An ambitious officer of the company, selected Paul for a victim and placed him under arrest as a Chilean spy.
The officer would listen to no explanations, but compelled his prisoner to travel on that night, though he was so fatigued by the day's journey that he could scarcely sit on his mule.

There was no help for it, so Kiefer was left with the baggage and Paul, closely guarded, rode off into the sultry night During the small hours of the morning, the troop arrived at Chorrillos, at which place, Boyton positively refused to go further, being too nearly exhausted to proceed.
The officer decided to remain until daylight and go on to Lima by rail.
As tired as the prisoner was, he could not sleep on account of the ravenous attacks of fleas which drove him almost mad.

At daylight he was taken by railway train to Lima and on arrival there was immediately marched to the palace, where he was to be presented as a spy to his friend, Don Nicholas de Pierola, the Dictator.
The impertinent officer arrived at the palace with his prisoner, under the impression that he would receive a handsome reward for making such a notable arrest.

When Paul pulled out a packet, addressed to Don Nicholas, the fellow was rather surprised; but continued to treat the supposed spy with overbearing harshness, until Boyton was released from his presence and taken before the Dictator, where he was cordially received and many references made to their former pleasant meeting in Paris.
"But how did you get here so soon ?" inquired Don Nicholas, "other passengers who were on board the Columbia have not yet arrived." Paul related the story of his capture at Lurin and of his all night ride on mule back.

The Dictator sent for the officer, who, thinking he was going to be rewarded for his cleverness, entered the reception room with a peacock strut that was admirable.