ne evening.

"His intentions are evident," replied my father, rather bitterly. "He
means to make himself master of the country, and to push you aside."

"I think you misjudge him; but in any case I place the happiness of
Peru before personal ambition.--By the way," he added, turning to me,
"have you ever seen this remarkable man?"

"No, general."

"Would you like to do so? Ah, I see you would. Well, you shall. I am
going to meet him at Guayaquil; you shall go with me, unless your
father objects."

"I have no objection, general. It will do him good, by opening his
eyes!"

"Very well; let him be ready to-morrow morning. I will let Colonel
Miller know of the arrangement."

"Jack," exclaimed my father when San Martin had gone, "this is a great
honour for you. I don't expect the protector will take any one else,
except Guido, who goes with him everywhere. I almost envy you, my boy,
for San Martin and Bolivar are certainly the two most wonderful men in
South America."

"Will there be any danger?" asked my mother.

"I think not; the visit is a friendly one."

The next day, having put on my gaudiest uniform, blue with red facings,
white edging, and abundance of gold lace, I went over to Callao,
meeting the general and his "aid" just as they were embarking on the
schooner _Macedonia_. As usual, the general looked grave and rather
stern. He was very silent too, and as the schooner slipped from her
moorings he disappeared within his cabin. Guido, who shared a cabin
with me, was far less reserved than his chief.

"This is a fool's errand," said he brusquely. "The protector is just
playing into Bolivar's hands."

"He knows what he is doing, I think."

"That makes me the more angry. But for him the Spaniards would still
be in possession of Peru; and now, rather than make a bother, he'll let
the other fellow take the prize."

"What would you have him do?"

"Do?" cried he excitedly; "why, stand his ground. I would say, 'I have
done all the hard work, I have made Peru free, and I am going to be
master of the country. Let Bolivar or any one else come here at his
peril!'"

"Then there would be a three-cornered fight, and the Spaniards would
have the best of it!"

"That wouldn't be San Martin's fault. Do you think Bolivar cares how
the country suffers as long as he comes out on top? Not he!"

"If that is so, San Martin is certainly playing the better part."

"The better part? a fig for the better