through which a stream went foaming and roaring downwards
over a rocky bed. The mountains rose up on either side, completely
surrounding us. "This stream will be a safe guide," observed Don Jose;
"and if we proceed along its banks, we shall reach a spot where we can
remain concealed even should a whole regiment come in search of us." We
proceeded on foot some distance, the active mules leaping from rock to
rock, while we scrambled on after them. Sometimes we could with
difficulty get round the rugged points at the foot of which the stream
forced its way, while the cliffs towered up high above our heads. Here
and there we caught sight of the snowy pinnacles of the mountains rising
towards the sky. At length we emerged into a more open valley, and were
once more able to mount our mules. We now entered the forest. Don Jose
led the way by a path which was scarcely perceptible. I observed here
and there notches on the barks of the trees, which I concluded served to
guide him. Through an opening in the trees I saw the sun setting
towards the valley below us; and had I not possessed great confidence in
our conductor, I should have been afraid that we were about to be
benighted. Directly afterwards we entered a thicker part of the forest.
Often it was with difficulty we could see our way amid the dense
foliage. Don Jose, however, did not hesitate. After proceeding for
some distance, the sound of a woodman's axe reached our ears, and we saw
through an opening ahead several persons engaged cutting away at the
vines which had prevented the tall tree they had just hewn down from
reaching the ground. A little way beyond was a hut, and in its
neighbourhood several persons were at work. "These are my friends,"
said Don Jose, "and they will willingly afford us shelter for the night,
and protect us to the best of their power."

While he was speaking, the man who appeared to be the director of the
party came forward and greeted him. A short conversation ensued.

"We will remain here for to-night," said Don Jose, "but it may be more
prudent to proceed further into the depths of the forest to-morrow. It
is possible that our enemies may discover the road we have taken and
come here to search for us, and, besides the risk we ourselves should
run, we should bring trouble on our friends."

Riding up to the hut, our mules were unloaded, and our hammocks and the
packages were taken inside. It was a large shed, far better built