es, however, prevented their bullets from entering, and a
few only of our men who exposed themselves were hit,--two being killed,
and three wounded. Out of our small garrison, however, that number was
of consequence.

We continued firing away with the guns and musketry at the points where
the Spaniards were concealed, but what damage we produced among them we
could not tell. This style of fighting lasted several hours, while we
every moment expected to be again attacked. Not a Spaniard who had
fallen wounded was allowed to live, for our bullets quickly put them out
of their pain.

At length the firing ceased, and we saw the enemy retiring--a round shot
or two sent after them by Mr Laffan expediting their movements. The
victory was decidedly on our side; but we knew full well that we might
again be attacked by a superior force, and perhaps that very night.
Therefore, as before, a vigilant watch was kept, so that, should they
attempt a surprise, we might be ready to receive them.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN.

CAPTAIN LAFFAN AND I GO OUT TO RECONNOITRE--A PRISONER--GAINING
INFORMATION--THE SPANIARDS TWICE ASSAULT THE FORT, AND ARE REPULSED WITH
SLAUGHTER--WE LOSE A NUMBER OF MEN--A COUNCIL OF WAR--SCARCITY OF
AMMUNITION AND PROVISIONS--DON JUAN INVITES TWO OF US TO OBTAIN
ASSISTANCE--LAFFAN AND I UNDERTAKE THE DUTY--WE SET OUT--NARROWLY ESCAPE
THE SPANIARDS--ENTER A TOWN LATELY SACKED BY THEM--OBTAIN REFRESHMENT--
DIRECTED ON OUR COURSE--A BIVOUAC FOR THE NIGHT--WE PROCEED NEXT
MORNING--LAFFAN'S HORSE BITTEN BY A SNAKE--MY COMPANION TRUDGES FORWARD
ON FOOT--WE REACH A FARM--OBTAIN SHELTER AND FOOD, A HORSE AND A GUIDE,
AND CONTINUE OUR JOURNEY.

Juan and most of our little garrison exulted in the idea that, after the
defeat we had inflicted on the Spaniards, they would abandon the attempt
to take the fort, and retire from the neighbourhood.

"Do not be too sure of that," said Captain Laffan; "they will watch
their opportunity, and attempt to surprise us if we are off our guard.
They know the value of the pass too well to leave us in quiet
possession. They may be looking all this time for a path over the
mountains, to try and take us in the rear; though they would find that a
hard matter, to be sure."

Juan, however, still persisted in his belief that the Spaniards had
retired, and turned their attention to some other enterprise. Fearing
that this opinion would make him and his followers less vigilant, I
volunteered