the forest, and here we were compelled
to use our knives and hatchets to clear away the art-work of creepers
which impeded our progress. We all dismounted, and led the mules
through the path we had thus formed. In several places we found, after
an hour's toil, that we had not progressed more than half a mile.

"We shall reach more open country by-and-by," said Don Jose, "so we need
not despair."

At length we came upon a small party of men engaged in stripping off the
bark from a tree which they had lately cut down. Don Jose spoke to
them. They saluted him with marks of respect, and one of them, throwing
his arm over his shoulder, led us through the forest to a small hut
concealed by the surrounding trees. Its interior was not very tempting,
but it would afford us shelter from the night air should we be detained
there. It was destitute of furniture, with the exception of several
hammocks hung up at one end, and a few pots and other cooking apparatus
in the corner. Our attendants, however, at once began to sweep it out,
while Ellen and Maria sat down on a log outside.

"The night is likely to be fine, and our friends will gladly give you up
their hut," said Don Jose.

"We will wait here till Domingos appears. I have made arrangements that
we should have ample notice should any enemies come in pursuit of us.
We are surrounded by friends, and I have no doubt we shall be able to
escape."

Don Jose had secured a fresh supply of food, so that in a short time an
ample meal was spread on the ground, round which we collected in picnic
fashion. We had just concluded it when we heard footsteps approaching.
As we looked out, Domingos appeared before us. His countenance
exhibited anxiety, and taking Don Jose aside, he conversed with him for
some minutes.

"We must proceed at early dawn by the road I have mentioned to you,"
said our friend, returning to us. "Domingos has had a narrow escape of
being made prisoner. He tells me that the soldiers are pursuing the
patriots and natives in every direction, and treating them with the
greatest cruelty, shooting and hanging them whenever they are found.
Although they would not venture probably to ill-treat you, you might be
subjected to great inconvenience, and certainly detained and prevented
from reaching your parents. However, I trust that we shall be able to
avoid them, and to reach the eastern slopes of the Andes without
interruption. Your father has ever proved my