fight the Dons, I'll help him with all my
heart," he at once replied. "It comes natural like, and it won't be the
first time I've been at blows with them. I owe them a grudge, too, for
killing as honest a fellow as ever stepped, and that was my late
skipper. Tell him all that, mate, and say I'm his man whenever he wants
me."

The Inca appeared much pleased at Ned's reply, which I interpreted; but
he seemed less inclined to treat Pedro and me with favour. My turn came
next. I own that I felt great reluctance to refuse fighting, and having
no sufficient excuse to offer, was about to answer that I was ready to
serve in any capacity the Inca might desire, when a loud shout was
raised, and a fresh body of Indians was seen hurrying down the
mountain's side. A chief came at their head, and I looked towards him
as the loud shouts of those around me gave him welcome. I could
scarcely believe my eyes. It was my friend Manco! I was certain of it;
and forgetting the presence of the Inca and his nobles, I rushed forward
to meet him.

It was Manco in reality. We clasped each other's hands, and for a time
could scarcely speak. He had thought me dead, or lingering in a Spanish
prison, while I till now had been uncertain of his fate. He told me
that when he was led out to be shot, it had occurred to him that by
keeping his eye on the soldiers he might drop as they fired, and allow
the balls to fly over him; and that as he knew a number of Indians were
collected on the other side of the river, by swimming across, they might
assist him to escape. He never lost his presence of mind, and watching
for the moment the soldiers drew their triggers, he fell to the ground,
instantly again springing up and flying to the river. Before the smoke
from the muskets had cleared away, he had plunged in and was swimming
across. Several bullets struck the water close to him, but landing
uninjured, he and his friends set off towards the mountains as rapidly
as they could proceed. They were pursued by a strong body of Spanish
soldiers, who followed them to their retreat. It was several days
before they could elude their enemies, and they had then marched through
a number of Indian villages to collect recruits, before joining the
army.

After he had paid his respects to the Inca, he introduced Pedro and me
as his friends, and we at once perceived that we were regarded in a more
favourable light than before. We accordingly obtained permis