wards the Cofre de Perote.

At sunrise we rode out in two carriages, six of us, including our
seconds and surgeons. About a mile from town we halted, and leaving the
carriages upon the road, crossed over into a small glade in the midst of
the chaparral.

It was as pretty a spot for our purpose as the heart could wish for, and
had often, we were informed, been used for similar morning exercises--
that was, before chivalry had died out among the descendants of Cortez
and the conquerors.

The ground was soon lined off--ten paces--and we took our stands, back
to back. We were to wheel at the word "Ready!" and fire at "One, two,
three!"

We were waiting for the word with that death-like silence which always
precedes a similar signal, when Little Jack, who had been left with the
carriages, rushed into a glade, calling with all his might:

"Captain! Captain!"

Every face was turned upon him with scowling inquiry, when the boy,
gasping for breath, shouted out:

"The Mexicans are on the road!"

The words had scarcely passed his lips when the trampling of hoofs
sounded in our ears, and the next moment a band of horsemen came driving
pell-mell into the opening. At a single glance we recognised the
guerilla!

Ransom, who was nearest, blazed away at the foremost of the band,
missing his aim. With a spring the guerillero was over him, his sabre
raised for the blow. I fired, and the Mexican leapt from his saddle
with a groan.

"Thank you, Haller," cried my antagonist, as we rushed side by side
towards the pistols.

There were four pairs in all, and the surgeons and seconds had already
armed themselves, and were pointing their weapons at the enemy. We
seized the remaining two, cocking them as we turned.

At this moment my eye fell upon a black horse, and, looking, I
recognised the rider. He saw and recognised me at the same moment, and,
driving the spurs into his horse's flanks, sprang forward with a yell.
With one bound he was over me, his white teeth gleaming like a tiger's.
His sabre flashed in my eyes--I fired--a heavy body dashed against me--I
was struck senseless to the earth!

I was only stunned, and in a few moments I came to my senses. Shots and
shouts rang around me. I heard the trampling of hoofs and the groans of
wounded men.

I looked up. Horsemen in dark uniforms were galloping across the glade
and into the woods beyond. I recognised the yellow facings of the
American dragoons.

I drew my