ery thick, and form
an excellent fence. Within the enclosure were growing patches of wheat,
potatoes, and Indian corn, as also the yuca root, from the flour of
which palatable cakes are formed. This mountain plantation was
cultivated, the old man told us, by the faithful followers of his tribe.
He had no children; he was the last of his race.

Uncle Richard had an object in paying the visit. The old Indian had
considerable influence over the inhabitants of the surrounding hills,
and he wished to stir them up, when the time should come, to join the
Patriot ranks.

"I am too old myself to strike a blow for liberty," said the old man;
"but often, as I gaze over yonder wide valley, and remember that once it
belonged to my ancestors, that by the cruelty and oppression of the
Godos my people are now reduced to a handful, and that the sufferings
and death of thousands of my people rest on the heads of our oppressors,
my heart swells with indignation. Si, Senor Ricardo, si. You may
depend on me that I will use all the influence I possess to arouse my
people, but I fear that we shall be able to send scarce fifty warriors
into the field--many of them mere youths, although they have the hearts
of men."

After some further conversation, Uncle Richard left a present with the
old cacique, and we bade him farewell.

On reaching the foot of the cliff we met several Indians, who, having
observed us from neighbouring heights, had come down to ascertain the
object of our visit. Uncle Richard spoke to them, although not so
openly as he had done to the chief. The men had a peculiarly serious
cast of countenance; not one of them smiled while with us, but they
appeared good-tempered, and were perfectly civil. Their eyes were
large, fine, and full of expression; and two or three girls who were of
the party were decidedly good-looking, which is more than can be said of
Indian maidens in general. Each man was accompanied by a dog, of which
he seemed very fond. Round their huts we saw abundance of fruit, and
several fat pigs, so that they were evidently well off for provisions.

It is wonderful how long these Indians will go without food by chewing
coca leaf, which is far more sustaining and refreshing than tobacco.

"Those men would make sturdy soldiers, and fight bravely," observed
Uncle Richard, as we rode away.

Our destination was a small valley, through which the Rio Vinaigre makes
its way towards the Cauca. We left our a