. He was about
fifty years of age, some six feet in heighth, and powerfully built,
but with a countenance far from pleasing.

With little ceremony, I was notified to get the Arequipena ready to
depart from the station at 7 o'clock in the morning. The principal
officers would go with her, I was told, and the regular train would
follow with the troops.

I replied that as a British subject it would be impossible for me to
comply, unless force was used; that I protested against this
high-handed proceeding. I did this so that, in the future, no one
could accuse me of aiding the rebels willingly. He replied that he did
not care for the British government, that I would do as I was told or
suffer the consequences. They then escorted me to the engine house,
where I found my fireman Manuel already a prisoner; also Beaumont, the
other engineer, and his fireman.

After getting the engine ready, I requested the officer in charge to
allow us to procure something to eat. His permission was given, then
another procession marched through the streets to the hotel, where the
rebel guards stood over us at breakfast.

The Arequipena was ready. Behind were the passenger engine and five
coaches, which rebel troops were already entering. At breakfast I had
managed to get a few words with Beaumont.

As the Arequipena was to go ahead, I would endeavor to get the
officers out to eat at Vincocaya. I would give a signal for him to
uncouple his engine and follow at full speed. It would be impossible
to stop him and they would be at the mercy of the government troops,
which would leave that afternoon, according to the instructions given
the Prefecto of Puno from Arequipa.

The officers came aboard the little Arequipena and loaded on several
barrels of powder, picks and shovels to destroy the abutments of the
bridge.

There were eleven officers who came aboard the coach, when to my
surprise, I beheld along with three soldiers, Don Rodrigo Garcia, who
was to guard me. I cannot describe my feelings. I know I am not a
coward, but I was taken with a shock of nervousness. It was not of
long duration. Indignation took the place of fear, but I realized how
formidable a task I had undertaken to save Sumbay bridge. Howbeit, I
determined more than ever to succeed, and the knowledge of that man
being near me, gave me renewed courage.

Before starting he hissed to me: "Don Juan, we meet again."

I did not answer. It was all I could do to keep from att