Preface

So much has been written of late years of late years of late years of late years of late years of late years of late years --and well written, too-- --and well written, too--? , , , touching the discovery of America of late years , that it would not be at all surprising should there exist a disposition in a certain class of readers to deny the accuracy of all some of[1] all all all all all the statements of of in in this work Work . Some may refer to history, with a desire desire view view view view view view to prove that there never were were were were were were wasere such a persons as our hero and heroine, and fancy that by establishing these facts, they completely destroy the authenticity of the whole book. All that we have to say in answer to this anticipated objection is All that we have to say i. In answer to this anticipated objectionis, we will state, In answer to this anticipated objection, we will state, In answer to this anticipated objection, we will state, In answer to this anticipated objection, we will state, In answer to this anticipated objection, we will state, In answer to this anticipated objection, we will state, that after carefully perusing severel several several several several several several of the Spanish writers, from Cervantes to the translator of the journal of Columbus, the Alpha and Omega of peninsular literature, from Cervantes to the translator of the journal of Columbus, the Alpha and Omega of peninsular literature, from Cervantes to the translator of the journal of Columbus, the Alpha and Omega of peninsular literature, from Cervantes to the translator of the journal of Columbus, the Alpha and Omega of peninsular literature, from Cervantes to the translator of the journal of Columbus, the Alpha and Omega of peninsular literature, from Cervantes to the translator of the journal of Columbus, the Alpha and Omega of peninsular literature, from Cervantes to the translator of the journal of Columbus, the Alpha and Omega of peninsular literature, and after having read both Irving and Prescott from beginning to end, we can can do do do do do do not find a syllable in either of them, that we understand to be conclusive evidence, or indeed to be to be to be to be to be to be any evidence at all, on this part of the subject this part of the subject the portions of our subject that are likely to be disputed the portions of our subject that are likely to be disputed the portions of our subject that are likely to be disputed the portions of our subject that are likely to be disputed the portions of our subject that are likely to be disputed the portions of our subject that are likely to be disputed . Until some solid affirmative proof, therefore, can be produced against us, we shall hold our case to be made out, and rest our claims to be believed on the authority of our own statements. Nor do we think there is any thing any thing any thing any thing any thing anything anything either unreasonable or unusual , , in this course, as perhaps the greater portion of that which is , daily and hourly, , daily and hourly, daily and hourly daily and hourly daily and hourly daily and hourly daily and hourly offered to the credence of the credence of the credence of the credence of the credence of the credence of the credence of the American American American American American public, daily and hourly, rests on the same species of testimony , , ,-- ,-- ,-- ,-- ,-- with the trifling difference that we state truths, with a profession of fiction, and while the great moral caterers of the republic age age age age age age age state fiction with the profession of truth. If any advantage can be fairly obtained over us, in consequence of this trifling discrepancy, we must fain fain submit. to

There is one point, notwithstanding, concerning which it may be well to be frank , , at once. The narrative of the "Voyage to Cathay , , , , , " has been written with the journal of the Admiral before us ; or, ; or, ; or, ; or, ; or, ; or, , or rather with all of that journal , , as it that that which which which which which has been given to the world through the agency of a very incompetent and meager meager meagre meagre meagre meagre meagre editor. Nothing is plainer than the general general general general general general general fact that this person generally did not always always always always always always always understand his author , , , , , ; ; and in one particular circumstance he has written so obscurely, as not a little to embarass even a novelist, whose functions naturally include an entire familiarity with the thoughts, emotions, characters, and, occasionally, with with with with with with with the unknown fates of the subjects of his pen. The nautical day formerly commenced at at Meridian meridian , ; and , with all our native ingenuity and high professional prerogatives , we have not been able to discover whether the editor of the journal has adopted that mode of counting time, or whether he has condescended to use the more vulgar and irrational practice of landsmen. It is our opinion, however, that in the spirit of impartiality which becomes an historian , he has adopted both. This little peculiarity might possibly embarrass a very accurate very accurate superficial superficial critic , ; but accurate critics being so very common, we feel no concern on this head, well knowing that they will be much more apt to wink at these minor inconsistencies, than to pass over an error of the press, or a comma with a broken tail. As we wish to live on good terms with this useful class of our fellow creatures fellow-creatures , we have directed the printers to mis-spell some eight or ten words for thier their [illeg.] convenience, and to save them from head-aches, have honestly stated this principal difficulty ourselves. If If Should Should the publicity which is now given to the consequences of commencing a day in the middle, should should have the effect to induce the government to order that it shall, in future, with all American seamen, with all American seamen, commence at one of its ends, we are quite indifferent which, we are quite indifferent which, something will be gained in the way of simplicity, and the writing of novels will, in-so-much, be rendered easier and more agreeable. It will, quite likely, remove the objections of one portion of the community to this innovation, to be told that the English have already made this change. It will, quite likely, remove the objections of one portion of the community to this innovation, to be told that the English have already made this change. [LARGE OMITTED PASSAGE HERE]

As respects the minor characters of this work, very little need be said. Every one knows that Columbus had seamen in his vessels, and that he brought some of the natives of the islands he had discovered , back with him to Spain. The reader is now made much much more intimately acquainted with certain of these individuals, we will venture to say, than that he can be be possibly be possibly possibly be by the perusal of any work previously written . As for the little little subordinate subordinate incidents that are that are connected with the known known more familiar more familiar events of the age, it is hoped that that they will be found so completely to fill up this branch of the subject, as to render all all future investigations unnecessary.

CHAPTER VII III XXIII .

"Thou seemest seemest seem'st seem'st to Fancy's Fancy's fancy's fancy's fancy's eye
An animated blossom , , born in air;
Which breathes and bourgeons in the golden sky,
And sheds its odours there."
Sutermeister .

