"If we carry this fellow with us, he will to a certainty be put to death," I observed to Mr Laffan. "I don't like the idea of that," said he. "Nor do I," I answered. "The best thing we can do is to get what information we can out of him, then bind him to a tree, and leave him. The Spaniards will discover him in time, and will yet be none the wiser." "A good idea," said Mr Laffan. The captive Spanish soldier looked imploringly at us, fully expecting that his minutes were numbered. "We do not intend to kill you," I said, "if you will give us a faithful account of the number of troops in this neighbourhood, and what it is intended they should do,--whether they are about to attack the fort again, or to march away; and if so, where they are going." "Have I your word of honour?" asked the Spaniard, looking at me, very much puzzled to know who I could be, as he heard me speak in English, and then address him in genuine Spanish. "You have my word. We have no wish to murder our enemies," said I. "That's more than I can say for my countrymen," he answered. "I will tell you frankly, senor. There are a thousand men in yonder camp. It was intended to attack you again to-night. Our officers have resolved to capture the fort at all risks, and they have told the men it must be done. If you will undertake, senor, to protect my life, I will follow you, and serve you faithfully. I would rather do that than have again to assault yonder fort." "I believe what you say," I answered; "but I cannot venture to take you with me, for the Patriots would instantly put you to death, as they have vowed to do with every Spaniard who falls into their hands." "I must submit to my hard fate, then," said the man. "You will regain your liberty in a few hours," observed Captain Laffan. "Ah, senor, if I am caught I shall be shot for sleeping at my post. If you will give me my liberty I will run away, and not again fight against you." "The very best thing such a fellow as you can do. I think we may trust you," said Captain Laffan. We led our prisoner on until within a short distance of the fort, when, instead of binding him, we let him go. He bolted away to the northward,--showing that he fully intended to carry out his promise. On our return to Juan, he thanked us warmly for the service we had rendered.