries of "Long live Don Eduardo
Crawford! long live the Indians' friend!"

There is not much to tell about our meeting. It was all very simple,
though I suppose there were not at that moment two happier people in
Peru. My father was exceptionally loving and kind-hearted, but he
never made a fuss, while my English blood kept me from being too
demonstrative.

"Well, Jack, my boy," he exclaimed, giving me a warm grip of the hand,
"I reckon you never expected to see me again?"

"Well, father, I had heard it was possible you were alive, but I hardly
dared hope so."

As Jose said, he was looking very well, considering the circumstances.
His cheeks were thinner, and had lost their colour; his hair had turned
gray; he seemed less robust than formerly; but his mind was brisk and
alert, and his eyes retained their old fire.

Sorillo would have kept him awhile as an honoured guest; but he was
anxious to return, and the carriage waited at the foot of the
mountains. On one point, however, the guerilla chief would not be
denied. Leaving the Spaniards and mulattoes in the ravine, he insisted
on accompanying us, with his Indians, to Lima, and my father did not
like to refuse him. From the ravine they carried me on a comfortable
litter to the foot of the mountains, where Jose had stayed with the
carriage. Then forming up in front, they marched along singing and
cheering for Don Eduardo Crawford.

We slept that night in a deserted hacienda, and arrived at our home
next day. Jose had ridden forward to inform my mother of her coming
visitors, so that she might be able to provide them with food and drink.

It was a grand home-coming for me, and a great triumph for my f