g which I was soon to undergo.

At last their preparations seemed completed, and the audience assembled.
Camanches and Apaches alike gathered before the temple, forming a vast
semi-circle. The terraces of the temple were occupied by the older men,
and upon its summit were seated a group of men in strange costumes, the
priests of Quetzalcoatl. Directly in front of the temple a sort of
throne had been erected, and upon it sat the aged chief, with his
subordinates grouped around him. An old Indian of most repulsive aspect,
seemed to direct the proceedings, assisted by about a hundred of the
younger warriors. A number approached us, we were released from our
fastenings and led forward; our ragged garments were soon stripped from
our bodies, and with dextrous rapidity we were bound singly to the
stakes already prepared for us.

To the hour of my death I can never forget that scene. For years it
haunted me, and even now, at times I start from my sleep with a cry of
terror as I fancy I see again that mob of yelling, painted demons, the
crowded terraces of the temple gay with the bright colors of barbaric
costumes, the little band of doomed captives, the fagots, stakes, and
all the terrible instruments of death. Back of all, the snow white
cliffs, fringed with the dark green foliage of the pines, and Heaven's
sunshine falling over all, as if in mockery of the awful tragedy about
to be enacted. I wake--and shuddering, thank God that it is only a
dream.

But it was all too real then. At a signal from their leader the savage
executioners heaped the fagots around us, placing them at a sufficient
distance to insure the prolongation of our sufferings, so that we might
die slowly, and afford them ample time to fully enjoy our agonies. The
fires were lighted, and the smoke rolled up in volumes, and threatened
to suffocate us and put a speedy end to our torments. In a few seconds
however, as the wood got fairly blazing, the smoke lifted, and as we
began to writhe in agony, a yell of delight went up from more than three
thousand savage throats. The heat grew more intense; my skin was
scorched and blistered; dizzy and faint, I felt that the end was near,
and longed for death as a speedy escape from such terrible pain. Some of
my companions, rendered frantic by their sufferings, gave vent to
screams of anguish; others endured in silence.

Mustering all my fortitude, as yet not a sound had escaped me; I had
closed my eyes, and was ferve