Notwithstanding his native resolution, and an indifference to danger that amounted to recklessness, Luis did not find himself alone with the Haytians , without at least , at least, a lively lively consciousness of the novelty of his situation. Still , , , , nothing occurred to excite uneasiness , ; ; and he continued his imperfect communications with his new friends, occasionally throwing in a remark to Sancho in Spanish, who merely wanted encouragement to discourse by the hour. Instead of following the canoe boat of boat of the Santa Maria, on board which the ambassador had embarked, the canoe pushed on several leagues farther east , ; ; it being understood that Luis was not to present himself in the town of Guacanagari , until after the arrival of the ships, when he was to rejoin his comrades stealthily, or in a way not to attract attention.

Our hero would not have been a true lover, had he remained indifferent to the glories of the natural scenery that now lay spread before his eyes, as he thus coasted the shores of Hispaniola Española Española . The boldness of the landscape, as in the Mediterranean, was relieved by the softness of a low latitude, which throws some such witchery around rocks and promentories promontories promontories promontories promontories , as a sunny smile lends to female beauty. More than once did he burst out into exclamations of delight, and as often did Sancho respond in the same temper, though if not exactly if not exactly in the same language , ; ; . the latter concieving it to be a sort of duty to echo all that the young noble said, in the way of poetry. the latter conceiving conceiving conceiving conceiving it to be a sort of duty to echo all that the young noble said , in the way of poetry.

"I take it it , Señor Conde," observed the seaman, when they had reached a spot severel several several several several leagues beyond that where the launch of the ship had put to shore ,-- , ; "I take it , for granted for granted, for granted, for granted, for granted, Señor Conde, that Your your your your your Excellency excellency excellency knoweth whither these naked gentry are paddling , all this time. They seem in a hurry, and have a port in their minds, if it be not in view."

"Art thou uneasy, friend Sancho, that thou puttest this thy thy thy thy question thus earnestly?"

"If I am, Don Luis, it it is altogether on account of the family of Bobadilla, which would lose its head , did any mishap befall your excellency Excellency Excellency . What is it to Sancho of the Ship Yard Gate Sancho of the ship-yard gate Sancho of the Ship-yard Gate Sancho, of the ship-yard gate Sancho, of the ship-yard gate Sancho, of the Ship Yard Gate , whether he is married to some princess in Cipango, and gets to be adopted by the Great Khan, or whether he is an indifferent mariner out of Moguer .? ? It is very much as if one should offer him the choice between wearing a doublet and eating garlick garlic garlic garlic , and going naked on sweet fruits and a full belly stomach stomach . I take it it , Señor, your excellency Excellency Excellency would not willingly exchange the castle of Llera for thise the palace of this Great Cacique ?" ." ."

"Thou art right, Sancho; even rank must depend on the state of society in which we live. A castilian Castilian Castilian Castilian Castilian noble cannot envy even a Haytian Sovereign sovereign sovereign sovereign ."

" Most More More More More especially , since My Lord my lord my lord my lord my lord , the Señor Don Almirante , , , , hath publickly publicly publicly publicly proclaimed , , that our gGracious Lady Gracious Lady gracious lady gracious lady gracious lady , the Doña Isabella, is henceforth and for ever to be Queen Queen Qqueen queen queen over him," returned Sancho, with a knowing glance of the eye. "Little do these worthy people know understand understand the honor honour honour honour that is in store for them, and least of all least of all least of all, , least of all, , least of all, His his his his MajHighness Highness , King Guacanagari!"

"Hush, Sancho, and keep thy unpleasant intimations in thine own breast. Our friends turn the heads of the canoes head of the canoes head of the canoe head of the canoe head of the canoe towards yonder river's mouth, and are seem seem bent on landing."

By this time, indeed, the natives had coasted as far as they had intended, and were turning in towards the entrance of a small stream, that which which , taking its rise among the romantic noble noble mountains that were grouped inland, found its way through a smiling valley to the ocean. This stream was neither broad nor deep, but it contained far more than water sufficient for any craft used by the natives. Its banks were fringed with bushes , and ; and ; and, , and, as they glided up it, Luis saw fifty sites where he thought they he would could could could be content to pass his life, provided, always, provided always, provided always that it might possess the advantage of Mercedes's presence. It is scarcely necessary to add, too, that in all these scenes he fancied his mistress attired in the velvets and laces that were then so much used by high born high-born high-born high-born dames, and that he saw her in the her in her natural grace, embellished by the courtly ease and polished accessaries accessories accessories accessories of one who lived daily, if not hourly, in the presence of her royal mistress.

As the canoe shut in the coast, by entering between the two points that formed the river's mouth, Sancho pointed out to the young noble , a small fleet of canoes a small fleet of canoes, a small fleet of canoes, a small fleet of canoes, that was coming down before the wind from the eastward, apparently bound, like so many more they had seen that day, to the Bay bay bay bay of Acúl Acuúl , on a visit to the wonderful strangers. The natives in the canoe , also beheld this little flotilla, which was driving before the wind under cotton sails, and by their smiles and signs showed that they gave it the same destination. About this time, too, or just as they entered the mouth of the stream, the principal pater[illeg.] the Indians, Mattinao, or Mattinao Mattinao drew from under a light cotton robe that he occasionally wore that he occasionally wore; ,that he occasionally wore, ,that he occasionally wore, ,that he occasionally wore, a thin circlet of pure gold, which he placed upon his head, in the manner of a coronet. This Luis knew was a token that he was a cacique Cacique Cacique , one of those who were tributary to Guacanagari, and he rose arose arose arose to salute him at this evidence of his rank, an act that was imitated by all of the Haytians also. From this assumption of state, Luis rightly imagined that Borineo Mattinao Mattinao , as he understood the name of this young chief to be pronounced, had now entered within the limits of a territory that acknowledged his rule will will will . From the moment that this the the the young cacique Cacique Cacique threw aside his incognito, he ceased to paddle, but assuming an air of authority and dignity, he attempted to converse with his guest in the best manner thier their their their their imperfect means of communication would allow. He often pronounced the word, Ozema, "Ozema," and Luis inferred from the manner in which he used it, that it was the name of a favorite favourite favourite favourite wife, it having been already ascertained by the Spaniards, or at least it was it was thought to be ascertained, that the caciques Caciques Caciques indulged in polygamy, while they rigidly restricted their subjects to one wife.

