I did my best; but Alzura found the cavern, and in a short time we were
both inside. The place was dark, and smelt dreadfully, the roof almost
touched our heads, and the passage was very narrow.

"A nice trap!" I remarked. "If the soldiers catch us here, there's an
end to our freedom."

"I'm not so sure of that. The gallery may run a long way back, and
perhaps communicate with another. Shall we explore it?"

"Not now; I'm hungry and tired."

"So am I, and wet and cold too. I wish we had a fire. Better take
your things off and wring them; you'll be a bit more comfortable."

I followed his advice, and then we sat down to feast on the dried beef
and biscuits, which, happily, we had been able to keep in good
condition. It was not a brilliant banquet, but we were hungry, and our
teeth were sharp.

"I think it's a pity I lost my stock," remarked Alzura, lazily enjoying
the food. "That bit won't last long."

"You must eat less. I shall put you on short rations in the morning."

"Tell me that to-morrow; I'm sleepy now."

"Aren't we going to keep watch?"

"I don't think it's worth while. The soldiers aren't likely to look
here for us, unless you attract their attention by snoring too loudly,"
and the rascal chuckled himself off to sleep.

In a few minutes I lay down beside him, and slept soundly till he
wakened me by beating a tattoo on my ribs, and saying that he wanted
his supper. We had, in fact, slept through most of the day, and it was
too late to think of making a fresh start till the first thing in the
morning.

However, as soon as day broke we set out with a hazy idea of making our
way to Lima. By dint of careful economy, our provisions would last for
three days, and then we must trust to luck. We had no notion how the
war had gone, and I should not have been surprised to hear that the
Royalists were again masters of the country.

About noon on the third day of our journey we sat down beside a
pleasant stream in a picturesque ravine. There was sufficient food
left for one meal, and Alzura voted for having it at once.

"It's a long time since breakfast," said he, "and this mountain air
sharpens one's appetite. Besides, it's good policy to make sure of a
thing while one has the chance."

"All right," said I, laughing, and opening the bundle, "here you are.
Don't grumble with me when we have to go to bed without supper."

"We may get a fresh supply before then; who knows?"

I did not