re faint and rare. We heard the rustling of trees
and occasionally the barking of dogs, which last sound, however, soon
ceased, and we were in the midst of night and silence. My horse, either
from weariness or the badness of the road, frequently stumbled; whereupon
I dismounted, and leading him by the bridle, soon left my companion far
in the rear. I had proceeded in this manner a considerable way when a
circumstance occurred of a character well suited to the time and place.

I was again amidst trees and bushes, when the horse, stopping short,
nearly pulled me back. I know not how it was, but fear suddenly came
over me, which, though in darkness and in solitude, I had not felt
before. I was about to urge the animal forward, when I heard a noise at
my right hand, and listened attentively. It seemed to be that of a
person or persons forcing their way through branches and brushwood. It
soon ceased, and I heard feet on the road. It was the short, staggering
kind of tread of people carrying a very heavy substance, nearly too much
for their strength, and I thought I [heard] the hurried breathing of men
over-fatigued. There was a short pause in the middle of the road; then
the stamping recommenced until it reached the other side, when I again
heard a similar rustling amidst branches; it continued for some time, and
died gradually away.

I continued my road, musing on what had just occurred and forming
conjectures as to the cause. The lightning resumed its flashing, and I
saw that I was approaching tall black mountains--But I will omit further
particulars of this midnight journey.

'_Quien vive_,' roared a voice about an hour from this time, for I had at
last groped my way to Villafranca. It proceeded from the sentry at the
suburb, one of those singular half soldiers, half _guerillas_, called
Miguelets, who are in general employed by the Spanish Government to clear
the roads of robbers. I gave the usual answer '_Espana_,' and went up to
the place where he stood. After a little conversation, I sat down on a
stone, awaiting the arrival of Antonio, who was long in making his
appearance. On his arrival I asked him if any one had passed him on the
road, but he replied that he had seen nothing. The night, or rather
morning, was still very dark, though a small corner of the moon was
occasionally visible. On our enquiring the way to the gate, the Miguelet
directed us down a street to the left, which we followed. The s