as I prophesied he would."

"Then you were a false prophet."

"Then I ask the worthy Don's pardon for suspecting him without cause.
But how did you get here?"

"I was brought in a wagon."

"Lucky dog! Always lucky, Juan. I had to walk," and he showed me his
feet, naked, and scored with cuts.

After sympathizing with him, I asked him how events were shaping.

"Canterac did not capture Callao, as he hoped, and is now back in the
highlands. Many things have happened, however; let me be your
chronicle. Where shall I start?"

"From the day that Canterac swooped down on Lima."

"That was nothing. He sat down in the capital; we hugged the guns at
Callao and looked at him. When he got tired he took himself off, and
we returned to our quarters."

"Nothing very exciting in that."

"You are right, my boy. Your judgment is marvellous. But we had a day
of excitement shortly before I came on this trip. You should have been
there. Lima went stark mad! The guns at Callao thundered for hours;
the capital was decked with flags; the people cheered till they were
hoarse; there was a very delirium of joy. It was the greeting of Peru
to her saviour--her second saviour, that is."

"Why can't you speak plainly? Do you mean Bolivar has come?"

"Your second question, Juan, shows there was little need for the first.
Yes, Bolivar, the protector or emperor, or whatever name the new master
of Peru cares to be known by. The hero of South America has arrived;
let the Spaniards tremble!"

"For any sake give your tongue a rest. What has Santa Cruz done?"

"What has Santa Cruz done? A very great deal, my boy, I assure you.
He has lost his whole army--men and horses, guns and ammunition, wagons
and stores. What do you think of that, young man? You will be
compelled to swallow Bolivar after all."

"Let us change the subject. Tell me about yourself."

"Ah," said he, "that is indeed a great subject! Your discernment is
worthy of praise. I can talk on that topic for hours without tiring.
Where shall I begin?"

"Where is the jailer?"

"Why?"

"That I may ask him to send me back to the hospital."

"Juan, you are a fraud! But hark! that is the bell calling us to
dinner. Blessed sound! Come with me to the banquet."

CHAPTER XXIII.

AN OPEN-AIR PRISON.

There were fifteen or sixteen Patriot officers of all ranks in the
prison, and I found most of them jolly fellows. We lived all together
in two large r