04 AN UNEXPECTED CAUTION. 
at me for some moments, and then asked if I 
were the Captain of the Russian frigate. On 
my answering in the affirmative, after ascer- 
taining that we were not observed, he said, 
‘You are aware that the two parties in this 
country are differently disposed towards you. 
The day after to-morrow the officers of the regi- 
ment in Talcaguana will give you a farewell 
ball, when they intend to overpower the Rus- 
sian officers, and take them prisoners. I have 
adopted this method of making you acquainted 
with the design; be on your guard.” With 
these words he disappeared among the high 
shrubs. As soon as my companions came up, 
I took Mendiburu aside, and told him what I 
had just heard. Honourable and warm-heart- 
ed, my friend at first grew pale with astonish- 
ment and vexation; but, after a few moments’ 
consideration, he felt convinced, and assured 
me, that the thing was impossible, and that my 
unknown monitor must be in error. At the 
same time we both determined, immediately on 
our arrival in Conception, to mention the cir- 
cumstance to the President. Freire received 
me in a very friendly manner, and so confi- 
