ground, and had retreated slowly--probably with the intention of
drawing them into some defiles, where they might be attacked from the
heights. At this period intelligence was received that the Spaniards
were again advancing from the north. On hearing this, the commandant of
Popayan immediately sent a despatch entreating the general to return.
Instead, however, of the whole army coming, only a few made their
appearance to assist in the defence of the town. At the same time,
troops had been collected from all quarters, and every effort had been
made to bring them into a state of efficiency. Our uncle, Dr Cazalla,
was one of the most active in preparing for the defence of the place.
He had established a manufactory for gunpowder, on a plan devised by
himself. It was one of the articles most required. He had also taught
all the blacksmiths who could be found how to repair muskets, and some
of the most expert even how to manufacture them.

"It is a sad way of employing our strength and talents," he observed to
my father. "The same exertions rendered to the cause of peaceful
industry, might make this country rich and flourishing, instead of which
all our energies are being expended in killing one another. Still, we
are fighting for the advantage of our children; but the ruin this war
has brought upon the country cannot be repaired during our lifetime."

The officer now in command of the city had seen no service. He may have
been a very worthy man, but he was a bad general. I have described the
chief square of the town. Most of the houses in it had been turned into
barracks, the owners having fled, some because they were Royalists, and
others in order to avoid the risk they would incur should the place be
captured by either party.

I was now nearly quite well, as was also Mr Laffan, and he had
determined to set off next day to rejoin Juan's corps. He had, however,
over-estimated his strength; for that very evening, on returning home,
he was seized with a fever. My father insisted that he should at once
go to bed. "If you do not," he said, "I will not answer for your life."

The dominie obeyed, but very unwillingly. His illness however, as was
proved in the sequel, was the means of saving his life. I had gone one
afternoon with my father to visit some Royalist friends living in the
great square, who had had the courage to remain in the town. My father
had attended the family, and not long before had been th