carcely had he done so when it came to the ground, and lay struggling
in violent convulsions. Mr Laffan contrived to take off the saddle
before it was damaged. In a few minutes, foaming at the mouth, the
horse died, evidently in great pain.

"No use groaning over what cannot be helped," observed the captain.
"You take the saddle, and put it before you; I'll carry the bridle; and
I must try to get another horse as soon as possible."

The delay was serious, but it could not be helped; so we moved along,
Mr Laffan trudging by my side. I asked him to get up, but he
positively refused to do so.

The belief that we had lost our road was still further depressing. I
thought especially of the serious consequences which might ensue to Juan
should we not soon obtain the assistance of which we were in search. At
length my eye fell on a papaw-tree, and what appeared to be a hut just
below it. Riding on, we saw a Creole peasant-woman walking along and
spinning, evidently near her home. At first, on seeing us, she seemed
disposed to fly; but on our calling to her and assuring her that we were
friends, she stood still, waiting for us to come up. Our wants were
soon explained: we should be glad, of a horse, a guide, and especially
of some food. Food she could give us. Her husband was out, she said,
but he would soon return, and he would procure a horse, of which there
were several broken-in on the farm; and perhaps he himself would act as
our guide.

Eager to push on, our patience was greatly tried; though we waited and
waited, the woman's husband did not appear. At last Mr Laffan proposed
going out and catching one of the horses.

"But then you will not know in what direction to ride," observed the
woman. "You have no right, either, to take the horse without my
husband's leave."

"Might makes right," answered Mr Laffan; "however, we will not act the
part of robbers, but will pay you handsomely for the horse."

This promise satisfied the poor woman.

Fortunately, just as we were setting out the husband returned, and was
evidently well-pleased at the thought of getting a good price for one of
his animals. He also undertook to guide us, if we could wait until the
next morning at daybreak, and would promise him a reward. He took good
care, indeed, that we should not start before then, as it was nearly
dark before he returned with the horse. It was a tolerably good animal,
though rather small, and we willingly promis