At last he knocked at the door, and without a tremor in her voice she bade him enter.
"The horses are saddled, señora."
"Yes; and your plan, what is it?" she asked.
"It is very simple, señora. 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, José," she said brokenly.
"I will guard him with my life, señora!"
"I know it, I am sure of it; and some day yon will bring him back to me. God will reward you, José.—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.