hers to break in the most vicious horses. He thus
became a first-rate horseman, and learned also the use of the lance, the
weapon of the llaneros. The brutal black, in order to exhibit his
dislike to young Paez, compelled him more than once, on returning home
after a hard day's labour, to bring a pail of water and wash his muddy
feet--an act which Paez did not forget.

On the breaking out of the revolutionary war, he enlisted as a common
soldier in the militia of Barenas; but soon proving his superiority over
his companions, he was able to raise and organise an independent body of
cavalry, with which ere long he rendered important service to the cause.
His troops ever had the utmost confidence in him; when charging, he was
sure to be the first among the ranks of the enemy, his lance making
terrible havoc. Ever hating the Spaniards with a deadly hatred on
account of their cruelties, he never spared them. Unfortunately, he was
at length taken prisoner, and an order was issued by the Spanish general
for his execution. It was the custom of the Spaniards to lead their
prisoners out at night to some lonely spot, where they were quietly
despatched with a lance or sword. Paez and some of his fellow-prisoners
were being led out for this purpose, when, believing that he was merely
to be taken before the general, he borrowed a hat of one of his
companions. The officer in charge of the party, not recognising him,
ordered him back to be exchanged for the unfortunate owner, who was
supposed to be the notorious rebel captain. He thus unexpectedly
obtained a respite of a day. The next night he was aroused by a loud
noise in the streets, and fully expected that he was about to be led out
to execution; instead of which, it proved that the Spaniards had been
alarmed by the report that a large body of patriots were about to attack
the town, and were hurriedly preparing to evacuate it. Paez took the
opportunity of freeing himself from his fetters; and having helped to
release some of his fellow-prisoners, they overpowered the sentinels,
and made their escape.

He was quickly at the head of a fresh body of insurgents; and after
going through numerous adventures, he found himself holding the
independent command of a large body of llaneros. On frequent occasions,
though with inferior numbers, he attacked and defeated the Royalists.
The Spaniards, having regained their power in other parts of the
country, compelled, by the fearful c