ning over, I asked Uncle Richard after our families, and how he had
been made prisoner,--trying to assume as unconcerned a tone as possible.

"They are all safe," he answered. "Your father's black servant--I won't
mention his name--has charge of them, and they are still safe in the
mountains. I was unfortunately tempted to leave our retreat, in the
hope of raising a body of Indians and others to be ready to aid a
projected attack by the Patriots on the Spaniards, when I was surprised
and taken prisoner. It will go hard with me, I fear, as, though I am an
Englishman, Murillo will not stand on ceremony on that account."

"Do not be cast down. We will try to find out where you are imprisoned,
and will do everything we can to rescue you," I answered.

"I am sure of that," he said. "By what wonderful chance are you here?"

I then told him the object of our journey, and how I had letters to a
number of persons of influence in Bogota, so that I might hope to be of
effectual service to him.

"You will do your best, I am sure," he said; "and, depend upon it, I do
not intend to be killed like a rat in a hole, but shall try to gnaw my
way out. You had better not stay much longer, or some of those fellows
may possibly recognise you. Bestow a gold piece or two on me, if you
have any to spare; in truth, I am greatly in need of money, as every
dollar I had in my pocket was taken from me when I was made prisoner.
And do not forget to bestow your promised gift on our guards--it will
incline them to favour me. Two or three of them seem very good fellows,
and have been attentive to me on the journey."

"Now," I said, "if you have an opportunity, tell my mother's brother--I
will not mention his name--why I have come to Bogota, and that every
effort will be made for his liberation."

After a few more words, I took out my purse and put a few gold pieces
into Uncle Richard's hand. I then turned to Mr Laffan, who had been
standing by, occasionally joining in the conversation, and begged him to
distribute some money among the men. As I glanced my eye over them,
what was my surprise to see my servant Antonio in a corporal's uniform,
and apparently in command of the party! I was sure it was he, although
he looked at me in the most unconcerned manner possible, returning only
a military salute as Mr Laffan handed him the money. Could he have
deserted to the enemy? I had considered him a faithful fellow, as he
certainly was a brav