able them, should their stronghold be stormed, to escape at the
last moment up to the hilltop above. In most places the cliff
behind the plateau rose so steeply as to almost overhang the foot;
and in these were many gaps and crevices, in which a considerable
number of people could take shelter, so as to avoid stones and
other missiles hurled down from above.

At one point in particular the precipice overhung, and under this a
strong erection of the trunks of trees was made. This was for the
animals to be placed in. The heavy roof was amply sufficient to
keep out any bullet shots; while, from its position, no masses of
rock could be dropped upon it.

It was not thought probable that the Spaniards would harass them
much from above, for the ascent to the summit was everywhere
extremely difficult; and the hillside was perfectly bare, and
sloped so sharply upward, from the edge of the precipitous cliff,
that it would be a difficult and dangerous task to descend, so as
to fire down into the arena; and, although every precaution had
been taken, it was felt that there was little fear of any attack
from above.

At last all was in readiness, as far as the efforts of those in the
forest could avail. A message was then sent in to the governor, to
the effect that the men of the forest desired to know for what
purpose so many soldiers were being assembled in the island; and
that, on a given day, unless some of these were embarked and sent
off, they would consider that a war was being prepared against
them, and that the agreement that the outlying settlements should
be left intact was therefore invalid.

As the boys had anticipated, the Spaniards answered this missive by
an instant movement forward; and some four hundred men were
reported as moving out towards the hills. This the boys were
prepared for, and simultaneously with the movement the whole
band--divided into parties of six, each of which had its fixed
destination and instructions, all being alike solemnly pledged to
take no life in cold blood, and to abstain from all unnecessary
cruelties--started quickly from the forest.

That night the Spanish force halted near the edge of the forest;
but at midnight a general consternation seized the camp when, from
fifty different points, flames were seen suddenly to rise on the
plain. Furious at this misfortune, the general in command put his
cavalry in motion, and scoured the country; only to find, however,
that the whole of th