ed. That
port was then in the hands of the Chileans and the stop was only long
enough to take on the mail, when they headed for Callao, the principal
port of Peru. As the Chilean fleet then blockaded the port no steamers
were permitted to land there, but when off the city, the Columbia
steamed through the blockaders, much to Paul's anxiety, because of a man
on board who had been questioning him rather closely regarding his
intentions in visiting Peru and Boyton had every reason to believe him a
spy, and looked every moment for him to signal one of the blockading
vessels; but fortunately the Columbia was allowed to proceed on
her way unmolested to the port of Chilca where there are only a few
miserable houses. The steamer landed there at night and Paul with his
companion and five other passengers were put ashore in a small boat.
Accommodations for the entertainment of travelers were very poor, but
they made the best of it for the night, though they were nearly devoured
by fleas, which, combined with the fact that it was necessary to guard
closely their baggage, prevented the enjoyment of any repose. A train
of mules was chartered next morning to bear them across the pampas to
Lima. All day long they bestrode those razor backed mules, riding
through wild country, now over bleak and desolate hills, then across
barren plains. The absence of even a spear of grass bespoke the
unfruitfulness of the soil, while large condors and galanasas hovered
overhead, waiting for man or mule to fall, overcome by the heat; then
they would alight with exultant cries to a horrible feast. The water
of the caravan was rapidly exhausted and they suffered the pangs of
thirst. Toward evening, with parched throats and weary bodies they
reached an oasis in the shape of a poor village. There was water in
abundance however, and that was more precious to the wayfarers than
the sight of great palaces. Being refreshed, they proceeded to the
town of Lurin, where they arrived late at night and found the place
occupied by Peruvian troops. An ambitious officer of the company,
selected Paul for a victim and placed him under arrest as a Chilean spy.
The officer would listen to no explanations, but compelled his
prisoner to travel on that night, though he was so fatigued by the day's
journey that he could scarcely sit on his mule. There was no help
for it, so Kiefer was left with the baggage and Paul, closely guarded,
ro