ap in the forest, across which he made his way as
quickly as possible, striking into a still denser part of the wood on
the other side. It was by this time beginning to grow dark, and Jim was
considering ruefully the prospect of having to spend the night in the
forest when he thought he heard a slight noise somewhere among the trees
near him. He at once brought his rifle to the "ready," and glared about
him, searching the wood with his glances to see who or what the intruder
might be. The next moment he sprang behind a tree; for it was certain
that there was somebody close at hand. It could hardly be a Peruvian
soldier so far away from his friends, thought Jim; moreover, the
individual was treading stealthily, as though in fear of being heard.
The next moment the fugitive Chilian pushed his way cautiously into the
path, looking warily to right and left as he did so. Douglas
immediately sprang out from his hiding-place, nearly scaring the man to
death for a moment. The Chilian proved to be an officer who had
formerly been on board the _O'Higgins_, and he and Douglas recognised
each other instantly.

They at once sat down to talk matters over, and Jim soon found that his
friend knew this part of the country very well, having been there
before; and that he had decided to make for Arica, which was at this
time in Chilian hands. Jim readily fell in with the plan, and after a
good long rest the two men started away upon their arduous journey.
They camped for the night on the outskirts of the wood, which they
reached about midnight, and there made a meal off the provisions which
each had been thoughtful enough to bring. These provisions lasted them
a week, by which time they were approaching the region where they might
hope to find the Chilian outposts. But they had either miscalculated
the distance, or the Chilians had retreated, for it was another week
before they finally came into contact with a Chilian force at Tacna;
and, meanwhile, they had had to procure food at the muzzle of Jim's
carbine, for the country-folk soon perceived that the two fugitives were
escaped Chilian prisoners.

As soon, however, as they fell in with Colonel Barros, in command of the
first company of the Taltal regiment, stationed at Tacna, their troubles
were over. He at once provided them with mules and a small escort, at
the same time lending them as much money as he could spare. And after a
stay of three days with this hospitable and k