e of the slaughter of so many of our fellow-creatures. We
found a bundle of blankets and some clean linen hid away under the
bedding; for the latter, which to us was a great luxury, we had no doubt
we were indebted to Don Eduardo. At night we threw ourselves on the
bed, and tried to sleep; but my rest was very disturbed, and I
constantly dreamed that I heard firing, and saw the unhappy Indians
being shot down before the windows. Towards morning, however, I fell
into a deep slumber; and, probably owing to the change of air and the
improvement in our food, we both slept to a much later hour than usual.
We were awakened by the confused sound of the voices of a concourse of
people, and jumping up, we hurried to the window. From thence we saw a
large crowd collected in the square, who seemed to be eagerly watching
the doors of the prison. We could distinguish the tones of those
nearest to us; and from the words which reached us, we learned that a
sort of trial had taken place the previous evening of the prisoners
lately captured, as well as of those in Tupac Catari's army, and that
they were all condemned to be shot. No one seemed to pity them; but, on
the contrary, all appeared to exult at the prospect of the slaughter
which was about to commence.

"The pretended Inca, Tupac Amaru, has been taken," said one man.

"No; that is a mistake," was the answer. "But another chief has, though
he fought like a lion, it is said."

"Who is he?" asked another.

"A relation of the Inca's: one of the viper's brood," replied the first.

"They say two strangers were made prisoners leading on the rebels,"
observed a third. "They are to be shot also, I hope."

"No doubt of it; but the viceroy has thought it necessary to send to
explain the matter to the English consul at Lima; and his answer has not
arrived," remarked a fourth.

"It is known that it cannot arrive for three or four more days; and care
will be taken to shoot them before that time," said the former speaker.

"Can they allude to us?" I asked of Pedro, feeling my heart sink within
me.

"There is no doubt about it," he replied. "We must be prepared for the
worst; but I do not think they will dare to kill one of your great
nation. They will shoot me though, as I have no friends to help me."

"Nor have I, Pedro; but I would rather say, Let us hope for the best," I
answered. "They would gain nothing by killing either of us, and it
would be very unjust to kill yo