o get hold of some line which we stowed in our pockets,
as well as enough food to last us for a couple of days, at all events.
The gauchos seemed to think it very good fun, not in the slightest
degree suspecting our intentions. Having furnished us with whips, and
fastened huge spurs to our feet, they assisted us to mount our somewhat
fiery steeds. When once in our saddles we stuck on like wax, though the
animals did their best to get rid of us. Our only fear was that some of
the gauchos might take it into their heads to accompany us, which would
have effectually prevented the success of our undertaking. We rode
backwards and forwards several times among the men, and talked away to
each other in the style they were accustomed to do, our object being to
put off starting as long as possible, till darkness was approaching,
that we might have a better chance of escaping. At last we could delay
no longer, so riding up side by side to the natives we begged them to
start us fairly, when off we set digging nor spurs into our horses'
flanks and whacking the unfortunate beasts with our whips. The tree,
towards which we were directing our course, was fully half a mile off,
and as the border of the wood was in shadow, we hoped that we should be
able to get into it, and pass through on the other side before our
flight was discovered. We dared not turn our heads to see if we were
followed, but keeping close together urged on our steeds till the wood
was reached.

"A narrow opening which we had not before perceived was before us. We
dashed into it and to our satisfaction found that we were not compelled
even to pull rein, but galloped on as fast as at first.

"We were now sorry that we had not started earlier, as we should have
had more daylight to see our way. Another wide extent of open ground
was before us; we urged on our steeds across it, their feet narrowly
escaping the rabbit-holes, which existed in one or two parts. We
escaped them, however, and reached a copse, through which we, in vain,
tried to find a passage for our horses.

"Afraid at last of losing time, and being overtaken, we agreed to
abandon them, and make our way on foot towards the river, which we
thought must be at no great distance. Desmond proposed that we should
fasten our silver spurs and whips to the saddles, to show the owners
that we did not wish to steal their property. No sooner, however, had
we dismounted, than having incautiously let go our