e,
which he dragged after him by a lasso. Sometimes a break in the track,
caused by a deep gully or a waterfall, occurred, when the men had to
dismount, and to lead their animals.

"But the worst of all was when night came while we were still on the
march," said Plaza. "We always walked then, and more than one fellow
went tumbling down some frightful precipice. We lost our way two or
three times, though there were plenty of trumpeters stationed at
intervals. But Cordova will tell you about that," and there was a
general laugh.

"Oh," said Alzura, scenting a bit of fun, "order, please, for Cordova's
story.--Now, my boy, out with it!"

"'Twas nothing," replied Cordova airily. "We missed our way, and had
to return, that's all. A mere accident, only these fellows make such a
fuss about it."

"Plaza, you tell the yarn," said I. "Cordova's much too modest, and
that's quite a new thing for him, too!"

"Well, it happened on the wildest night of the whole journey. A
terrific snowstorm came on, half blinding us. We were wet through and
tired as dogs, and the camping-place was still a long way off. We
couldn't see much, but there was plenty of noise. The wind howled, the
trumpeters blew loud enough to wake the dead, officers shouted to their
men, horses neighed and mules brayed: it was a regular pandemonium! To
crown all, we were following the windings of a roaring torrent."

"And Cordova was leading," interrupted Major Gamarra.

"Some one suggested we were on the wrong track, but our friend knew
better. 'Follow me,' said he; 'I can guide you by the sounds of the
trumpets.' And we followed."

"Like a flock of sheep," chimed in the major.

"We went on," continued Plaza, "till even Cordova admitted something
was wrong; then we stopped."

"Why didn't you turn back?"

"Out of the question, my boy. We tried it, and lost half a dozen
animals in the attempt. The only thing possible was to advance till we
reached an open spot. When all our fellows were across we turned
round, and began the march back."

"Bravo, Cordova!" cried my chum, who was bubbling over with laughter.

"Oh, come, wait a bit. You haven't heard the best of the joke yet. We
had done nearly half the distance, when we met the head of another
squadron that followed us. 'Go back,' we yelled; 'you've missed the
proper path.' 'Go back yourselves,' they shouted in reply; 'we can't!'
Well, you know, neither party dared move till daybreak; so