arlist mobile forces
had been much weakened in numbers by the blockade of the old fortress of
Pamplona, which had lasted a long time.

Alfonso, with the Army of General Morriones, marched to the relief of
Pamplona and successfully raised the blockade, February 6, 1875, forcing
the Carlists backwards. The situation became most critical for the
Carlists, as another Royalist Army, under General Laserta, was on the
move to join Morriones in an attack on Estella. If this plan had
succeeded it is probable that the war would have been finished there and
then. Don Carlos, however, succeeded in inflicting a severe defeat on
Laserta and completely upset the intentions of the Royalists. Alfonso
returned to Madrid, having been only a fortnight with the Army. His
presence was a source of embarrassment to the High Command.

I was able to be present at the retreat of the Carlist troops from the
blockade of Pamplona, as well as the capture of Puente de Reina by
Morriones, the defeat of Laserta, and other guerilla engagements. I had
become so interested in the work in hand that I had over-stayed my leave
by a very considerable period, and would either have to return at once
and take my gruelling at the hands of our Governor at the "Shop," or make
up my mind to join the Carlists and become a soldier of fortune. I
thought it out as best I could, and it seemed to me then that the
experiences I had gained--of perhaps the most varied fighting that any
similar campaign has supplied--might be considered of more advantage to
my career as a soldier than a couple of extra months of mathematics,
science and lectures at Woolwich, and that if I promptly returned and
surrendered myself to the authorities I might perhaps be pardoned. So I
collected my few goods and chattels, said good-bye to Don Carlos and my
friends, and returned home by no means feeling so elated, happy and
contented as I did on my outward journey.

On arriving in London I duly wrote to the Adjutant at Woolwich, informing
him that I had arrived safely in England after my campaign in the North
of Spain, and that the next day, which happened to be Tuesday, I would
deliver myself as a prisoner, absent without leave, at the Guard Room at
12 o'clock noon. This I did, and I was met by the gallant Adjutant, and a
guard, and was promptly put under arrest. Some of my contemporaries may
still remember the occasion of my return. Numerous had been the rumours
about my doings. At times I was r