At the gate of the prison our escort had been strengthened by a number of horsemen, who now rode on either side of us, so that any hope of escaping was quite extinguished. We knew nothing as to our destination, which I think the officer in charge did not make known even to his subordinates. A few people stood at the outskirts of the town to watch us pass, but during the remainder of the day we saw no one except our guards. The march was terribly painful and fatiguing, though I have no wish to suggest that we were ill-treated. The fact was, the long confinement we had undergone made us keenly alive to the trials of a wearisome journey such as this. About midday a halt was called, our fastenings were loosened, while we were allowed to sit down and eat a ration of meat which was served out to each of us. Some of the soldiers rested; others stood on guard, with orders to shoot any man who made the slightest effort to escape. "They needn't fear my running far," said Alzura ruefully, showing me his bleeding feet. "Caramba!" cried a soldier sitting near, "that won't do, senor. The rocks are sharp in this part of the country. Wait; I have some green hides in my knapsack. I'll make you some sandals if the colonel halts for an hour." "I shall be very grateful for your kindness," said Alzura; "the pain in my feet has kept me from admiring the scenery, and there are some grand views about here." "I've seen finer in Lima," muttered the man, who was already busy at his self-imposed task. "Give me some stuff," said one of his comrades; "I'll make one sandal while you make the other. The youngster will have his feet cut to the bone. He ought to be at school instead of marching about the country." "I'm not eager to march," laughed Alzura; "I'll stay behind willingly." "Ugh!" exclaimed the first soldier, "you would soon be dead in this wilderness. We have seen some sights in this district--haven't we, Alonzo?" "That we have," replied his companion, "and I don't want to see any more of them." The two worthy fellows worked so industriously that in less than half an hour the sandals were completed, the holes pierced, and the laces put in, all ready for use. "I don't know how to thank you," said Alzura earnestly, "but if we manage to live through this war, I may be able to pay you back. At present you must take the will for the deed." "It's all right, senor; we could not see you suffer like that. And our officer will say we did right. Just in time, too! There's the summons to assemble." At the evening halt we were again set free a short time, being refastened for the night. After travelling for four days in this way, we saw from the top of a high hill the waters of a magnificent lake, studded with islets. It seemed quite near; but several hours passed before we reached its border--a broad morass, through which ran devious tracks.