iven; and almost
before the garrison were aware of our approach, we were rushing through
the gates. But little or no opposition was offered, for the Spanish
troops threw down their arms and endeavoured to conceal themselves.
Those who were discovered were, I am sorry to say, slain without mercy;
and in a few minutes the city was ours.

Most of the inhabitants were in our favour, so that we had no difficulty
in holding it till some infantry regiments arrived to relieve us and
garrison the place.

General Bermudez then led us into the plains of Apure, where the
Independent army was preparing to go in search of the Spanish forces.

On the march the general sent for me, and told me that he wished to send
some important despatches to Bolivar, and asked if I would undertake to
convey them. "There is some danger in the undertaking, for you will
have to pass near places occupied by the Spaniards; but I trust to your
courage and sagacity to avoid them," he observed.

"I am ready to go wherever you desire to send me, general," I answered.

"I knew that I could count on you," he replied in a satisfied tone.

"When will the despatches be ready?" I asked.

"They are already written. Here they are!" he said, putting them into
my hand.

I took them, and placed them in a leathern case slung over my back.

"I will lose no time in starting," I remarked, as I left him.

On the way to my quarters I met the doctor, and told him where I was
going.

"I wish I could accompany you," he said; "for I have little or nothing
to do among your fellows. They are so hardy that not one is sick in a
month; and even the wounds they receive heal without my aid."

"I should like your company, my dear doctor," I replied; "but I doubt if
your horse would carry you as fast as I must make mine go. And I would
rather you remained behind, that you may inform my family as to what you
suppose has become of me, should I not return."

"Don't talk of that, Harry," he exclaimed. "You must take care not to
be captured by those bloodthirsty Spaniards; for if you are, they will
certainly put you to death."

"You may depend on my doing my best to escape them," I said, laughing--
not that I had any fears on the subject.

I was quickly ready, and off I set, making my horse move over the ground
as llaneros are wont to do when work is before them. I had not gone
far, however, before I learned from the peasantry that there were
numerous parties of Span