thus engaged, at some distance from the
house, when I caught sight of a mounted Indian galloping towards me. He
also carried a lance, and a long bow at his back. As I saw him, the
thought that he was an enemy flashed across my mind. The time had come
for me to try my prowess and to fight for my life. I reloaded my
carbine, which I had just fired, and, placing it across my saddle ready
to raise to my shoulder, I grasped my lance, meanwhile watching the
movements of the Indian. He had not unslung his bow, while his lance
still rested in an upright position; and as he came on he lifted up his
hand, as a sign that his intentions were peaceable. In a few seconds I
had recognised our late prisoner Kanimapo. His steed was panting and
covered with foam. He had evidently ridden at a rapid rate for a long
distance.

"I am thankful to meet with you here, Senor Barry," he said, "for my
horse is well-nigh exhausted, and there is no time to be lost. But a
few hours back I gained the information that a large body of men, under
the Royalist leader Aqualonga, is about to make a foray in your
district, and to carry off or slaughter all suspected persons,--which
means every one whom they encounter. You have heard of the man, and the
fierce banditti he commands. He has had notice that a traveller with a
vast amount of wealth is residing in your house, and his chief object is
to get possession of it, as well as of those whom he calls traitors.
Hasten back and make all the preparations in your power for defence, for
I cannot tell how soon he may attack you. You may collect a sufficient
body of men from the neighbouring village to assist in defending you,
and I will endeavour to bring up some of my people to your aid. Again I
say you have not a moment to lose. Ride on as fast as your horse can
carry you. Farewell. Trust to my desire to assist you."

I thanked Kanimapo, assuring him that I would follow his advice. In the
hurry of the moment, I forgot even to ask him why he had quitted our
house without wishing us good-bye; and as, immediately he had done
speaking, he turned his horse's head, I put spurs into the flanks of
mine and galloped homewards.

As I approached I listened anxiously, almost expecting to hear the sound
of shots; but none reached my ears. Then I began to fear that the
sanguinary banditti had surprised the house, and perhaps put all those I
loved to death, as I well knew they were capable of doing. I ke