these
unfortunates who perished in the mines, from hard work and cruel
treatment, is beyond all calculation. But it may be said that, of
the enormous treasures drawn by Spain from her South American
possessions, during the early days of her occupation, every
doubloon was watered with blood.

The boys, who had for nearly six months lived among the Indians,
and had seen their many fine qualities, were horrified at the
sights which they witnessed; and, several times, had the greatest
difficulty to restrain their feelings of indignation and horror.
They agreed, however, that it would be worse than useless to give
vent to such opinions. It would only draw upon them the suspicion
of the Spaniards, and would set the authorities at the mine and the
captain of the escort against them, and might prejudice the first
report that would be sent down to Arica, concerning them.

During the first few days of their stay, the boys acted their parts
with much internal amusement. They pretended to be absolutely
ignorant of civilized feeding, seized the meat raw and tore it with
their fingers, sat upon the ground in preference to chairs, and in
every way behaved as persons altogether ignorant of civilization.
Gradually, however, they permitted themselves to be taught, and
delighted their entertainers by their docility and willingness. The
Spaniards were, indeed, somewhat surprised by the whiteness of
their skin, where sheltered from the sun; and by the lightness of
their hair and eyes. The boys could hear many comments upon them,
and wondering remarks why they should be so much fairer than their
countrymen in general. As, however, it was clearly useless to ask
them, none of the Spaniards thought of doing so.

The end of the fortnight arrived and, under the charge of the
escort, the lads set out, together with twenty mules laden with
silver, for the coast. They had no longer any fear of the attacks
of the natives, or any trouble connected with their food supply; an
ample stock of provisions being carried upon spare mules. They
themselves were mounted, and greatly enjoyed the journey through
the magnificent forests.

They were, indeed, a little uneasy as to the examination which they
were sure to have to undergo at Arica, and which was likely to be
very much more severe and searching than that to which the
good-natured captain had subjected them. They longed to ask him
whether any news had been heard of the arrival of an English
squadr