.

This was satisfactory intelligence. I then told him what I had heard
the Spanish officer saying; that he seemed an ill-tempered fellow; and
that we must be on our guard towards him.

The captain, after having discussed his supper, put the same questions
to Mr Laffan that he had put to me.

My tutor told him the story agreed on. "Oh!" he said, "you will follow
me, for I must carry intelligence of the proceedings of the rascally
rebels to Bogota."

"A pleasant journey to you then, colonel," said Mr Laffan, giving him a
higher title than was his due. "We Englishmen, unaccustomed to your
wild mountains, cannot travel so fast."

I begged Mr Laffan to inquire what news the officer could give us.

"Very satisfactory," he answered; "the rebels are everywhere defeated,
and many of their leaders have been taken prisoners. The only
unfortunate circumstance has been the escape of some of the prisoners
who were being sent to Bogota by the way of La Plata. Among others
rescued is that intriguing lady, Dona Dolores Monteverde."

I tried to keep my countenance as this was said.

"Never heard of her," observed Mr Laffan with imperturbable coolness.
"How did it happen?"

"Suddenly, as the guards who had her and others in charge were emerging
from a defile, they were set upon by a small party of horsemen who had
remained concealed behind the rocks, and had allowed the larger force to
pass. Most of the escort were cut down, for their bodies were found
strewed on the ground; and the prisoners, including Dona Dolores, were
carried off. Though hotly pursued by the cavalry, who, on hearing the
shots, had returned, the rascals made good their escape."

I was delighted to hear this, and I had no doubt but that Juan by some
means or other had heard of the capture of Dona Dolores, and had formed
a plan for her rescue. I hoped also that her father had escaped with
her, as he probably would be in her company. It relieved my mind of a
great difficulty; for although I had resolved to attempt her liberation,
I could devise no plan for its accomplishment. I advised Mr Laffan to
ask no further questions, lest the officer might suspect that he had
some object in view.

We slung up our hammocks as usual in the common room, and the dominie
and I did our best to sleep soundly, knowing that Lion would awake us if
necessary.

The captain had stowed himself away on a pile of straw and cloaks in the
corner, and just before I closed my