while there
were also eight arquebuses, which had been gained from the same
source. All the natives bore bows and arrows, with which they were
able to shoot with great accuracy. The negroes were not skilled
with these weapons; but were more useful, from their greater
strength, for hurling down rocks and missiles upon the Spaniards,
when below.

A consultation had been previously held, as to the course to be
taken in case of the approach of the enemy. It was determined as
far as possible to avoid fighting, to allow the Spaniards to tramp
from place to place, and then to harass them by falling upon them
in the night, disturbing their sleep, cutting down sentries; and
harassing them until they were forced, by pure exhaustion, to leave
the forest.

These tactics were admirably adapted to the nature of the contest.
The only thing which threatened to render them nugatory was the
presence of the fierce dogs of the Spaniards. Preparations had
already been made for checking the bloodhounds in pursuit of
fugitive slaves. In a narrow place, in one of the valleys at the
entrance of the forest, a somewhat heavy gallery had been erected.
This was made of wood heaped with great stones, and was so arranged
that any animal running through it would push aside a stick, which
acted as a trigger. This would release a lever, and the heavy logs
above would fall, crushing to death anything beneath it. A lookout
was always placed to intercept any fugitive slaves who might enter
the forest, and to guide them through this trap; which was, of
course, not set until after they had passed. This had been done in
the case of the two negroes who had arrived the previous day, and
the boys felt that any pursuit of them by bloodhounds would at once
be cut short, and the Spaniards left to their own devices.

This anticipation proved correct. The scouts reported that they
could hear, in the distance, the baying of dogs; and that,
undoubtedly, the enemy were proceeding on the track of the slaves.

The four companies were each told off, to positions considerably
apart from each other; while Ned and Gerald, with the cacique, or
chief, of the Indians, one negro, and four or five fleet-footed
young men, remained to watch the success of the trap.

This was all that they had hoped. The Spaniards were seen coming up
the glade, a troop two hundred strong. The leaders were on
horseback, some fifteen in number; and after them marched the
pikemen, in steady arr