The Patriot army was spread across the country for many miles, our post being on a high tableland four leagues from Challuanca. The weather was abominable. Frequent storms swept through the district, the rain fell in torrents, the thunder pealed in reverberating claps among the mountains, and many animals and some men were killed by the lightning. It was bitterly cold, too, and our only shelter was a cluster of miserable Indian huts, where we passed all our time when not on duty. Often I returned to my cheerless quarters cold, shivering, and drenched, yet with no change of clothing. To add to our misfortunes, it was rumoured that the various Royalist armies, having united, were marching to attack us; so for days together we were kept on the alert, riding for hours over the desolate country and returning thoroughly exhausted. One evening early in November I got back after a twenty miles' ride with a small patrol, and found the camp in a state of confusion. "What is it, Alzura? what's all the fuss about?" I asked, wearily getting off my mule--for we rode horses only when absolutely necessary. "Oh, my dear Juan, you will be delighted," he replied, his face brimming with fun. "We are just going back to Challuanca. The viceroy is somewhere in our rear with all his army, and we have to run for it." "My animal is dead-beat," said I gloomily. "You must walk, and lead both animals. Never mind, dear boy; the excitement will keep you going," he answered, laughing. "Hullo! is it you, Crawford? In luck's way again! And I've been worrying about your being left behind," said Plaza, coming up. I did not exactly see where the luck came in; but the sound of the bugle cut short my reply, and I took my place in the column. That march was the longest twelve miles I remember. Sometimes riding, sometimes walking, aching in every limb, and more than half asleep, I plodded along the rocky path, dreamily wondering at every step whether I could take another. As soon as we arrived at Challuanca I just lay down on the bare ground, and was fast asleep in a second. It was daylight when the sounds of bugles awakened me, and I rose sleepily. The army had disappeared, with the exception of our squadron, which I afterwards found formed part of the rearguard. "Come on, sleepy-head," sang out Alzura, "or you'll get no breakfast. I've seen to your animals. A wonder they didn't kick you to death in the night!" "The poor beasts were too tired to have a kick left in them. Where's General Sucre?" "Going on to a place called Lambrama. Do you know Miller is a prisoner?" "A prisoner? I don't believe it." "It's true, nevertheless. His scouting party has returned without him. From what I can hear, we're in a tight fix."