headed by their leader, they sprang from their backs on board the boats.
A desperate struggle ensued; but the llaneros were victorious, and
driving the unfortunate crews overboard, they carried the flecheras to
the bank of the river, where the patriot forces were drawn up.

Equal to him in most respects, and superior in some, was the
noble-looking cavalier, General Bermudez, in whose company I now so
unexpectedly found myself. I could learn less about him at the time,
but I afterwards heard much of his interesting history.

Notwithstanding the difficulties and dangers with which they were
surrounded, the whole party seemed in high spirits, and did not separate
till a late hour. Donna Paola was the first to rise, and bowing
gracefully to the military officers and wishing them good-night, she
left the room, accompanied by her sable attendant. The table being then
cleared, our supper-room was turned into a dormitory--every corner of
the house being likewise occupied. The padre requested my uncle and me
to take possession of a small chamber near his own cell, which afforded
just space enough for us to stretch our legs. Here, with our saddles
for pillows, and horse-cloths and cloaks for bedding, we were quickly
asleep.

At an early hour the next morning we were astir, and found an ample
breakfast spread. General Bermudez hurried over the meal, and left the
table; and on going out to the front of the house soon afterwards, I
found him standing by his horse's head, ready to mount. He presented a
perfect picture of a commander of irregular troops. He was remarkably
tall,--being considerably above six feet in height,--his figure well
proportioned, and evidently possessing great muscular power; his
handsome countenance showed intelligence, and beamed with good-nature
and sincerity; while the evening before I had been struck by his frank
and genial manners, so unlike those of the ordinary run of Spaniards,--
though he was, as might be expected, wanting in that polish which a
constant intercourse with refined society seldom fails to give. Though
dexterous in the use of the lance, as are all the warriors of the plain,
he was armed with a remarkably long gun, which only a man of great
strength could have used with any effect. A powder-horn hung over his
shoulders, and a long dagger was secured by the folds of the ample scarf
he wore round his waist.

At a short distance off were the troopers who had formed his escort,