broken and wounded as he was, I
thought it would kill him outright. Those only, however, for whom I
felt a personal interest, were Nita and her child; and I would have run
every risk to save them. We were at the time posted in a dip in the
hill, and while Ned and I bound up Manco's wound, I sent Pedro to a
height above us, to report the movements of the troops. In a short time
he gave notice that a party of them had been detached from the main
body, and were advancing in our direction. I concluded that as we
climbed the hill, followed by the Indians, we had been perceived, and
that, unless we were prepared to run the risk of falling into the hands
of the Spaniards, we must make our escape. Manco was sufficiently
recovered to sit on horseback, and I proposed giving him my horse and
following on foot. As we were about to move off, I recollected Don
Gomez's request.

"He is at liberty to go," answered Manco. "Perhaps he may recollect how
he has been treated, and intercede for some of the unfortunate Indians
who have fallen into the hands of his countrymen."

To my surprise, Don Gomez refused the offer.

"I will remain some time longer with you, unless that, youth (pointing
to Pedro) may accompany me. I would ask him some further questions; for
his countenance has strangely agitated my mind."

I had no opportunity of inquiring what he meant, when Pedro exclaimed
that he saw an Indian woman, with a child in her arms, on the ridge of
the hill, at some distance; and that the party of soldiers he had seen
detached from the main body, were evidently in pursuit of her.

Manco hearing these words, seemed to surmise what had occurred, and, in
spite of his wound, throwing himself on my horse and calling on the
Indians to follow, he galloped along the rocky height. The eye of love
at once recognised the person of the fugitive. It was his own Nita. We
all hurried after him, and even Don Gomez seemed anxious for his
success. Ned, who was the only other person on horseback, and who,
though he rode like a seaman, always managed to make his steed cross
places few people would have ventured over, was soon by his side, and
together the two galloped on towards the Indian woman.

"Hurra," shouted Ned, "Hurra! Mr Indian, hurra! We'll manage to
diddle the Dons."

The Spanish soldiers had begun firing; but as they had at the same time
to climb the hill, and were at a considerable distance, their aim was
not good. Their bul