The canoe ascended the river several miles, until it reached one of those tropical vallies valleys valleys valleys in which nature seems to expend all her means of rendering this earth inviting. While the scenery had all much of much of the freedom of a wilderness, the presence of man for centuries , had deprived it of all its ruder and more savage features. Like those who tenanted it, the spot possessed the perfection of native grace, unfettered and uninvaded by any of the more elaborate devices of human expedients. The dwellings were not without beauty, though simple as the wants of their owners , ; ; ; ; and the flowers bloomed , though in mid winter mid-winter mid-winter mid-winter , ; and the generous branches still groaned with their the weight of their nutritious or or and and and and and patable palatable palatable palatable palatable fruits.

Mattinao was received by his people , with an eager curiosity, blended with profound respect. His mild followers subjects subjects crowded around Luis and Sancho, with some such wonder , as a a a civilized man would gaze at one of the prophets, were he to return to earth in the flesh. They had heard of the arrival of the ships, but they did not the less regard thier their their their their inmates the less as visitors visiters visiters visiters from heaven. This probably , probably, , probably, , probably, was not the opinion of the more elevated in rank, for, even in the savage state, the vulgar mind is far from being that of the favored favoured favoured favoured few. Whether it was owing to his greater facility of character, and to habits that more easily adapted themselves to the untutored intercourse notions notions of the Indians , , , , or to their sense of propriety or to their sense of propriety , Sancho soon became beeame the favorite favourite favourite favourite with the multitude , ; ; ; ; leaving the Count of Llera more especially in to to the care of Mattinao, and the principal men ., , of his tribe. Owing to the this this this this circumstance , , the two Spaniards Spaniards were soon separated, while while Sancho being led away by the oi polloi, oi polloi, οί πολλοί oi polloi οί πολλοί to a sort of square in the centre of the village, leaving Don Luis in the habitation of the Cacique.

No sooner did Mattinao find himself alone with in the company of in the company of our hero, and that of that of that of that of one or two or three two two or three of his confidential chiefs, than the name of Ozema "Ozema" was repeated eagerly among the Indians ,. a A . A rapid conversation followed, a messenger was despatched dispatched dispatched dispatched , , Luis knew not whither, and then the chiefs took their departure, leaving Lui the young Castilian alone with the cacique Cacique Cacique Cacique Cacique . Laying aside his golden band, and throwing placing placing a cotton robe over about about about about a his person, which had hitherto been nearly naked, Mattinao made his a a sign for his companion to follow , him, him, and left the building. Throwing the buckler over his shoulder, and adjusting the belt of his sword in a way that the weapon should not incommode him in walking, Luis obeyed with as much as he would have followed a friend through along along along along the streets of Seville.

Mattinao led the way into through through through through a wilderness of sweets, where tropical plants luxuriated beneath the branches of trees loaded with luscious luscious fruits, holding his course along by by by by a foot-path footpath foot-path footpath that which which which which followed a lay on the banks of a torrent that lay on the banks of a torrent that flowed from a ravine, and poured its waters into the river below. The distance he went might have been half a mile. Here he reached a cluster of rustic dwellings that occupied a lovely terrace on a hill side hill-side hill-side hill-side , whence where where where they overlooked the larger town below, town below town below town below town, below the river, and commanded commanded commanded commanded commanded commanded a view of the distant ocean. Luis saw at a glance that this sweet retreat was devoted to the uses of the gentler sex, and he doubted not that it formed a species of seraglio, set apart for the wives of the young Cacique cacique Cacique . He was led into one of the principal dwellings, where the simple , , but grateful refreshments , , used by the natives , , , , were again again again again offered to him.

The intercourse of a month had not sufficed to render either party very familiar with the language of the other. A few of the commoner words of the Indians had been caught by the Spaniards, and perhaps Luis was one of the most ready in thier their their their their use; still, it is highly probable , , he was oftener wrong than right, even when he felt the most confident of his success. But the language of friendship is not easily mistaken, and our hero had not entertained a feeling of distrust from the time he left the ships , , down to the present moment.

Mattinao had despatched dispatched dispatched dispatched a messenger to an adjacent dwelling when he entered that in which Luis was now entertained, and when sufficient time had been given for the last to refresh himself, the cacique Cacique Cacique arose, and by a courteous courteous gesture, such as might have become a master of ceremonies in the court of Isabella, he again again again again again invited the young grandee to follow him him . They took their way along the terrace, to a house larger than common, and which evidently contained several subdivisions, entering an outer room. as they entered into a sort of as they entered into a sort of anti-room anteroom ante-room anteroom anteroom Here they remained but a minute , ; , ; ; ; ; the Cacique cacique , after a short parley with a female, removing a curtain ingeniously made of sea weed sea-weed sea-weed sea-weed sea-weed , and leading the way to an inner apartment. It had but a single occupant, whose character Luis fancied to be announced in the use of the single word "Ozema", "Ozema," "Ozema," "Ozema," "Ozema," that the Cacique cacique uttered in a low affectionate tone, as they entered. Luis bowed to this Indian beauty, as profoundly as he wasould could could could would have made his reverence to a high born high-born high-born high-born damsel of Spain; then, recovering himself, he fastened one long, long long, long long long steady look of admiration on the face of the curious but half-frightened young creature who stood before him, he and and exclaimed , , in such tones as only indicate rapture, admiration , , and astonishment mingled--

"Mercedes!"

