By degrees we pushed on to a place about nine leagues east of Lima, where it seemed as if the lumbering machine had broken down altogether. It was evening when we arrived and halted; the men ate the last morsel of their scanty rations; the chief officers, though no one could imagine what they found to discuss, held a conference, and presently it leaked out that the pursuit had been abandoned.
"I don't profess to understand it," exclaimed Major Gamarra, "but you will find that there's some grand scheme in the air."
"Ah!" interrupted another officer, in a sarcastic tone, "and no doubt it will stay there; most of these precious schemes do. What I should like to see would be a little common sense."
"Would you recognize it if you saw it?" put in the major quick as lightning; and all the others laughed.
"Perhaps not. I've had little opportunity of renewing my acquaintance with it since San Martin came to Peru."
This was a dangerous remark, as we were a very mixed crowd. Some had come from Buenos Ayres with San Martin; others were Chilians who had fought with him throughout the Chilian War; several, like myself, were natives of Peru; while two or three were Englishmen.
Fortunately, before the dispute had had time to become hot, the colonel returned from the conference, and joined us at the fire.
"I don't know, gentlemen, that anything is likely to happen," said he; "but we may as well enjoy a night's rest while we can," and wrapping his cloak around him, he lay down, setting an example which most of us followed.