take the consequences."

The recluse once more went back to the insurgent Indians. Pedro, on
hearing the message, tried to persuade his father to escape with him in
one of the small canoes; but the old gentleman declared at once that he
would not make the attempt, as he was sure he should thus only fall into
the hands of his enemies.

We now anxiously awaited the return of our friend. An hour passed by,
when we saw among the trees a large number of natives approaching the
fort, some armed with muskets, but the greater number with bows and
arrows.

"We shall have no difficulty in beating back that rabble!" exclaimed
Tony. "We must first pick off the fellows with firearms, and the others
will soon take to flight."

I did not feel so confident as my friend. The enemy from their numbers
alone were formidable, and if well led, might, I feared, easily
overpower us. Their numbers increased, and they seemed on the point of
making a dash at the fort, when a loud shout was raised behind them.
They turned round, looking eagerly in the direction from whence it came.
Presently three persons came out from among them. One I recognised as
the recluse; but the other two I looked at again and again, and at
length was convinced that one was Don Jose, and the other his attendant
Isoro. Don Jose, turning to the natives, addressed them in the Lingua
Geral, which they all probably understood. They were sufficiently near
for us to hear what was said.

"My friends," he exclaimed, "what is it you require? Do you seek the
blood of these white people? What will that benefit you? Listen to
Pumacagua--a Peruvian cacique--who regards with affection the whole
Indian race; who would wish to see them united as one tribe, prosperous
and happy, enjoying all the benefits of our magnificent country. If you
destroy these people, you will but bring down the vengeance of the
powerful whites on your heads. Some among them are my friends. They
have never harmed you. They wish you well, I know, and are even now
sufferers for the cause of liberty. Be advised by me. Return to your
homes, and seek not by force to obtain your rights. It will, I know too
well by bitter experience, be in vain. Trust to me and my English
friends, who will not rest till we have gained for you the justice you
demand."

We saw the leaders among the Indians consulting together. The recluse
now went among them, and addressed them earnestly. His and Don Jose's
wo