The young Cacique cacique cacique repeated this name , in the best manner he could, for he mistook evidently mistaking evidently mistaking it for a Spanish term to express admiration, or satisfaction , ; ; ; ; while the trembling young thing , , , , who was the subject of all this wonder, shrunk shrank shrank back a step, blushed, laughed, and muttered in her soft low musical musical voice, "Mercedes," as the innocent take up , and renew, , anyd renew, and renew and renew and renew any source of their harmless pleasures. She then stood, with her arms folded meekly on her bosom, resembling a statue of wonder. But it may be necessary to explain , why, at a moment so peculiar, the thoughts and tongue of of Luis had so suddenly reverted resorted resorted resorted to his mistress. In order to do this, it will we shall we shall first attempt a short description of the person and appearance of Ozema, as was, in fact, the name of the Indian beauty.

All the the the the accounts agree in describing the Aborigines aborigines aborigines aborigines of the West Indies , as beings being singularily singularly well formed, and of a natural grace in their movements, that extorted a common admiration among the Spaniards. Their colour was not unpleasant , and those thosethe inhabitants the inhabitants the inhabitants the inhabitants the inhabitants the inhabitants of Hayti, in particular, were said to be but very little darker than the people of Spain. Those who were but little exposed to the bright sun of that climate, and who dwelt habitually beneath the shades of groves, or in the retirement of their dwellings, like persons of similar habits in Europe, might , , , even by comparison, have even by comparison, have even been termed fair. Such was the fact with Ozema, who, instead of being the wife of the young Cacique cacique , , was his only sister , and aAccording . According to the laws of Hayti , , , , the authority of a cacique Cacique Cacique was transmitted through females, and the the a a a a a son of Ozema was looked forward to, as the heir of his uncle. Owing to this fact, and to the circumstances circumstance circumstance that the true true royal line, if a term so dignified can be used applied applied to a state of society so simple, was reduced to these two individuals, Ozema had been more than usually fostered by the tribe, leaving her free from care, and as little exposed to hardships, as at all comported with the condition of her people. She had reached her eighteenth year, without having experienced any of those troubles and exposures which are , more or less, more or less more or less more or less the inevitable companions of savage life; though it was remarked by the Spaniards, that all the Indians they had yet seen , seemed more than usually exempt free free from evils of this character. They owed the the this this this this this exemption to the generous quality of the soil, the genial warmth of the climate, and the salubrity of the air. In a word , , Ozema 's , in her , in her person, possessed just those advantages that freedom from restraint, native graces, and wild luxuriance , , , might be supposed to lend the female form, under the advantages of a mild climate, a healthful and simple diet, and perfect perfect perfect perfect perfect perfect exemption from exposure, care, or or or toil. It would not have been difficult to have fancied have fancied fancy fancy fancy fancy fancy Eve such a creature, when she first stood before appeared to appeared to Adam, fresh from the hands of her divine creator Divine Creator Divine Creator , modest, artless, timid , , , and perfect.

The Haytians used a scanty dress, though it shocked none of their opinions to go forth in the garb of nature. Still , , , , few of rank were seen without some pretensions to attire, which was worn rather as an ornament, or a mark of distinction, than as necessary either to opinion, opinion usage usage usage usage usage or to to to to to comfort. Ozema , herself, formed no exception to the general rule. A cincture of Indian cloth, woven in gay colours, circled her slender waist, and fell nearly as low as her knees; a robe of spotless cotton, inartificially made, but white as the driven snow, and of a texture so fine that it might have shamed many of the manufactures of our own days, fell like a scarf across onea a shoulder, and was loosely united at the opposite side, dropping in folds nearly to the ground. Sandals , , , of great ingenuity and beauty, protected the soles of feet that a queen might have envied , ; ; ; and a larger large plate of pure pure gold, rudely wrought, was suspended from her neck by a string of small, but small, but small but gorgeous shells. Bracelets of the latter were on her pretty wrists, and two light bands of gold encircled ancles ankles ankles ankles that were as faultless as those of the Venus of Naples. In that region, the fineness of the fineness of the hair was thought to be the test of birth, as with better reason than with better reason than many imagine many imagine many imagine many imagine many imagine many imagine the feet and hands to be, in civilized life. As power and rank had passed from female to female , in her family, for severel several several several several centuries, the hair of Ozema was silken, soft, waving, exuberant, and black as jet. It covered her shoulders, like a glorious viel mantle mantle , and fell nearly as low as her simple sincture cincture cincture cincture cincture . So light and silken was this natural veil, that its ends waved in the gentle currant current current current current of air that was rather breathing through the apartment, rather than blowing through the apartment than blowing through the apartment .

Although this lovely extraordinary extraordinary creature was much the loveliest specimen of young womanhood that Luis hasd had seen among the wild beauties of the islands, it was not so much her graceful and well rounded well-rounded well-rounded well-rounded form, or even the charms of face and expression , , , , that surprised him, as a decided and accidental resemblence resemblance resemblance resemblance resemblance to the being he had left in Spain, and who had so long been the idol of his heart. This resemblance alone, alone alone alone alone, had caused him to utter the name of his mistress, in the manner related. Could the two have been placed side by side together together , it would have been easy to detect marked points of difference between them, them, without being reduced to comparing without being reduced to compare without being reduced to compare without being reduced to compare without being reduced to comparing the intellectual and thoughtful expression of our heroine's countenance, with the wondering, doubtfuling doubting , half-frightenedstartled half-startled look of Ozema , but, ; but ; but ;but ; but, still was the general likeness was was so strong , , , that no one one person person person person person who was familiar with the face of one , could fail to see see note note note note note it on first first meeting with the other. Side by side, it would have been discovered that the the face of the face of Mercedes had the advantage in finesse finesse fineness fineness and delicacy; that her features and brow were nobler; her eye more illuminated by the intelligence within; her smile more radiant with thought and the feelings of a cultivated woman; her blush more sensitive, and betraying most of the consciousness of conventional habits , ; ; ; ; and that that the expression generally was much more highly elevated cultivated cultivated , than that that that that which sprung sprang sprang from the artless impulses and limited ideas of the young Haytian. Nonetheless Nevertheless Nevertheless Nevertheless , in outer mere mere beauty, of in in youth, and tint, and outline, the disparity was scarcely perceptible, was while while the resemblence resemblance resemblance resemblance resemblance was striking ; and , and ; and, ; and, ; and, on the score of animation, native frankness, ingenuousness, and all that witchery which an ardent and undisguised feeling lends to woman, many might have preferred the confiding abandon of the beautiful young beautiful young Indian , , , to the more trained and dignified reserve of the Castilian heiress. What , in the latter was earnest, high-souled, native, but religious enthusiasm euthusiasm , in the other was merely the out-pourings out?pourings outpourings outpourings of unguided impulses, that were which, however which, however feminine in their origin, were were but little regulated in their indulgence.

