ney, and I met them approaching the bamboo-bridge.
Soon afterwards I had the satisfaction of seeing them cross it in
safety, under the escort of the llaneros; for it was still entire,
notwithstanding the severe strain put on it.

The doctor and the padre had meanwhile arrived; and having paid their
respects to the general, they promised to rejoin him in the plains, and
then hastened after my family. The doctor, as he was going, told me
that he could not bring himself to abandon his chests, and that he hoped
to find means to carry them in safety down the Orinoco to Angostura,
whence he could ship them to Europe, he having learned that the whole of
that part of the country was in the hands of the patriots.

For a few days I felt very strange with my wild, untutored associates,
but I soon got into their ways; and by never hesitating to perform any
deed however daring, by activity, and unfailing attention to my duties,
I gained their respect, and found that, young as I was, they obeyed me
willingly. I had the satisfaction, too, of receiving the very kind
commendations of the general, which encouraged me to persevere.

By rapid marches and desperate onslaughts we beat the Spaniards wherever
we encountered them; though they were better clothed and disciplined,
according to military notions, and often more numerous, than we were.
By a sudden dash we gained the city of Bogota; and the Spaniards being
driven to the sea-coast, the whole of the mountainous part of the
country declared for the Republican cause. We then descended into the
plains, and lay encamped not far from the banks of the Rio Mita,--one of
the numerous streams which, having their source in the Andes, flow into
the Orinoco. The region was wild in the extreme; the river made its way
between lofty cliffs rising perpendicularly out of the stream, which
rushed down in a succession of cataracts between them.

The troops were engaged in getting ready for the coming campaign, which,
it was expected, would be a brilliant one; repairing saddles, polishing
up their arms and appointments, and breaking-in fresh horses. I was
fully occupied in my various duties; still, I was occasionally able to
take my gun and go into the woods, with one or two companions, for a few
hours. Neither the doctor nor the padre had yet made their appearance--
possibly from not being able to find us--so I had not for long heard of
my family, and was feeling somewhat anxious about them.

I