and, on the whole, I think the risk is worth running!"

The next question was how to get timely warning of the enemy's approach. I
suggested posting scouts on the hills which commanded the roads into the
valley. I thought that, albeit the tame Indians were good for nothing
else, they could at least sit under a tree and keep their eyes open.

"They would fall asleep," said Fray Ignacio.

So we decided to keep a lookout among ourselves, and ask the girls who
tended the cattle to do the same. They were much more wide-awake than the
men, if the latter could be said to be awake at all.

The next thing was to fortify the priest's house, which seemed the most
suitable for our purpose. I strengthened the wall with stays, repaired the
old _trabuco_, which was almost as big as a small cannon, and made ready
for barricading the doors and windows on the first alarm.

This done, there was nothing for it but to wait with what patience I
might, and kill time as I best could. I walked about, fished in the river,
and talked with Fray Ignacio. I would have gone out shooting, for there
was plenty of game in the neighborhood, only that I had to reserve my
ammunition for more serious work.

For the present, at least, my idea of exploring the Andes appeared to be
quite out of the question. I should require both mules and guides, and I
had no money either to buy the one or to pay the other.

And so the days went monotonously on until it seemed as if I should have
to remain in this valley surnamed Happy for the term of my natural life,
and I grew so weary withal that I should have regarded a big earthquake as
a positive god-send. I was in this mood, and ready for any enterprise,
however desperate, when one morning a young woman who had been driving
cattle to an upland pasture, came running to Fray Ignacio to say that she
had seen a troop of horsemen coming down from the mountains.

"The _misterios_!" said the priest, turning pale. "Are you still resolved,
senor?"

"Certainly," I answered, trying to look grave, though really greatly
delighted. "Be good enough to send for the girls who are most in danger.
Gahra and I will take possession of the house, and do all that is
needful."

It was further arranged that Fray Ignacio should remain outside with his
tame Indians, and tell the _misterios_ that all the good-looking
_mestiza_, maidens were in his house, guarded by braves from over the
seas, who would strike dead with lightning anybody