, and after a moment's
hesitation changed it into his left hand.

"You can tell him that I do not mean treachery or trying to take
prisoners," said the colonel.

His words were interpreted, and the Spanish officer said something
hastily in reply.

"Says, sir, that he cannot take your hand, but respects you all the
same."

At that moment the Spaniards began firing, and this roused our men into
replying, a sufficiently perilous position for the group between them,
till the young officer ran towards his men, holding up his sword; but
before the Spaniards had ceased our fire was silenced, for I saw the
General run here and there, shouting angrily.

"That was a risky proceeding of yours, Preston," said the General, as
the colonel came back within the fence.

"Yes, sir; a foolish, undisciplined act," replied the colonel; "but I
felt carried away by the bravery of that young fellow, deserted as he
was by his cowardly crew."

"I cannot blame you," said the General, "for I felt similarly moved."

Little more was said, for every one was intent upon the proceedings of
the enemy, who drew back about a hundred yards, and then formed up with
military precision, apparently previous to making a determined advance
together; but a full hour passed, and no advance was made. Two officers
came ashore from the ship with ten more men, and we were all kept in a
state of tension, momentarily expecting to have to defend ourselves
against a desperate attack.

But none came, and soon after the whole force marched down to the boats
and embarked, while a couple of hours later the ship was going slowly
down the big river with the tide.

Now it might have been expected that on seeing this our men would have
burst into a triumphant cheer, but they did not, but stood watching the
ship in silence. For there seemed to be something too solemn for words
or any display of exultation. Utterly worn out with fighting and
watching, and feeling as if we had all been rescued from death, men
moved about gravely and quietly, and I saw group after group where
gentlemen and ordinary working men, old soldiers who had come out there
to that pleasant land believing they had for ever turned their swords
into shares and pruning-hooks, were seated holding the hands of their
wives, and with their children on their knees, their heads bent, and the
tears streaming down the women's faces; and I know that a heartfelt
thanksgiving went silently up to heaven that n