"I understand it is useless to ask for your parole, major," he said. "Your mind is quite made up on the point?" "Yes, sir," answered Santiago, smiling in his easy, graceful way. "An opportunity to escape may not arise but if it does, I shall certainly seize it." "Quite right!" exclaimed the colonel; "but I fear you will be disappointed. However, though guarding you rigidly, we shall put you to as little inconvenience as possible. You will find half a dozen companions in misfortune in the prison. Most of the captured rank and file have joined the Patriots." The major's lip curled scornfully, but he only said, "I am obliged to you, colonel, for your kindness. Some day perhaps I may be able to return it." "Not in the same way, I hope," laughed Colonel Miller. "I have had a taste of Spanish prison life already, major. But when the war is over I trust we may meet again." Then he sent for an officer and a file of soldiers, and Santiago turned to bid us a cheery farewell. "Good-bye," said he brightly; "I have had a pleasant time with you.--If I do succeed in escaping, Crawford, I will inquire further into your father's story.--Ah, here is my escort!" and with a salute to the colonel and a nod to us, he took his place in front of the men, while the officer received his chief's instructions. "He's a plucky fellow. I should have liked to set him free," I said, as we strolled back to our quarters. "To do more mischief!" growled Jose. "I'm sorry for him, in a way, but it's better for us that he should be under lock and key. And that reminds me! How did Colonel Miller take the Silver Key business?" "Very badly; called it tampering with the troops." "So it was, but it saved our lives, all the same. I shall be rather pleased when we leave this district; the governor won't regard either of us too favourably." "He can't hurt us now the colonel is here." "No," replied Jose, with a curious smile "but we might meet with a nasty accident. Perhaps you remember my remark, made two years ago, that accidents are common in Peru. It's as true now as then." As it chanced, Jose was shortly to have his wish; for although we did not know it then, the colonel had decided to abandon Moquegua. Many of the troops were down with the ague, the place was a difficult one to defend, unless against a weak attack, and La Hera was already on the march with a force far superior to ours. This, however, we did not learn till two days later. CHAPTER XI. A NARROW ESCAPE. "It is a great honour," exclaimed Jose, "and you should feel proud."