s she think he is as great
a mummer as Bolivar?"

"Hush!" I whispered, not wishing his outspoken comments to be heard.
"See, he is taking it off."

We could not hear what he said, but he spoke pleasantly, and beckoning
to Guido, placed the wreath in his hand.

"Take great care of this," said he; "I value it highly for the sake of
the giver."

"Bolivar would have worn a dozen, one on top of the other," growled
Guido.

Presently the two chiefs proceeded to an inner room, where they
remained alone for nearly two hours, while we chatted with the Bolivian
officers, several of whom were Englishmen.

At length the door opened, the leaders came out, and San Martin
accompanied Bolivar to the street, where they parted with a show of
cordial friendship. Directly afterwards the assembly dispersed, and we
were left in peace. The next day they had a much longer interview, and
at its close I read in San Martin's face that he had resolved to
sacrifice himself for the good of Peru.

"Guido," said he quietly, "let the baggage be taken aboard. They are
giving a grand dinner in my honour this evening; as soon as I can get
away, we sail for Callao."

The banquet, which was held in the house set apart for Bolivar, was on
the most magnificent scale. The room was bright with showy uniforms;
every one appeared to be covered with stars and crosses and
decorations. I almost regretted that my silver key was not dangling
outside my tunic.

San Martin sat in the chair of honour at the right of our host. Of all
the good things set before him he ate and drank little, his thoughts
being evidently far removed from the banqueting-room.

This was the first time I had been at a public dinner, and but for
anxiety on our leader's account, I should have enjoyed it immensely.
Presently, when the servants had removed the dishes, Bolivar filled his
glass with wine, and stood up. Instantly the buzz of conversation
ceased; the officers gazed intently at their chief, who was about to
propose a toast. I listened too, wondering if my ears were playing me
false. As to Guido, I thought that, in his scornful contempt, he would
have kicked the table over.

"Gentlemen," said our host, "to the two greatest men of South
America--General San Martin and myself!"

There was a round of cheering, while Guido and I hardly dared look at
each other, and not at all at our chief.

Soon afterward we adjourned to the ballroom, but did not stay long, San
Mart