ey had entered. They knew that two
Englishmen, a portion of the body which, under Drake, had rendered
themselves so feared, were leaders of these men; and so great was
the respect in which the English were at that time held, that this,
alone, vastly added to the difficulties and dangers which the
Spaniards saw awaiting them.

However, after a few minutes' consultation the party moved forward.
It was now formed in two bodies, about equally strong; one going a
quarter of a mile ahead, the other following it.

"What have these men divided their forces for?" the negro asked
Ned.

"It seems to me," he answered, "that they hope we shall fall upon
the first body, thinking that there are no more behind; and that
the others, coming up in the midst of the fight, will take us by
surprise. However, we will let them march.

"Send word, to the company which lies somewhat in the line which
they have taken, of their approach; and let them at once retire.
Tell them to make circuits in the hills, but to leave behind them
sufficient traces for the Spaniards to follow. This will encourage
them to keep on, and by nightfall they will be thoroughly tired
out.

"Whenever they get in valleys, or other places where advantage may
be taken of them, two of the companies shall accompany them, at a
good distance on their flanks; and pour in volleys of arrows, or
roll stones down upon them. I will take command of one of these
companies, Gerald of the other.

"Do you," he said to the negro, "follow with the last. Keep out of
their reach; but occasionally, after they have passed, fire arrows
among the rear guard.

"Do you, cacique, make your way to the leading column. See that
they choose the most difficult gorges; and give, as far as
possible, the appearance of hurry to their flight, so as to
encourage the Spaniards to follow."

These tactics were faithfully carried out. All day the Spaniards
followed, as they believed, close upon the footsteps of the flying
foe; but from time to time, from strong advantage spots, arrows
were rained upon them, great rocks thundered down, and wild yells
rang through the forest. Before, however, they could ascend the
slopes and get hand to hand with their enemy, these had retreated,
and all was silent as the grave in the woods.

Perplexed, harassed, and somewhat awe-struck by these new and
inexplicable tactics; and having lost many men, by the arrows and
stones of the enemy, the two troops gathered at night