, when we
looked about for a convenient spot for encamping. We selected one on
some rocky ground just outside a wood, with a deep ravine in front of
us; while on our left was a precipice of a hundred feet or so in height,
at the bottom of which flowed a rapid stream.

Securing the legs of our mules with their halters in the usual fashion,
so that they could not stray, we turned them loose, while we lighted our
fire, and placed our saddles and horse-cloths ready for sleeping. A
basket of provisions, which the padre had secured to one of the
baggage-mules, afforded us an ample supper; so that we had only to boil
our chocolate, and to heat some water with which to mix the aguadiente
the padre had sent, prescribing a cupful as a preventive against the ill
effects of the damp night air or any noxious exhalations rising from the
valleys--though there was not much chance of our suffering from these in
the lofty position we occupied.

While we were seated at supper, I asked my uncle what he knew of the
guerilla chief whose acquaintance we had just made.

"I learned something of his history from Padre Pacheco this morning," he
answered; "and his career has been very similar to that of General Paez.
He is the son of humble parents, who resided near Caraccas, their
occupation being to convey provisions to the garrison and inhabitants,
in which work he assisted them. Illiterate as was the old Bermudez, he
was a devoted patriot, and, notwithstanding the danger he ran in doing
so, endeavoured to induce all the young men of his acquaintance to join
the troops then being secretly levied for the independent cause by
General Miranda. Having incautiously uttered some Liberal expressions,
he was seized by the governor of the city, Monteverde. In vain young
Bermudez pleaded that mercy might be shown his aged parent;
notwithstanding his advanced age, he was cruelly gibbeted, his son being
barbarously compelled to witness his execution. This was the fate of
many others who dared to utter a word against Spanish tyranny.

"Young Bermudez managed to effect his escape; and carrying with him his
unhappy mother, he set off over the plains of Maturin, where he intended
to provide a shelter for her few remaining years while he entered the
service of his country to revenge the murder of his father. Her death
from grief on the way set him free, and he immediately joined as a
private a body of the irregular cavalry of the plains, commanded by