mile of my journey. We had to descend some way,
and then to travel along the side of the mountain range, in order to
gain the road which led across the Cordilleras. I speak of the path as
a road; but in many spots it was so narrow and difficult that I thought
it would be impossible for any mule to get along. Here and there large
blocks of stone had been placed, with the intention of facilitating the
ascent. My mule sprung up them with such violent jerks that I was at
first almost thrown over his head; but when we had to descend, he picked
his way with great caution. Manco went before me with a long pole in
his hand, ready to assist me if I required it.

After proceeding some way, I observed a large valley spread out at our
feet. It was full of people and numerous tents and huts. Manco pointed
to it with an expression of pride in his countenance.

"There," said he, "you see the headquarters of the army which is to
liberate our country from the power of the conqueror. The Inca Tupac
Amaru himself, and his two young and noble sons, are there. In a few
days the whole army will be assembled, when we march upon Cuzco, once
more to reinstate our sovereign in the capital of his ancestors."

Manco's dark eyes flashed proudly as he spoke; for after the recent
success of the Indian arms he had no doubt of victory. I thought
differently. Hitherto the Indians had fought among mountains, where
discipline was of little avail, and their bows and slings could send
their missiles with effect; or they had attacked unfortified and
unprepared villages; but in the neighbourhood of Cuzco they would be in
an open valley, where the cavalry and artillery of the Spaniards could
be brought into play, and I trembled for the consequences. I was
unwilling to damp Manco's ardour; but I endeavoured to point out the
dangers I foresaw, and urged him to persuade the chiefs not to be
over-confident.

We kept along the ridge of the height forming the side of the valley
without descending, and I was thus able to obtain a full view of the
Indian army. I was surprised not only at the vast number of people
collected, but at the apparent order which prevailed, and at the great
state which the Inca and his chief officers maintained. In the centre
of the camp, amid a number of banners fluttering in the breeze, was
erected a large canopy of gay-coloured cloth, beneath which was a
throne, richly ornamented with gold and silver. A flight of steps le