of Cordova especially affected us.
We had been through many perils together, had endured many hardships,
and it seemed a pity that he should not have lived to taste the sweets
of victory.

Shortly before sunset that same day I received a message from General
Miller asking me to go to his quarters. I found him expecting me, and
he at once plunged into the subject upon which he wished to speak.

"The war is now over, Crawford," said he, "and General Sucre is able to
release a large part of his force. I am proceeding to Cuzco, but there
is no need for you to do so. You have done your share, and I intend
sending you on special service to Lima."

"Oh, thank you, general!" I answered, my eyes sparkling and my cheeks
flushing with pleasure.

"The regiment will return in a few weeks at the most," he continued.
"Be ready to start in the morning, and don't forget to remember me
kindly to your parents. Some day I hope to call upon them."

"I am sure you will receive a very warm welcome when you come,
general," I replied, taking the hand held out to me.

"Well, dear boy," said Alzura, on my return to our quarters, "what is
the news?"

"Good," said I, "though perhaps it's a bit selfish to say so. I start
to-morrow for Lima. The regiment proceeds to Cuzco, but it will return
to the capital in a few weeks."

"All right, old fellow. I'm glad to hear of your good fortune, though
I shall miss you awfully. Mind you hunt up my people and tell them I'm
all right and hoping to see them soon."

Of course I promised to do so, and then went to wish the others
good-bye.

"I hope you will find all your people well," exclaimed Plaza on hearing
the news. "After all, you're only a sort of advance courier, and we
shall soon meet again."

"We shall expect you to give a ball to the officers of the regiment,
and a feast to the men, when we reach the capital," cried Alzura
merrily.

"Meanwhile," said Plaza gravely, "take my advice, and have a good rest."

CHAPTER XXIX.

HOME AGAIN.

Home again! The weary journey was at an end.

I had crossed the desolate mountains, and was riding into Lima. The
city was gay with flags and bunting; decorations abounded on all sides;
joy-bells pealed, and the streets resounded with the merry laughter and
chatter of the citizens.

News of the brilliant victory at Ayacucho had evidently preceded me.

I longed to ride home at a gallop and throw myself into my mother's
arms; I yearned