forest of waving banners,
long lances, and battle-axes, tossing to and fro, and glittering in the
rays of the noonday sun which shone down upon their heads. At intervals
might be seen rich panoplies of feather work and lofty plumes, marking
the post of some leading cacique, or Inca noble. Some way to the right,
on a rising ground, rose the magnificent canopy under which the Inca
Tupac Amaru was to be found, surrounded by his generals and nobles.

As the march was about to commence, our conductors hurried us down the
hill past the crowded ranks of the army, towards the spot where the Inca
was stationed. When a little distance off, he went forward alone, and
prostrating himself before the monarch, announced the arrival of some
captives. The Inca immediately ordered us to be brought before him. He
was seated under the canopy on a cushioned throne, richly ornamented
with gold; and on either side of him were ranged a dense mass of his
chiefs and councillors, all dressed in garments similar to those worn by
their ancestors. Tupac Amaru himself was habited as tradition has
described Atahualpa; and he wore as a crown the crimson _borla_, or
fringe, which hung down as low as the eye-brow, and gave a very peculiar
expression to his grave and handsome countenance. I have before
mentioned that he was a tall and dignified person; and he looked well
worthy in every respect to be the sovereign of the assembled multitude.
When he saw us he beckoned us to approach, and made inquiries of our
conductor respecting us, not knowing that Pedro and I understood the
Quichua language. The cacique simply stated where he had found us, and
replied that we could answer for ourselves.

I begged Pedro to act as spokesman, and he gave a short account of our
adventures, as well as of my history. The Inca seemed much interested,
and assured us of his protection; at the same time inviting us to
accompany him in his march to lay siege to Cuzco. Pedro in reply,
having expressed our gratitude to the Inca, entreated to be allowed to
remain behind, assuring the Inca that he was ready to lay down his life
for the benefit of the Indians, but that the Spaniards were his
countrymen and he could not fight against them. The nobles who stood
round seemed very much offended at this; but the Inca observing that he
should consider the subject, turned to Ned and asked him what he would
do. I put the question to him in English.

"Tell His Majesty, if it's to