er assault. And we were not mistaken; but the result
was the same as before, though I cannot say that, had they persevered,
they would not have got in. Greatly to our relief, however, we heard
the recall sounded. Once more they retired; and two of our men sallying
out, traced them back to their former quarters.

We were for some time employed in repairing the damage done to the fort,
and in attending to the wounded; and while we buried our own dead, we
sent out a party to throw the Spaniards who had fallen in the river, as
the easiest way of disposing of them. Several poor fellows who were
found wounded were mercilessly bayoneted, in spite of all Juan, Mr
Laffan, and I could urge to the contrary. Our men were generally
sufficiently obedient; but when told to spare their enemies, who could
no longer oppose them, they turned away with scowling countenances, not
even deigning to reply--evidently resolved to carry out the fearful
spirit of revenge which animated them.

Our men were again rejoicing at having repulsed our foes, when Juan
summoned us to a council of war.

"Though we may rejoice at the victory we have gained," he said, "yet it
has been dearly bought by the death of so many of the garrison, and by
the expenditure I find, of nearly all our ammunition. Should another
attack be made, we have not a sufficient supply to repulse the enemy.
Still I know that you and all my men will fight to the last, and that we
may offer an effectual resistance with our spears and swords. We are
ordered to hold this post, and I am resolved not to quit it alive, or we
might possibly cut our way through the enemy. After the losses they
have received, they may not attack us for some time; so I propose to
send off any two of you who may be willing to go, to endeavour to reach
the general and obtain reinforcements, as well as a further supply of
ammunition and provisions; though, in regard to the latter, we can live
on horse-flesh, if need be, until assistance reaches us."

Juan looked at the other officers; but they made no reply. He then
turned to Captain Laffan and me. "Are you willing to go?" he asked.

"With all my heart," answered Captain Laffan; "and I am sure I may say
the same for Duncan. We gained some experience of the country in our
reconnaissance the other day, and I feel sure we shall get off without
being discovered."

"I am perfectly ready to go," I added; "but I am very unwilling to leave
you, Don Juan, in