ere loaded, so as to open fire before the landing was effected, in
order to clear the shore of the enemy. This was soon accomplished,
and the natives who had assembled on the beach were seen, streaming
up the road through the cliff.

This was the most dangerous part that the advancing party would
have to traverse, as they would be exposed to a heavy fire, from
those standing above them, on both flanks. They would have
suffered, indeed, very severely, had not the captain turned his
guns upon the masses gathered on the high ground and, by one or two
lucky shots plumped into the middle of them, created such an effect
that the fire of arrows kept up upon the troops, as they advanced,
was wild and confused.

Several of the sailors were severely wounded, but the soldiers,
well sheltered by their mail, pressed on and gained the level
ground; their blood being fired, as they went, by the spectacle of
the dead bodies of their first officer and supercargo, who had
landed the night before.

Here the natives were assembled in great force and, as they were
now out of sight of those on board ship, the guns could no longer
render assistance to the little party. These showed a good front as
the masses of the enemy approached them, and charged boldly at
them.

The natives, however, maddened by the loss of their canoes, and
feeling that their only hope was in annihilating their enemies,
came on with such force, wielding heavy clubs, that the array of
the Portuguese was broken, and in a short time each was fighting
desperately for himself. Several had been stricken down and,
although large numbers of the natives had been killed, it was plain
that the victory would in a few minutes be decided; when suddenly a
great shout was heard, and a volley of musketry was poured into the
rear of the natives.

The hard-pressed whites gave a cheer, for they knew that assistance
had arrived from the castle. The natives, whose attention had been
directed to the attack in front, were taken completely by surprise;
and as both the parties of whites simultaneously charged, large
numbers were unable to escape and were cut down, while the rest
fled precipitately from the spot.

Very hearty were the congratulations of the Portuguese, as the
forces came together. Gerald had safely reached the castle, after
some narrow escapes. He, having fallen among some sleeping natives,
had been attacked and forced to trust to his speed.

After a short consultation