At some little distance, however, was a wood. If we could gain it, we
should be in safety; for should the enemy attempt to swim across the
stream their muskets and powder would be damaged, while we should get
well ahead before they had time to construct rafts in order to ferry
them over.

We threw ourselves upon our horses; but scarcely had I got into my
saddle, when I heard a peculiar thud, and felt that a bullet had struck
me--whereabouts I could not for the moment tell.

"On, on!" I shouted to Antonio.

"O senor, you are bleeding!" he exclaimed.

"I suppose so," I answered, "for I felt something strike me; but never
mind--on, on!"

We dashed forward; and I was in hopes that I might retain my strength
until we could reach the camp. Another volley came rattling after us,
but we escaped being hit, and in a few seconds were in the midst of
trees, among which we made our way as fast as we could, frequently
having to leap or scramble over fallen trunks. But nothing stopped us.
It was not likely that we should encounter any of the enemy on the side
we had gained; but still it was possible, and it was necessary to keep
our eyes about us.

I had been too much excited to feel any pain, but at length I began to
experience an uncomfortable sensation, though I would not consent to
stop and allow Antonio to bind up my wound. I did not fancy, indeed,
that it could be very severe.

"Do, senor, allow me to bind your sash over the wound, or you will faint
from loss of blood; then it will be difficult to get you back," said
Antonio.

At length I yielded to his persuasions. We both dismounted; and having
tethered our horses, he set scientifically to work to bandage my wound.

"It was high time to do this, senor," he observed; "a few more minutes,
and you would have had no more blood in your veins."

He tore off a piece of my shirt, and with a pocket handkerchief made a
pad, which he bound on my side. This increased the pain, but at the
same time it stopped the flow of blood, which was running down my
trousers into my boots. I then again mounted, though not without
difficulty, and rode on, doing my best to keep my saddle; but I had to
confess that I felt very weak. Most thankful was I, therefore, when we
came in sight of our camp. Some of the tents were pitched on a long
ridge, protected by mountains in their rear, while a steep bank sloped
down to the valley. Other tents appeared to the right, also on elevated
gr