ould be, as he heard me speak in English,
and then address him in genuine Spanish.

"You have my word. We have no wish to murder our enemies," said I.

"That's more than I can say for my countrymen," he answered. "I will
tell you frankly, senor. There are a thousand men in yonder camp. It
was intended to attack you again to-night. Our officers have resolved
to capture the fort at all risks, and they have told the men it must be
done. If you will undertake, senor, to protect my life, I will follow
you, and serve you faithfully. I would rather do that than have again
to assault yonder fort."

"I believe what you say," I answered; "but I cannot venture to take you
with me, for the Patriots would instantly put you to death, as they have
vowed to do with every Spaniard who falls into their hands."

"I must submit to my hard fate, then," said the man.

"You will regain your liberty in a few hours," observed Captain Laffan.

"Ah, senor, if I am caught I shall be shot for sleeping at my post. If
you will give me my liberty I will run away, and not again fight against
you."

"The very best thing such a fellow as you can do. I think we may trust
you," said Captain Laffan.

We led our prisoner on until within a short distance of the fort, when,
instead of binding him, we let him go. He bolted away to the
northward,--showing that he fully intended to carry out his promise.

On our return to Juan, he thanked us warmly for the service we had
rendered.

As may be supposed, we were all on the watch; and about two hours before
dawn we caught sight of the Spaniards advancing to the attack. As they
crossed the river, we opened a heavy fire upon them; to which they
replied, and then rushed forward, attempting to storm the stockades.
The fort, from one side to the other, was in a blaze of light. Each man
was fighting with desperation, and hurling back those who crossed the
ditch and endeavoured to climb the walls. After the Spaniards had made
several desperate attempts, they were driven back; and again getting
under shelter, contented themselves with keeping up a hot fire at us.
We, of course, replied in the same fashion; but, except that both
parties expended a large amount of powder and shot, no great loss was
suffered. In the attack a considerable number had been killed and
wounded, and not a few of our own men had been hit.

We waited, fully expecting that with the return of daylight the enemy
would make anoth