lan_. We told them, likewise by signs,
that we indeed came from the rising of the sun. We certainly did not
understand what they meant; nevertheless it was something for us to
reflect on, while it at the same time gave rise to a variety of
conjectures, since the natives of St. Lazaro had used the identical
words.

It was about the hour of Ave Maria, when the Indians approached us in
this manner. A few country houses were scattered round about the
neighbourhood. We took the precaution to post watches in different
quarters, and upon the whole kept a sharp look out, as the manner in
which the natives were assembling seemed to forebode very little good.
When we had closed our ranks and taken every necessary precaution, our
ears were assailed by the cries and yells of large bodies of Indians who
were advancing from different quarters. As they were all armed for
battle we could no longer doubt that some evil design was lurking
behind; we therefore held a consultation with our captain as to the
course we should adopt. Many were of opinion that the best we could do
would be to re-embark ourselves in all haste; but, as is always the case
in critical moments, one advised this and another that, and so this
proposal was overruled as unadvisable, for the vast numbers of Indians
would certainly fall upon us while we were getting into our boats and we
should all stand in danger of being killed. Others again, among which
number I also was, were of opinion that the enemy should be attacked
that very night; for, according to the old saying, he who strikes the
first blow remains master of the field; but we might make up our minds
that each of us singly would have to encounter thirty Indians at least.

Day now began to dawn, and we emboldened each other to meet the coming
severe conflict by putting our trust in God and commending our cause to
him, while every one was determined to defend himself to the utmost. As
soon as daylight had fully broken forth, we perceived more troops of
armed natives moving towards the coast with flying colours. They had on
their feather-knots, and were provided with drums, bows, lances,
shields, and joined themselves to the others who had arrived in the
night. They divided themselves into different bodies, surrounded us on
all sides, and commenced pouring forth such showers of arrows, lances,
and stones, that more than eighty of our men were wounded at the first
onset. They next rushed furiously forward and at