the
brave Hirogas. The band, from its inferiority of numbers, seldom came
to an open engagement, but harassed the foraging-parties of the
Spaniards, never failing to come off victorious. Bermudez, by his
determined bravery and great personal prowess in these skirmishes,
gained the admiration of his comrades, and was speedily raised to the
rank of lieutenant of a small troop, at whose head he performed
numberless acts of valour. From his great strength and skill in all the
games in which the horsemen of the plains take delight, he still further
rose in the estimation of his companions; while, from his unassuming
manners and excellent conduct, he was beloved by all who served with
him.

"The band to which Bermudez belonged in a short time amounted to four
hundred men; and so much injury did they inflict on the Spaniards, that
Monteverde resolved, if possible, to crush them. He accordingly sent
out a strong detachment--six hundred cavalry, and an equal number of
infantry--in pursuit of Hirogas. The forces of the guerilla chief were
strongly posted on the top of a hill, about fifteen leagues from the
Spanish headquarters. They were not men to be taken by surprise, and as
they saw the Spaniards advancing they charged furiously down upon them.
The odds were fearfully against the patriots; and the brave Hirogas,
carried by his impetuosity too far in advance, fell into the hands of
the enemy, desperately wounded. Bermudez, on seeing this, charged with
his troop upon the Spanish infantry, and not only succeeded in rescuing
his chief, but put the enemy to flight. The Spaniards left about
one-third of their number dead on the field, and many of their horses
and arms in the hands of the victorious guerillas.

"Hirogas dying of his wounds, Bermudez was unanimously chosen chief of
the band; and his fame spreading, volunteers flocked to his standard.
He had no difficulty in mounting them, from the many herds of horses
which roamed at large on the mountains and plains of Venezuela, which
were easily caught with the lasso, and quickly broken-in at the
experienced hands of his followers.

"Having organised his band, he attacked the Spanish forces; laying siege
to the town of Maturin, and in three successive encounters supplying
himself with arms, ammunition, and every military essential. His force
was then regularly enrolled by the Congress as a portion of its troops,
and in appearance and discipline became far superior to th