He ought to be at school instead of marching about the country."

"I'm not eager to march," laughed Alzura; "I'll stay behind willingly."

"Ugh!" exclaimed the first soldier, "you would soon be dead in this
wilderness. We have seen some sights in this district--haven't we,
Alonzo?"

"That we have," replied his companion, "and I don't want to see any
more of them."

The two worthy fellows worked so industriously that in less than half
an hour the sandals were completed, the holes pierced, and the laces
put in, all ready for use.

"I don't know how to thank you," said Alzura earnestly, "but if we
manage to live through this war, I may be able to pay you back. At
present you must take the will for the deed."

"It's all right, senor; we could not see you suffer like that. And our
officer will say we did right. Just in time, too! There's the summons
to assemble."

At the evening halt we were again set free a short time, being
refastened for the night. After travelling for four days in this way,
we saw from the top of a high hill the waters of a magnificent lake,
studded with islets. It seemed quite near; but several hours passed
before we reached its border--a broad morass, through which ran devious
tracks.

Our leader now stopped, and we saw a number of soldiers carefully
crossing one of the tracks from the lake. As soon as they reached us
we were unbound and placed in single file, while the chief of the
escort said, "The journey is ended. Yonder is your home while the war
lasts. It is not a lively place, but you will be out of mischief.
Follow your guides, and walk carefully; you will not enjoy sinking in
the quagmires."

We appreciated his advice more when, about half-way across, a stout
middle-aged major, missing his footing, plunged into the liquid mud.
In an instant he was immersed to the chin, and but for Barriero, who
grasped his head, would have disappeared altogether. As it was, he
presented a miserable appearance, and showed us how terrible was the
danger.

Several boats were moored at the edge of the lake, and an officer
directed us to get in, one by one. Barriero, Alzura, and I entered the
same boat; which was fortunate, as the prisoners were divided into
three groups and taken to different islets.

There were six of us in our group, and twelve soldiers under the
command of a non-commissioned officer. The guard occupied comfortable
quarters, while three mud huts were reserved for us.