wall of his prison cell."

The boy came nearer as he said this, but he held himself ready to flee
at the least movement of the figure lying on the ground. "Surely it is
his spirit," he said to himself, "for it is, indeed, the countenance of
Pomponio."

But the wounded man spoke again: "I am Pomponio. I cut myself loose from
the chains that bound me, and escaped from my prison. Give me a little
water, else I die," and again he lost consciousness.

But, he was saved. Taxlipu came close, and gazed earnestly at the dark
upturned face. Yes, that was Pomponio. He sprang away and dashed madly
into the forest, and on to the settlement of the Indians, for help. Here
he found a number of Pomponio's followers together, talking sadly of the
mishap to their chief. Taxlipu burst in on them with the startling news
that Pomponio had escaped and was now in the forest nearly dead. The
men sprang up, telling the boy to lead them to the place. But before
starting, one of the Indians went to a hut close by, and brought out
with him part of a rabbit, freshly cooked, and an olla of water. With
these, the company set off on the run, led by Taxlipu. It was only a few
minutes before they reached the spot where Pomponio lay as one dead. The
Indian with the water knelt down by his side, and poured some drops into
his mouth. After a short while, during which the dose was repeated as
often as it was swallowed, Pomponio opened his eyes, drawing a heavy
sigh.

Tenderly and reverently they cared for him. At his request they bore him
into the cave where he would be safe from the sight of any chance party
from the presidio hunting for him, and here they nursed him back to life
and strength. It was many days before he recovered from the effects of
the great loss of blood he had suffered; many more before the wounds
in his feet healed. From the ill-usage to which he had subjected them,
inflammation set in, and at one time great fear was felt that he could
not survive; but his strong constitution prevailed. Yet after all he
would have died gladly, for he was a helpless cripple from that day,
hobbling around only with the aid of rude crutches.

His comrades vied with each other in their attentions to the sick
leader, and after he had recovered from the fever and weakness, they
furnished him with all the necessaries of life which he was unable to
obtain by his own efforts. After a few months in the cave, Pomponio left
it to be with the Indians in the fo