young Indians
to attend him as pages. These he sent to the principal
prisoners, revealing his plan, with orders that they should
pass it secretly and adroitly from one to another, and hold
themselves in readiness, at the appointed time, to carry it
into effect. The dinner hour of the third day was the time
fixed upon for striking the blow. Vitachuco would be dining
with the governor, and the Indians in general attending upon
their respective masters.

"The cacique was to watch his opportunity, spring upon the
governor and kill him, giving at the moment of assault a
war-whoop which should resound throughout the village. The
war-whoop was to be the signal for every Indian to grapple
with his master or with any other Spaniard at hand and
dispatch him on the spot.

"On the day appointed Vitachuco dined as usual with the
governor. When the repast was concluded, he sprang upon his
feet, closed instantly with the governor, seized him with
the left hand by the collar, and with the other fist dealt
him such a blow in the face as to level him with the ground,
the blood gushing out of eyes, nose and mouth. The cacique
threw himself upon his victim to finish his work, giving at
the same time his signal war-whoop.

"All this was the work of an instant; and before the
officers present had time to recover from their
astonishment, the governor lay senseless beneath the tiger
grasp of Vitachuco. One more blow from the savage would have
been fatal; but before he could give it a dozen swords and
lances were thrust through his body, and he fell dead.

"The war-whoop had resounded through the village. Hearing
the fatal signal, the Indians, attending upon their masters,
assailed them with whatever missile they could command. Some
seized upon pikes and swords; others snatched up the pots in
which meal was stewing at the fire, and beating the
Spaniards about the head, bruised and scalded them at the
same time. Some caught up plates, pitchers, jars, and the
pestles wherewith they pounded the maize. Others seized upon
stools, benches and tables, striking with impotent fury,
when their weapons had not the power to harm. Others
snatched up burning fire-brands, and rushed like very
devils into the affray. Many of the Spaniards were terribly