do not grasp a bridle, but are bound behind their
backs; and their feet, drawn together under the bellies of their horses,
are there spliced with raw-hide ropes. To prevent turning in the
saddle, other thongs, extending from strong leathern waist-belts, stay
them to croup and pommel, and hold their bodies firm. Under such a
ligature no horse could dismount either without also flinging the
saddle, and that is guarded against by the strongest girthing. It is
not intended that these horsemen shall lose their seats until they have
performed an extraordinary feat.

It is no voluntary act. Their countenances plainly tell that. Upon the
features of both are written the most terrible emotions--craven
cowardice in all its misery--despair in its darkest shadows!

Both are men of nearly middle age--both are officers in full uniform.
But it needs not that to recognise them as the deadly enemies of
Carlos--Vizcarra and Roblado. No longer now his enemies. They are his
captives!

But for what purpose are they thus mounted? What scene of mockery is to
be enacted? Scene of mockery! Ha! ha! ha!

Observe! _the horses upon which they sit are wild mustangs_! Observe!
_they are blinded with tapojos_!

For what purpose? You shall see.

A Tagno stands at the head of each horse, and holds him with difficulty.
The animals are kept fronting the cliff, with their heads directed to
the jutting point of La Nina.

The Indians are drawn up in line also facing to the cliff. There is no
noise in their ranks. An ominous silence characterises the scene. In
front is their chief mounted upon his coal-black steed; and upon him the
eyes of all are fixed, as though they expected some signal, his face is
pale, but its expression is stern and immobile. He has not yet reached
the completion of his vengeance.

There are no words between him and his victims. All that has passed.
They know their doom.

Their backs are towards him, and they see him not; but the Tagnos who
stand by the horses' heads have their eyes fixed upon him with a
singular expression. What do these expect? A signal.

In awful silence was that signal given. To the right and left sprang
the Tagnos, leaving free the heads of the mustangs. Another signal to
the line of mounted warriors, who, on receiving it, spurred their horses
forward with a wild yell.

Their spears soon pricked the hips of the mustangs, and the blinded
animals sprang towards the cliff!

The gr