"Mercedes!" exclaimed our hero, when this vision of Indian loveliness unexpectedly broke on his sight. "Mercedes--" "Mercedes!" "Mercedes!" "Mercedes!" repeated Mattinao; "Mercedes!" murmured Ozema, recoiling a step , blushing, laughing, and then resuming her innocent confidence, as she severel several several several several times uttered the same word, which she also also also also mistook for an expression of admiration, in her own low, melodious voice.

Conversation being out of the question, there remained nothing for all but for the parties but for the parties but for the parties but for the parties but but for the parties to express thier their their their their feelings by signs and acts of amity. Luis had not come unprovided with presents, on his little expedition. on his little expedition unprovided with presents. on his little expedition unprovided with presents. on his little expedition unprovided with presents. on his little expedition unprovided with presents. Anticipating an interview with the wife of the cacique Cacique Cacique , he had brought up from the can village village below , several articles that he had supposed might suit her untutored fancy . But ; but ; but the moment he beheld the vision that now actually actually stood before him, they all seemed unworthy of such a being. In one of his onsets with against against the Moors, he had brought off a turban of rich but light but light cloth , , and he had kept it as a trophy, occasionally wearing it , in his visits to the shore, in his visits to the shore in his visits to the shore out of pure caprice, and out of pure caprice, and as a sort of ornament that might well well impose on the simple minded simple-minded simple-minded simple-minded natives. These vagaries excited no remarks, as mariners are apt to indulge thier their their their their whims , in this manner, in this manner in this manner, in this manner when far from the observations of those to to whom they habitually defer. This turban was on his head , at the moment , he entered the apartment of Ozema, and , , , overcome with the delight of finding so unexpected a resemblance, and , possibly, possibly possibly excited by so unlooked for unlooked-for unlooked-for unlooked-for unlooked-for an exhibition exhibibition of feminine loveliness, he gallantly unrolled it, through threw threw threw threw out the folds of rich cloth, and cast it over the shoulders of the beautiful Ozema , as a mantle.

The expressions of gratitude and delight that escaped this unsophisticated young creature , were warm, sincere, and undisguised. She cast the ample robe on the ground before her, repeated the word "Mercedes ," " " again and again, and manifested her rapturepleasure pleasure with all the warmth of a generous and ingenuous nature. If we were to say that this delight pleasure display display of Ozema was altogether free from the child-like delight rapture rapture that was perhaps , perhaps, , perhaps, , perhaps, unseparable inseparable inseparable inseparable from her ignorance, it would be attributing to her benighted condition the experience and regulated feelings of an an advanced civilization; but, notwithstanding the guileless simplicity with which she betrayed her emotions on this occasion , her delight was not without much of the dignity and tone that usually mark the conduct of the superior classes in other countries all over the world all over the world . Luis fancied it as graceful as it was naive and charming. He endeavored endeavoured endeavoured endeavoured to imagine the manner in which the Lady of Valverde might receive an offering of precious stones from the gracious gracious hands of Doña Isabella, and he even thought it very possible that the artless grace of Ozema was not far behind , what he knew would be the meek self-respect, mingled with gratitude grateful pleasure grateful pleasure grateful pleasure grateful pleasure , that Mercedes could not fail to exhibit.

While thoughts like these were passing through his mind, the Indian girl laid aside her own less enticing robe, without a thought of shame, and then she wrapped folded her faultless form in folded her faultless form in the cloth of the turban. This act was no sooner done, with a grace and freedom peculiar to her unfettered mind, than she drew the necklace of shells from her finery finery person, person, person, person, person, and advanced advanceding advancing advancing advancing advancing a step or two , towards our hero, extending extendinged extended extended extended extended the offering with a half averted half-averted half-averted half-averted half averted face, though the laughing and willing and willing eyes more than more than supplied the place of language. Luis accepted the gift , with suitable gallantry eagerness eagerness , not even nor did he nor did he refrain from using using the Castilian gallantry of kissing the pretty hand from which he took the bawbles bauble bauble bauble .

The Cacique cacique , who had been a pleased spectator of all that passed, now signed for the Count count to follow him, leading the way towards another dwelling. Here our hero our hero Don Luis Don Luis Don Luis Don Luis Don Luis was introduced to other young females, and to two or three children, the former of whom , he soon discovered, , he soon discovered, he soon discovered he soon discovered were the wives of Mattinao, and the latter his offspring. By dint of gestures, a few words, and such other means of explanations means of explanation as were resorted to between the parties Spaniards and the natives, Spaniards and the natives , he now succeeded in ascertaining the real affinity which existed between the cacique Cacique Cacique and Ozema. Luis Luis Our hero Our hero Our hero Our hero Our hero felt a sensation like pleasure when he discovered that the Indian beauty was not married , ; ; ; and he was fain to refer the feeling --perhaps justly-- , perhaps justly, , perhaps justly, to a sort of jealous sensitiveness that grew out of her resemblance to Mercedes.

