much as sheep-dogs drive sheep, and soon had them penned
into a compact mass in an angle formed by the church and another building.
Although the crowd numbered two or three hundred, of whom a third were
men, no resistance was offered. A few of exceptionally energetic character
made a languid attempt to bolt, but were speedily brought back by the
_misterios_, whose long spears they treated with profound respect.

So soon as this operation was completed the cacique beckoned peremptorily
to the _padre_, and the two, talking earnestly the while, came toward the
house. It seemed as if the Indian chief wanted a parley; but, not being
quite sure of this, I thought it advisable, when he was about fifty yards
off, to show him the muzzle of my piece. The hint was understood. He laid
his weapons on the ground, and, when he and the padre were within speaking
distance, the _padre_, who appeared very much disturbed, said the cacique
desired to have speech of me. Not to be outdone in magnanimity I opened
the door and stepped outside.

The cacique doffed his skull-helmet and made a low bow. I returned the
greeting, said I was delighted to make his acquaintance, and asked what I
could do to oblige him.

"Give up the maidens," he answered, in broken Spanish.

"I cannot; they are in my charge. I have sworn to protect them, and, as
you discovered just now, I have the means of making good my word."

"It is true. You have lightning; I have none, and I shall not sacrifice my
braves in a vain attempt to take the maidens by force. Nevertheless, you
will give them up."

"You are mistaken. I shall not give them up."

"The great pale-face chief is a friend of these poor tame people; he
wishes them well?"

"It is true, and for that reason I shall not let you carry off the seven
maidens."

"Seven?"

"Yes, seven."

"How many men and women and maidens are there yonder, trembling before the
spears of my braves like corn shaken by the wind--fifty times seven?"

"Probably."

"Then my brother--for I also am a great chief--my brother from over the
seas holds the liberty of seven to be of more account than the lives of
fifty times seven."

"My brother speaks in riddles," I said, acknowledging the cacique's
compliment and adopting his style.

"It is a riddle that a child might read. Unless the maidens are given
up--not to harm, but to be taken to our country up there--unless they are
given up the spears of my braves will drink the blood o