stucians could come near
enough to fire at us. To escape their observation was almost
impossible, so not a moment was to be lost.

"Now, Antonio," I said, "we must push on for our lives, and pray Heaven
that we may reach the bottom of the hill without breaking our necks;
then, at the first likely spot, we must push across the river. Can you
swim?"

"Si, senor, like a fish."

"Then, the instant our horses lose their footing, we must slip from
their backs and guide them across."

A momentary glance showed me that the Pastucians had seen us, and were
hurrying along the bank of the river to cut us off. Keeping to the
right, therefore, we dashed forward, our horses frequently descending
several feet at a time, but alighting always on their legs. It was
almost by a miracle that we reached the bottom of the steep hill. We
then had to gallop along over rough ground until we came to a place
which afforded some prospect of crossing. There was no time to survey
it narrowly, and leading the way, sure that Antonio would follow, I
plunged in--my horse stumbling forward some distance, so that I was
afraid he would lose his footing and be carried down the stream. At
length he made a plunge, and his whole body sank under the water. I
instantly threw myself off and turned his head up the current, holding
on by one hand to the saddle, while I swam with the other. Antonio, in
the same fashion, followed close at my heels. Below us, to the right,
was a roaring waterfall, threatening instant death to us should we go
over; but the sagacious animals seemed to understand their danger, and
did their utmost to keep away from it.

I could now see the enemy coming along the bank; they were holding their
muskets ready to fire directly they got within range of us. The bank
for which we were making was steep, but still our brave steeds might
climb it, if not too much fatigued by their swim. I shouted to Antonio
that we would lead them up, as we should gain in the end by it.

Most thankful was I when at length I found my horse beginning to walk,
and I soon set my own feet on the ground. Even then it was no easy
matter to get along; while there was the risk that my horse, in his
struggles, would strike me with his hoofs.

We landed at last, and taking the reins, I dragged him up the bank.
Antonio followed closely. Scarcely had we reached the top when we heard
the rattle of musketry, and several bullets struck the ground around us.