The remainder of that, and the whole of the three three following days, were passed by Luis , with his friend , , , the cacique Cacique Cacique , in this, the favorite favourite favourite favourite and sacred residence of the latter. Of course our hero was, if any thing anything anything anything , a subject of greater interest to all his hosts , than they could possibly be to them him him . They took a thousand innocent liberties with him, him, his person; his person; his person; his person; his person; examining his dress , , , and the ornaments he wore and the ornaments he wore , not failing to compare the whiteness of his skin with the redder tint of that of Mattinao. On all these occasions Ozema was the most reserved and shy, though her look followed every movement, and her pleased countenance denoted the interest she felt in all that concerned the stranger. Hours at a time , did Luis lie stretched on fragrant mats near this artless and lovely creature, studying the changing wayward wayward expression of her features, in the fond hope of seeing stronger and stronger resemblances to Mercedes, and sometimes losing himself in that which was peculiarly her own. In the course of the time passed , in these dwellings, efforts were made at by our hero to by our hero the count to by the Count to by the count to by the Count to by the count to obtaining obtain some some useful information of the island of the island , ; ; ; and whether it was owing to her superior rank, or to a native superiority of mind, he seemed foun or to a charm of manner, he soon found fancied fancied that the Caciques Cacique cacique Cacique Cacique 's beautiful beautiful beautiful beautiful beautiful sister succeeded better in making him comprehend comprehend understand understand understand understand understand her meaning , than either of the wives of Mattinao of Mattinao , or the Cacique cacique himself. To Ozema, then, Luis put most of his questions , ; ; ; and ere the day was was had had had had had passed , this quick-witted and read attentive attentive girl had made greater progress in opening an intelligible communication understanding understanding between the adventurers and her country-men countrymen countrymen countrymen , than had been previously accomplished by the communications of the two previous months. She caught the Spanish words with a readiness that seemed miraculous instinctive instinctive , pronouncing them with an accent that only rendered the them them them them them prettier and softer to the ear.

Luis de Bobadilla was just as good a catholic Catholic Catholic Catholic as a rigid education, a wandering life, and the habits of the camp , , , would be apt to leave make make one of his rank, years , , , and temperament. Still, that was an age , in which most laymen had a deep reverence for religion, whether they actually submitted to its purifying influence , or not. If there were any free-thinkers Freethinkers free?thinkers Freethinkers , at all, they existed principally among those who passed thier their their their their lives in thier their their their their closets, or were to be found among the churchmen, Churchmen Churchmen themselves , ; ; who often used the cowl as a hood to conceal thier their their their their infidelity. His close association with Columbus , too, had contributed to stregth strengthen strengthen our hero's tendency to believe in the constant supervision of Providence , ; ; ; and he now felt a strong inclination to fancy that this extraordinary extraordinary facility of Ozema's in acquiring languages , was one of its semi-miraculous semi-miraculous provisions, made with a view to further the introduction of the religion of the cross Cross Cross among her people among her people . Often did he flatter himself, as he sat gazing into the sparkling, and yet mild , , , eyes of the girl, listening to her earnest efforts to make him comprehend her meaning, that that that that he was to be the instrument of bringing about this great good , through so young and charming an agent. The admiral Admiral Admiral had also also enjoined on him , the importance of ascertaining, if possible, the position of the mines , ; ; and he had actually succeeded in making Ozema comprehend his questions on a subject that was a subject that was all engrossing all-engrossing all-engrossing all-engrossing subject with most with most of the Spaniards. Her answers were less intelligible, but Luis thought they never could be sufficiently full; flattering himself, the whole time, that he was only laboring labouring labouring labouring to comply with the wishes wish of Columbus.

The day after his arrival , our hero was treated to an exhibition of some of the Indian games. These sports have been too often described to need repetition here , ; ; ; but, in all their movements and exercises, which were altogether pacific, which were altogether pacific, the young princess was conspicuous for grace and skill. Luis, too, was required to show his powers , ; ; and being exceedingly athletic and active, he easily bore away the palm from his friend Mattinao. The young cacique Cacique Cacique manifested neither jealousy , nor disappointment, nor disappointment nor disappointment nor disappointment at this result, at this result, while his sister laughed and clapped her hands with delight, when he was outdone, even at his own sports, by the greater strength , or greater efforts effort of his guest. More than once , , , the wives of Mattinao seemed to utter gentle utter gentle reproaches at this exuberance of feeling , ; ; but Ozema answered with smiling taunts, and Luis thought her, at such moments, more beautiful than evern imagination could draw even imagination could draw , -- -- and perhaps with justice ,; ; for her cheeks were flushed, her eyes became as brilliant as [illeg.] ornaments ornaments of jet, and the rows of ivory teeth teeth teeth that were visible between lips like cherries, rivalled resembled resembled rows of ivory. We have said that the eyes of Ozema were black, differing in this particular, from the deep-blue melancholy orbs of the enthusiastic Mercedes , ; ; ; but still they were alike, so often uttering the same feelings, more especially in touching touching matters in which Luis was concerned. More than once , during the trial of strength, during the trial of strength during the trial of strength did the young man fancy that the expression of the expression of the rapture which fairly danced in the eyes of Ozema, was the very counterpart of that of that of the that of the the deep-seated delight which had so often beamed on him, from the glances of Mercedes in the tourney; and, at such times , it struck him that the resemblance between the the the the two was so strong, as after some allowances had been made for dress and other sufficiently striking circumstancesalmost identic to render them identical, after some allowance had been made for dress and other sufficiently striking circumstances strong, as—after some allowances had been made for dress and other sufficiently striking circumstances—almost to render them identical. strong as, after some allowance had been made for dress and other sufficiently striking circumstances, to render them almost identical.

