niola. The younger, and more warlike spirits were
in favor of organizing an instant crusade, for sending to the other
islands for more troops, for surrounding the forest country, and
for putting the last of the negroes to the sword. More peaceful
counsels, however, prevailed; for it was felt that the whole open
country was, as Ned had told the governor, at their mercy; that the
damage which could be inflicted would be enormous; and the
satisfaction of putting the fugitives to death, even if they were
finally conquered, would be but a poor recompense for the blow
which might be given to the prosperity and wealth of the island.
All sorts of schemes were mooted, by which the runaways could be
beguiled into laying down their arms, but no practicable plan could
be hit upon.

In the meantime, in the mountains, the bands improved in drill and
discipline. They had now gained some confidence in themselves, and
gave themselves up heartily to the work. Portions of land, too,
were turned up; and yams and other fruits, on a larger scale than
had hitherto been attempted, were planted. A good supply of goats
was obtained, huts were erected, and the lads determined that, at
least as long as the Spaniards allowed it, their lives should be
made as comfortable as possible.

Fugitive slaves from time to time joined the party; but Ned
strongly discouraged any increase, at present, from this cause. He
was sure that, were the Spaniards to find that their runaways were
sheltered there, and that a general desertion of their slaves might
take place; they would be obliged, in self defense, to root out
this formidable organization in their midst. Therefore, emissaries
were sent out among the negroes, stating that none would be
received, in the mountains, save those who had previously asked
permission; this being only accorded in cases where such extreme
brutality and cruelty had been exercised, by the masters, as would
wholly justify the flight of the slave.

For some months, a sort of truce was maintained between the
Spaniards and this little army in the woods. The blacks observed
the promises, which Ned had made, with great fidelity. The planters
found that no depredations took place, and that the desertions
among their slaves were no more numerous than before; and had it
depended solely upon them, no further measures would have been
taken.

The case, however, was different among the military party in the
island. To them, the failure of t