ver it before now," was the answer. And, in spite of the captain's
protestations, his bearers tramped on and crossed in safety.

I followed, and though the bamboos creaked ominously they held fast, and
no accident occurred to any of the party. It was along such a bridge as
this that the gallant Colonel Mackintosh rode at full gallop, when
leading on his brave Albions to the capture of La Plata, some time
afterwards.

The path we took would only allow of one litter passing at a time, and I
had no conversation with the rest of the party; so, when we stopped at
night, Laffan ordered his litter to be placed alongside mine. He was in
excellent spirits, and seemed to feel his several wounds scarcely so
much as I did the single one I had received.

"You are not so well accustomed to it, my boy, as I am. I have no extra
flesh to be annoyed, you see; and my parchment-like skin soon unites,"
he observed, laughing.

At last we arrived at Popayan. My father looked somewhat horrified when
he saw me and heard of my narrow escape.

"I am sorry I allowed Mr Laffan and you to go," he said. "However, you
are here now, and I hope you will soon be brought round."

"Faith, doctor, but I'm mighty glad to have seen a little more service;
and as soon as you can patch me up I'll be off again to fight for the
right cause!" exclaimed our Irish friend.

I inquired for my mother and the rest of our relations.

"Paul Lobo," said my father, "discovered them in a hut among the
mountains. They were all very well, and in tolerable spirits, only
somewhat anxious about us. I have sent him back again with a load of
necessary articles; and if we receive satisfactory accounts from the
army, I trust that they will return as soon as they grow weary of their
rough life. Uncle Richard, however, takes very good care of them, and
obtains abundance of provisions; but they intend, at all events, shortly
to return to the farm, from whence, should the Spaniards again overrun
the country, they can make good their retreat."

Under my father's careful treatment Mr Laffan and I soon regained our
strength, and we became eager to rejoin the army. My father, however,
declared that I was not in a fit state to be exposed to the hardships
which I should have to endure; but that Mr Laffan might do as he liked.

The news from the south was not altogether satisfactory. Although the
Patriots had hitherto been successful, the Pastucians had doggedly stood
their