The reader is not to suppose from this, that our hero was actually inconstant to his ancient love. Far from it. Mercedes was too deeply enshrined in his heart , to [illeg.] this,-- -- -- , , and , Luis, with all his faults, was as warm-hearted and aud true-hearted a fellow fellow cavalier cavalier cavalier cavalier cavalier as breathed -- , , to be so easily dispossessed. But he was young, distant from her he had so long adored, and was, withall withal withal withal , not altogether insensible to the admiration , , so artlessly and winningly betrayed by the by the Indian-girl. Indian girl . Had there been the least immodest glance, an intimation any proof any proof that art or design lay at the bottom of Ozema's feeli> conduct conduct , he would at once , at once, , at once, have taken the alarm, and been completely disenthralled from his temporary delusion; but, on the contrary, all was so frank and natural with this artless girl; when she most betrayed the hold he had taken of her imagination, it was done with a simplicity so obvious, a naivete so irrepressible, and an inn ingenuousness an ingenuousness that was so clearly the fruits fruit fruit fruit fruit of innocence, that it was impossible to suspect artifice. In a word, our hero merely showed that he was mortal human human , by yielding , , to to in in in in in a certain degree to a fascination that, under the circumstances, might well well have made far far deeper inroads on the faith of even men even of men who enjoyed much better reputations for stability of purpose.

In situations of so much novelty , time flies swiftly, and Luis himself was astonished when, on looking back, he remembered that he had now been several days with Mattinao, most of which time period period , , had actually been passed in what might almost not inaptly not inaptly be termed the seraglio of the Cacique cacique . Nor had Sancho of the Ship Yard Gate Ship-yard Gate ship-yard gate Ship-yard Gate had not had not been , in the least, , in the least, in the least in the least in the least neglected all this time. all this time. He had been a hero, in his own own circle, as well as the young noble, nor had he been at all neglectful forgetful forgetful of his duty on the subject subjet of searching for gold. Though he had neither acquired a single word of the Haytian language, nor taught a syllable of Spanish to even one of the laughing nymphs who surrounded him, he had decorated most of the persons of many of them the persons of many of them with hawks' bells hawk's-bells hawk's-bells hawk's-bells hawk's-bells , and had contrived contrived contrived to abstract from them, in return, every ornament that resembled the precious metal , , which they possessed. This transfer no doubt ,no doubt, , no doubt, , no doubt, was honestly effected, however, having been made on that favorite favourite favourite favourite principle of the Free Trade Theorists free trade theorists free trade theorists free trade theorists , which maintains that trade is merely an exchange of equivalents ,; ; , , overlooking all the adverse circumstances which may happen, just at the moment, to determine the standard of value. Sancho had his notions of commerce as well as the modern philosophers, and, as he and Luis occasionally met , , during their sojourn with Mattinao, he revealed a few of his opinions on this interesting interesting subject, in one of their interviews.

"I percieve Thou "I perceive thou "I perceive thou "I perceive thou "I perceive thou hast not forgotten thy passion for doblas, friend Sancho," said Luis, laughing, as the old seaman exhibited his the the store of dust and golden plates he had collected; "there is sufficient of the metal of the metal in thy sack in thy sack in thy sack in thy sack in thy sack to coin a score of them, each having the royal countenances of our Lord lord lord lord the King, and our Lady lady lady lady the Queen!"

"Double that, Señor Conde ; , , just double that, and all for the price of some seventeen hawks bells hawk's-bells hawk's-bells hawk's-bells hawk's-bells , that cost but a handful of maravedis. By the Mass mass mass mass ! this is a most just and holy trade, and such as it becomes us Christians to carry on. Here are these savages, they think no more of gold , than your Excellency excellency excellency excellency thinks of a dead Moor, and to be revenged on them, I hold a hawk's bell hawk's-bell hawk's-bell hawk's-bell hawk's-bell just as cheap. Let them think as poorly as they please of thier their their their their ornaments and yellow dust, they will find me just as willing to part with the twenty hawks' bells hawk's-bells hawk's-bells hawk's-bells hawk's-bells that remain. Let them barter away, they will find me as ready as they possibly can be , , , , , to give nothing for nothing nothing for nothing ."

"Is this quite honest, Sancho, to rob an Indian for of of his gold, in exchange for a bawble bauble bauble bauble that copper so easily purchases.th? purchaseth? Remember Remember thou art a Castilian, and henceforth give two hawks' bells hawk's-bells hawk's-bells hawk's-bells hawk's-bells , where thou hast hitherto given but one one ."

"I never forget my birth, Señor, for happily the Ship Yard ship-yard ship-yard ship-yard of Moguer is truly truly in old old old old old Spain. Is not the value of a thing to be settled by what it will bring in the market? Ask ask ask ask any of our traders , and they will tell you this, which is clear as the sun in the heavens. When the Venitians Venetians Venetians Venetians lay before Candia [edge of page] , , , , grapes and figs , , , and greek wine and Greek wine , , , could be had for the asking , in that island in that island in that island in that island in that island while western articles commanded any price. Oh ! , , , nothing is plainer than the fact that every thing everything everything hath its price, and it is real trade is it is real trade to give one worthless commodity for another."

"If it be honest to profit by the ignorance of another," answered Luis, who had a nobleman's contempt for Commerce commerce commerce commerce , " then Then is it is it it is just to deceive the child and the idiot."

"God forbid, and especially St. Andrew , , , my patron, that I should do any thing anything anything anything so wicked. Hawk's bells Hawk's-bells Hawk's-bells Hawk's-bells Hawk's-bells are of more account than gold, in Hayti, Señor, and happening to know it, I am willing to part with the precious things for the dross. You see , I am generous instead of being avaricious, for all parties are in Hayti, where the value of the articles must be settled. It is true, that by by after after after after after running great risks at sea, and undergoing great pains and chances , , , by carrying this gold to Spain, I may be requited for my trouble, and get enough benefit to make an honest livelihood. I hope Doña Isabella will have so much feeling for these , , , her new subjects, as to prevent their ever going into the shipping business , ,-- ,-- ,-- a most laborious and dangerous calling, as we both well well know."

