force of the torrent, had once compelled an
unfortunate bullock to descend it; but that, excepting a few bones, not
a vestige of the animal could afterwards be found at the bottom.

"It is worth coming all the way from England to behold such a scene as
this," observed Mr Laffan to our guide, as he put a piece of money into
the man's hand. "The young milord is highly pleased."

The guide took care to inform some persons whom he found at the top of
the hill, and who were going to Bogota, of the opinion I had formed; and
they of course entertained no suspicion that I was any other than a
young English lord travelling with his tutor. This was a great
advantage to us, as it prevented puzzling questions being asked.

Mr Laffan, however, continued to express his fears that the Spanish
captain might have preceded us, and given notice to the authorities of
our coming.

I, of course, said nothing of having witnessed the man's terrible end,
as I had resolved to keep the fearful secret locked in my own bosom.
Probably, even had I mentioned it, very little trouble would have been
taken to search out the culprit and bring him to justice.

CHAPTER TEN.

WE OVERTAKE AN ESCORT WITH PRISONERS ON THE ROAD TO BOGOTA--DR. CAZALLA
AMONG THEM--HE MAKES NO SIGN OF RECOGNITION--WE NEXT SEE UNCLE RICHARD--
HOW LION NEARLY BETRAYED US--WE SPEAK TO UNCLE RICHARD IN ENGLISH--
ANTONIO AMONG THE GUARD--HAS HE TURNED TRAITOR?--HURRYING ON BEFORE THE
ESCORT, WE FALL IN WITH A BODY OF VOLUNTEERS FOR THE SPANISH ARMY--AT A
POSADA--COCK-FIGHTING--THE SERGEANT AND HIS RECRUITS ARRIVE--ENTERING
BOGOTA--DESCRIPTION OF THE CITY--THE GREAT SQUARE--AT THE HOUSE OF DON
JOSE--THE CHILDREN'S REMARKS--WE ARE KINDLY TREATED--THE DEATH OF DONA
PAULA SALABARIATA--DON JOSE'S SYMPATHY--SOME OTHER PATRIOTS SHOT.

Having made a circuit to the southward, we reached the highroad which
runs between the capital and La Plata. As we did so, we saw before us a
considerable body of men both on foot and horseback; and on inquiring of
some peons who were coming in our direction, they told us that they were
soldiers escorting a number of Republican prisoners to Bogota. Could
any of our friends be among them?

Mr Laffan and I determined to ride up and ascertain; and by assuming a
bold front, we hoped to escape detection.

We soon overtook the party, but found it impossible to pass them on the
road; and although we saw some prisoners in their midst, we could not
fin