to the stable--but it was some time before we could get anybody
to attend to us. At last the landlord appeared; and Mr Laffan having
explained who we were, or rather who we pretended to be, begged that we
might have a private apartment. On this the landlord laughed, and said
that even for an English milord this was impossible, but that we might
have a corner of the public room for ourselves. He then inquired what
we would have for supper, assuring us that anything we might ask for
would be provided. As usual, when Mr Laffan mentioned one thing after
another, it was not to be had. At length, however, a tough fowl, with
some salt beef and fried eggs, was placed before us, together with some
plantains and various fruits, off which we contrived to make a very
satisfactory repast. The scene at night reminded me of that at the
posada on the opposite side of the mountains, the arrangements being
very similar. On this occasion, the greater part of the floor was
covered by recumbent figures.

We had already turned into our hammocks, when a loud voice demanding
admittance was heard outside the house; and--by the light of the only
candle left burning--on the door being opened I recognised the sergeant
and his recruits. This individual in an authoritative tone ordered
several of the sleeping people to get up, in order to make room for his
party. He then called for supper, while his men lay down, with their
muskets by their sides, to rest their weary limbs. Having quickly
finished his meal, he took possession of a vacant space; placing, I
observed, his pistols under the saddle which served him as a pillow, and
unsheathing his sword, so as to have it ready for instant use. He had
probably no great confidence in his recruits, and thought it not
unlikely that one of them might get up during the night and plunge a
cuchillo in his heart.

On awaking next morning, I proposed starting immediately.

"Take my advice, and stow away breakfast first," observed Mr Laffan.
"It is a sound rule to follow when travelling, unless one knows that a
substantial meal is waiting one at the end of the stage."

We got off at an early hour, however, and again passed the sergeant and
his so-called recruits on the road. We pushed on before them, wishing
to get into Bogota as soon as possible. As we rode on, the towers and
steeples of the city appeared before us, glittering in the rays of the
rising sun. On one side was a range of lofty mountai