"It is very simple, senora. Juan and I will ride straight to Mr. Warren at Callao. He may have a vessel bound for Valparaiso; if not, he will find us one for my master's sake. Once at sea, we shall be out of danger. General San Martin will give us welcome, and there are many Peruvians in his army." Once my mother's wonderful nerve nearly failed her. "You will take care of him, Jose," she said brokenly. "I will guard him with my life, senora!" "I know it, I am sure of it; and some day yon will bring him back to me. God will reward you, Jose.--Good-bye, Juan, my boy. Oh how reluctant I am to let you go!" I will not dwell on the sadness of that parting. The horses were waiting in the courtyard, and after the last fond embrace I mounted. "Good-bye, mother!" "Farewell, my boy. God keep you!" and as we moved away I saw her white handkerchief fluttering through the gloom. At the gate the Indian waited for us, and he followed a few paces in the rear. I thought this strange, and asked Jose about it. "It may be well to have a friend to guard our backs," he replied. So in the gathering darkness I stole away from my home, with my heart sore for my father's death and my mother's suffering. And it was the eve of my birthday--the eve of the day to which I had looked forward with such delight! Being so young, I did not really understand the peril that surrounded me; but my faith in Jose was strong, and I felt confident that in taking me away he was acting for the best. Our path through the park led us near the lake, and I glanced sorrowfully at its calm waters and fern-fringed border. I would have liked to linger a moment at its margin, dwelling on past joys; but Jose hurried me on, remarking there was no time to waste. Only, as the great gates swung open, he let me stop, so that I might bid a silent adieu to the beautiful home where my happy days of childhood had been passed. "Keep a brave heart," said he kindly; "we shall be back some day. And now for a word of advice. Ride carefully and keep your eyes open. I don't want to frighten you, but the sooner we're clear of Lima the better I shall be pleased." With that he put spurs to his horse, and with the clanging of the gate in our ears we rode off on the road to Callao, while the gigantic Indian followed about twenty paces behind. CHAPTER II. AN EXCITING VOYAGE. It may be that Jose's fears on my account had exaggerated the danger, as we reached Callao without interruption, and dismounted outside Mr. Warren's villa. Here the Indian took leave of us, but before going he unfastened a silver key from the chain round his neck, and pressed it into my hand. "It may happen," said he, "that at some time or other you will need help. That key and the name of Raymon Sorillo will obtain it for you from every patriot in the mountains of Peru. For the present, farewell. When you return from Chili we shall meet again."