h the stockades a number
of tall savage-looking figures collected among the trees; and an arrow,
with a burning head, was sent flying into the centre of our fort. It
stuck in the ground, and did no damage. Instantly it was followed by a
whole flight, and the most terrific yells and cries rent the air, as
some hundreds of the fiercest-looking savages were now rushing on
towards the fort.

"Now, be steady, and fire," cried Manco.

We did, and each of us hit his man; our Indians at the same time sending
their arrows from their bows as fast as they could draw the string,
returning those which the _Cashibos_ had sent. Several of our enemies
had fallen by the time they had reached the foot of the hill. Still
they came on, and began to climb the rocks. If they succeeded in
getting up, and climbing over the stockades, we saw we should to a
certainty be overwhelmed. On they came with terrific cries and yells.
Again and again we fired, and rarely missed; but their numbers were so
great, that little impression was made on them. They found, however, as
they got higher up, their difficulties increased. Our Indians plied
them rapidly with arrows, and at intervals tumbled down the stones on
their heads, and we continued loading and firing without cessation. We
could almost reach them with our spears; and so crowded together were
they, that they impeded each other's movements. This gave us a great
advantage, of which we did not fail to profit; and seizing the largest
stones at hand, we dashed them down on their faces, and knocked them off
the cliff. Their places were, however, speedily supplied by others, and
at length some of them succeeded in reaching the stockades. Now came
the tug of war; for the fighting was hand to hand, where numbers would
have the advantage. Just then I recollected the effect our horses had
had on them before; and calling Manco, we mounted two which stood behind
the hill, ready saddled, and dashed forward at the enemy with our spears
in our hands, uttering loud shouts. The apparition so startled the
foremost ranks, that they turned round to fly, hurrying those behind
them back also. Seeing the success of our manoeuvre, we told the rest
to follow our example. Nita, who had been by the side of Manco, leaped
on a horse. Ned took hold of her baby; and the Indians, leading the
baggage-horses, we prepared to gallop down the rock, and to charge the
main body of the _Cashibos_. It seemed an act of de