ur hands, while the
infantry, whom we pursued, fled in disorder towards the main body. We
followed, sabring all we overtook; when Mr Laffan advised Juan to
return, lest an attempt might be made to retake the guns, the most
important fruit of our victory. Our foot-soldiers, however, had in the
meantime harnessed to them some of the slain troopers' horses, and when
we got back we found they were already half-way to the city. In half an
hour we were triumphantly entering it; and dragging the guns up to the
batteries, we made use of them against their late owners.

In less than an hour after this the Spaniards were in full retreat.
Patriotic shouts rose on all sides, and the bells rang forth joyous
peals, while every man congratulated his neighbour on the victory
gained.

Don Juan did not fail to receive a reward for his gallantry in the
approving smiles of Dona Dolores. It was his first battle, and he had
given proof that he was a brave and intelligent leader. Congratulations
were offered him on every side, and all predicted that he would ere long
become one of the chiefs of the Republic.

CHAPTER FIVE.

AROUSED BY ALARM-BELLS--COUNTRY-HOUSES SEEN ON FIRE--ANXIETY ABOUT UNCLE
RICHARD'S--RETREAT OF THE SPANIARDS--MR. LAFFAN AND I RIDE OUT TO
EGIDO--FIND THE MONTEVERDES' HOUSE BURNED TO THE GROUND--EGIDO
DESTROYED--WHAT HAS BECOME OF THE INMATES?--PROCEED IN SEARCH OF THEM--
NO TIDINGS--INQUIRE OF SOME PEASANTRY--OBTAIN RECRUITS--PURSUED BY
SPANISH CAVALRY--ALMOST OVERTAKEN--WE REACH THE TOWN--JUAN CHASES THE
SPANIARDS--FRESH TROOPS ARRIVE--ANXIETY ABOUT OUR FAMILY AND UNCLE
RICHARD'S--PAUL LOBO SETS OUT TO FIND THEM--WE HEAR THAT THE FASTUCIANS,
HEADED BY THE BISHOP OF POPAYAN, ARE ADVANCING TO ATTACK US--OUR ARMY
MARCHES TO MEET THEM--THE BISHOP SENDS A FLAG OF TRUCE PROPOSING TERMS--
I AND OTHERS ACCEPT AN INVITATION TO DINE WITH THE PASTUCIAN OFFICERS--
FEARFUL TREACHERY--CAPTAIN PINSON AND MY OTHER COMPANIONS KILLED--I LEAP
FROM THE WINDOW AND MOUNT MY HORSE--A RIDE FOR LIFE.

Rejoicings for the victory we had gained were taking place when I
returned home, wearied by the fatigues I had gone through. My father
was out attending to the wounded, of whom there were large numbers,
besides which many of the defenders had been killed. It was still dark
when I was aroused by the ringing of the alarm-bells, and dressing
hurriedly, I ran to Mr Laffan's room. He also had got up; and taking
our horses from the sta