mmons, as vegetable diet did not suit his constitution.

We had gone some distance when, as we were stopping to water our horses
at a stream, my ear caught the tramp of feet.

"There is a large body of infantry coming along the road," I exclaimed;
"I trust that they may be friends, or we shall have to cut across the
country to avoid them."

Captain Laffan listened, and was satisfied that I was right.

"We must approach cautiously," he said, "and be prepared to turn to the
right-about if they should prove to be enemies."

We instantly mounted and rode on, and before long came in sight of the
troops.

"They are Patriots, I am sure, from their dress, and the flags they
carry," said Captain Laffan.

He was right. As we got nearer a mounted officer rode forward. To my
infinite satisfaction I saw that he was Uncle Richard; while Antonio
came close behind him, dressed as an officer.

"Hurrah! rejoiced to see you, Duncan; and you too, Captain Laffan,"
exclaimed Uncle Richard as he recognised us. "Where do you come from?
Tell me all about it as we ride along; you will accompany me, for we
shall soon halt to let the men dine, and you can then get what food you
require."

We briefly told him the object of our journey.

"I knew that Don Juan was ordered to hold the fort, but I little
supposed that he was so hard pressed. However, I hope we shall be in
time to relieve him. You see these fine fellows?" and he pointed to the
men. "I have been busy for some months, while you were away, raising
and drilling them; and though I cannot say much for the uniformity of
their appearance, I am pretty sure that, if well led--as I flatter
myself they will be--they will do good service when we meet the enemy.
I have had some difficulty in getting efficient officers, but I chose
the best men I could find, independent of all other considerations. I
have a Black, and two pure-blooded Indians, while the rest are Creoles.
I found your former servant Antonio so intelligent and brave a fellow,
that I gave him a company."

"I am delighted to hear it," I answered. "In a noble cause like ours
there should be but one consideration,--to find the best men for every
post; and if they have once been slaves, they are more likely to fight
for freedom."

Our great object now was to march forward and attack the Spaniards
before they could capture the fort. That we should come up with the
enemy in time, I could not help thinking, was very unce