king inquiries as to the best road to take, "I will
send Candela with you," said the padre; "he knows it well, and may be of
use to you should any roving bands of Indians (and I have noticed that
there are several out), seeing a small party, attack you. They mostly
know and respect me--for though they are but poor Christians, they look
upon me as possessing supernatural powers; and when Candela explains
that you are friends of mine, they will allow you to pass without
molestation."

Without hesitation my uncle gladly accepted the kind padre's offer, and
Candela was forthwith ordered to get ready. He did not require many
minutes, his preparations consisting in bolting a mess of porridge, to
enable him the better to undergo the fatigue of the journey. He was to
proceed on foot with the natives who conducted our baggage-mules.

"You must come soon and see me again," said the padre, as he wished me
good-bye. "You are sure to find me, for I never move far from home,
seeing I have my little flock to look after, and matters of importance
to attend to. But before you go, let me caution you, Senor Denis, not
to speak to any one about those persons you saw here. It might lead to
unpleasant consequences should the tyrannical Spaniards hear that my
quiet abode is frequented by patriots; and we never know what evil birds
may carry information."

"You may trust Barry and me, and my brother's servant; though we are not
likely to meet any but friends to the cause where we are going," replied
my uncle.

The padre looked satisfied; and again wishing him good-bye, we mounted
and rode forward, led by Candela, who, with a long stick in his hand,
kept well ahead of us.

We soon lost sight of the padre's abode. The road we took was wild and
rugged, across the spurs of the mountains; sometimes we had to cross
rocky heights, again to descend into narrow valleys, with streams--
through which we waded not without difficulty--running down them.
Occasionally we had to pass amid thickly-growing trees, which concealed
from view the mountain-tops, which might otherwise have assisted to
guide us; and we agreed that it was fortunate Candela had come with us
to show us the way.

We had to encamp another night in the forest, as it would have been
dangerous to proceed over that kind of country in the dark; but Candela
assured us that we might reach my father's house early the following
day. We pushed forward till the gloom of evening came on