r
occupied by his camp the quaint title of _Paso de la eternidad_ (the
road to eternity)--to signify that, whoever should attempt either to
abandon the entrenchments, or make an attack upon them, would be forced
to embark upon that long journey.

Lantejas had already written to his father, informing him of all that
had happened; how--thanks to the valuable roadster with which his parent
had provided him--he was now sustaining his thesis with the sword; and
that, instead of having only his hair shorn, he was more likely to lose
his head.

To these letters--for there had been several written by him--he had at
length received a response. This, after complimenting him upon the
valorous deeds he had achieved--and which his worthy parent had hardly
expected to hear of--ended by informing him that the latter had obtained
from the Viceroy a promise of pardon for him, on the condition of his
forsaking the insurgent cause, and throwing the weight of his sword into
that of Spain.

This condition was hardly to the taste of Lantejas. In the ranks of the
Spanish army he might seek in vain for two such protectors as he now had
by his side. Moreover, were he to join the Spaniards, he might some
day, as an enemy, be brought face to face with the formidable Galeana!
The very thought of such a contingency was enough to make his hair stand
on end!

It was some time before he could bring himself to any definite
resolution as to what he should do. At length, however, he resolved
upon a course of action. Instead of attempting to run away from the
insurgent ranks, he determined to say nothing to the General about the
contents of his father's letter, but to obtain from him, if possible, a
short leave of absence: which it was his intention should be prolonged
to an indefinite period.

It was for this purpose he had entered the General's tent, and was now
standing, hat in hand, in front of the Commander-in-Chief of the
besieging army.

CHAPTER THIRTY ONE.

PEPE GAGO.

Besides his military chapeau, the lieutenant of cavalry held in his hand
a piece of folded paper; and although he had already stated his errand,
his countenance exhibited considerable embarrassment.

"What, leave of absence?" said the General, smiling benignantly upon his
aide-de-camp. "You, friend Lantejas--you think of quitting us? and at
such a time, too, when all is going well!"

"It is necessity, General, that drives me to make the application.
There ar