ust now have possession,
and it would be our turn to attack them, and to attempt its recapture.
This would not be so difficult a task to us as it had proved to the
Spaniards, as Captain Laffan and I knew every point about it, and every
spot from whence it was assailable.

The first thing to be done, however, was to make a reconnaissance; and
Captain Laffan and I rode on for this purpose. With our glasses we saw
from a distance that no flag was flying; and as we got nearer we
discovered that the flagstaff itself was broken short off, and that the
tower was fearfully shattered, while parts of the stockades were thrown
down, and the whole fort seemed in the most dilapidated condition.

"A bad omen, that," observed my companion; "but, at the same time, it
may have been shot through, and a puff of wind have blown it down."

My heart began to sink, as, still further lessening our distance, we
could see no one moving in the fort. It appeared to be deserted. As
this, however, might not be the case--for the garrison might possibly be
keeping concealed--we advanced cautiously, halting again just out of
musket-shot. We waited for some time, but not a moving object could we
discern. By this time we had been joined by several men on foot.
Captain Laffan ordered them to creep forward and fire, thinking that the
salute might elicit a reply should an enemy be holding the fort. As the
report went echoing among the rocks, a whole flight of galenachas winged
their flight to the summit of the neighbouring cliffs, whence they could
watch an opportunity of again descending to finish their horrible
banquet. We knew now, to a certainty, that no living beings occupied
the fort. What had been the fate of our friends?

Eager to ascertain the worst, we rode forward, and, fording the stream,
made our way over a mass of ruins which filled the ditch, into the
interior. The scene which presented itself told a sad tale. There lay,
round the tower, the bodies of friends and foes in equal numbers, with
limbs torn, clothing burnt, and countenances blackened. With a
sickening heart I searched for one form, if it could be distinguished
from the other disfigured remains of humanity. It was not long before I
recognised the uniform my brave friend had worn. He was lying directly
under the wall, while one hand still grasped the jewelled sword I had
seen Dona Dolores gird to his side. Yes, it was he, my gallant friend!
I knew him by his features