ound. Altogether, the position was one of considerable strength, and
well chosen. Large numbers of troops were exercising in the valley
below.

After passing the videttes, as we rode along the southern ridge,
overlooking this valley, we saw a horseman approaching us. It proved to
be my _ci-devant_ tutor, Mr Laffan,--now holding the rank of captain.

"What has happened, my dear Duncan?" he exclaimed as he saw me. "You
look as pale as death. Why, you must be wounded; no doubt about it."

I gave him a brief account of what had happened; with which he was, of
course, horrified.

"We must get the doctor to you, in the first place; then you can make
your report to the general."

But just then we saw the general approaching, so we rode forward to meet
him. He would at first scarcely credit the fearful account I had to
give; but it was confirmed by Antonio, who described how he had seen me
leap from the window, and how the Pastucians had fired at us.

"Have any of the officers escaped?" he asked.

I told him I was afraid every one had been killed.

"We must avenge them," he said; "such treachery deserves the most
complete punishment. Now go, young senor, and get your wound looked
to," he added.

As I rode off, he summoned several of his staff, and issued orders to
prepare for an attack.

I was carried to Captain Brown's tent.

"I must look after you," said Captain Brown; "for had you not gone, I
should most certainly have been murdered with the rest of the poor
fellows."

The news I brought naturally excited the greatest indignation,
especially amongst the officers and men of the regiment of the Cauca.
All hoped that the Pastucians would attack us that night. The troops
were got under arms, and every preparation was made for the battle,
though the tents were allowed to stand, in order to deceive the enemy's
scouts.

Juan, hearing that I was wounded, came to see me, and expressed his
sorrow.

"I thought I should have had you by my side in to-morrow's fight," he
said; "for, from what I can hear, if the Pastucians do not attack us we
shall attack them, and I hope to punish them severely for their
treachery. It is in keeping with their character, and our poor fellows
should not have trusted them."

Neither Juan nor Mr Laffan could stay with me long, as they had to
attend to their men, and every officer was needed. Captain Brown and
Antonio looked after me, however; and the doctor assured me that, if I