, we saw before us a small opening in the rocks.

"This is the spot I was seeking," observed our friend; "and unless it is
known to our pursuers, we shall here remain in security till they have
passed by."

He leading the way, we all entered the cavern. It soon opened out into
a large chamber with rugged sides. The passage to it also had several
buttresses or projecting rocks, behind which we might take post, and
could have fired down without being seen on any one approaching. From
the entrance, also, we could watch the pathway by which we had come; and
it was so small and overgrown with shrubs that it could not be perceived
at any distance. Don Jose told me to climb up behind one of the rocks,
while he and Isoro took post behind others. So completely were they
concealed, that I could not discover where they were except by their
voices. We waited anxiously, till at length a band of armed men was
seen winding round the hill. Already they had passed under the cave.

"We might follow, and without difficulty hurl every one of those fellows
into the abyss below," observed Don Jose. "But we will spare them; they
obey but the orders of their superiors."

After waiting a little time longer, Don Jose emerged from the cavern,
and looking about, told us that the road was clear. We accordingly
descended, though it required great caution to avoid making a rapid
descent into the deep ravine below us. For the greater part of the day
we continued toiling on, supported by the coca with which we
occasionally replenished our mouths. At length, towards evening, we
made our way to a native hut, where we were received as usual. Here
hammocks were slung for us between the pole on which the roof rested,
our hosts undertaking to keep careful watch to prevent surprise.

I had become very anxious about the rest of our party, fearing that they
might have been discovered. At the end of two more days I recognised
the features of the spot where we had left them. No one was to be seen.
My heart sank. Had they been seized and carried off to Quito, or had
they made their escape? Great was my satisfaction when, on rounding a
rocky point, I caught sight of the huts, and saw Arthur running towards
us. "We are all well--very thankful to see you return!" he exclaimed,
"for we began to fear that you might have been lost." Directly
afterwards John and Ellen emerged from their huts, and now all the party
were gathered round us. Poor dear