"And why art thou so particular in desiring this favor favour favour favour in behalf of these poor islanders, and that too, Sancho, at the expense of thine own bones?"

"Simply, Señor," answered the knave , , , with a cunning leer, " lest it unsettle Trade trade trade trade , which ought to be as free and unencumbered as possible. Here, now, if we Spaniards come to Hayti, we sell one hawk's bell, hawk's-bell hawk's-bell hawk's-bell hawk's-bell for a dobla in gold , ; ; ; , whereas, were we to give these savages the trouble to come to Spain, a dobla of thier their their their their gold would buy a hundred hawk's bells hawk's-bells hawk's-bells hawk's-bells hawk's-bells ! No--no--it is right as it is , ; ; ; and may a double allowance of purgatory Purgatory Purgatory Purgatory be the lot of him , who wishes to throw any difficulties in the way of a good, honest, free , , and civilizing trade, say I."

Sancho was thus occupied in explaining his notions of Free Trade free trade free trade free trade , the great hum mystification mystification of modern philanthropists, when there arose such such a cry in the village of Mattinao, as is only heard in moments of extreme jeopardy and sudden terror. The conversation took place in the grove, about midway between the town and the private private dwellings of the cacique Cacique Cacique , ; ; ; and so implicit had become the confidence of the two Spaniards reposed in their friends, that neither had any other arms with about about his person , than those furnished by nature. Luis had left both sword and buckler, half an hour earlier , lying at the feet of Ozema, who had been enacting a mimic hero , , , , with his weapons, for their mutual diversion , ; ; ; , while Sancho had found the arquebuse much too heavy to be carried about for a play thing plaything plaything plaything . The last was deposited in the room where he had taken up his comfortable quarters.

There was "Can this mean treachory treachery treachery treachery treachery , Señor?" exclaimed Sancho. " Are Have Have these black guards blackguards blackguards blackguards blackguards found out the true value of hawk's bells hawk's-bells hawk's-bells hawk's-bells hawk's-bells , after all, after all, after all, after all, after all, and do they mean to demand the balance due to to them?"

"My life on it, Mattinao , and all his people are true, Sancho. This uproar hath a different meaning--hark! is not that the cry of "Caonabo"?" 'Caonabo?'" 'Caonabo?'" 'Caonabo?'" 'Caonabo'?"

"The very same, Señor! That is the name of the Carib Carrib Carrib cacique Cacique Cacique , who is the terror of all these tribes."

"Thy arquebuse, Sancho, if possible; then join me at the dwellings above. Ozema and the wives of our good friend must be defended, at every hazard .! !"

Luis had no sooner given these orders, than he and Sancho separated, the latter running towards the town, which by this time was a scene of wild tumult, while our hero slowly and sullenly , slowly and sullenly, , slowly and sullenly, , slowly and sullenly, retired towards the private dwellings of the cacique Cacique Cacique , occasionally looking back, as if longing longing he longed he longed he longed he longed he longed to plunge into the thickest of the fray. Twenty times did he wish for his favorite favourite favourite favourite charger and a stout lance, when , indeed, , indeed, it would not have been an extraordinary feat for a knight of his prowess to put to flight a thousand enemies like those who now menaced him. Often had he singly broken whole ranks of christian Christian Christian Christian Christian foot soldiers foot-soldiers foot-soldiers foot-soldiers , and it is well well known that solitary soilitary individuals , , , when mounted, subsequently drove hundreds of the natives before them.

The alarm had reached the dwellings of Mattinao the dwellings of Mattinao , before our hero. When he entered the house of Ozema, he found her her its mistress its mistress its mistress its mistress its mistress surrounded by fifty females, some of whom had already ascended from the town below, and every tongue and every tongue each of whom each of whom each of whom each of whom each of whom was eagerly eagerly eagerly eagerly eagerly uttering the terrible name of "Caonabo." Ozema herself , was the most collected eollected of them all of them all of them all of them all of them all , though it was apparent that, from some fcause cause , she was the an an object of particular solicitude with all all those those those those those around her. As Luis entered the apartment, the wives of Mattinao were pressing around the princess Princess Princess , ; ; ; and he soon gathered from thier their their their their words and entreaties, that they urged her to fly, lest she should fall into the hands of the Carib Carrib chief. He even fancied, and he fancied it justly, that the rest of the females supposed the seizure of the cacique Cacique Cacique 's beautiful sister was was to be to be to be to be to be the real object of the sudden sudden attack. This conjecture , in no manner lessened Luis' Luis's Luis's Luis's ardor ardour ardour ardour in the defence. The moment The moment Ozema soon caught sight of him, and she flew to his side, clasping her hands, and uttering the name of "Caonabo," in a tone that would have melted a rock rock heart of stone heart of stone heart of stone heart of stone heart of stone . At the same time, her eyes spoke a language of hope, confidence , , and petition that was not needed needed necessary necessary necessary necessary necessary to enlist all all our hero's resolution on her side. In a moment the sword of the young cavalier was in his hand, and the buckler was was on his arm. He then assured the princess Princess Princess of his zeal, in the best manner he could, by by placing the buckler before her throbbing breast, and waving the sword, as in defiance of her enemies . No : no : no : no : no sooner was this pledge given , than every other female disappeared, some flying to the rescue of their children, and all endeavoring endeavouring endeavouring endeavouring to find places of concealment. By this singular and unexpected desertion, Luis found himself , for the first time, since they had met, , for the first time since they had met, alone with Ozema.

To remain in the house would be to suffer the enemy to approach unseen , ; ; and the shrieks and cries sufficiently announced that , each moment, the danger drew nearer. , each moment the danger drew nearer, each moment. , each moment, the danger drew nearer. each moment, the danger drew nearer. each moment, the danger drew nearer. Luis , accordingly, accordingly accordingly accordingly made a sign for the girl to follow him, first rolling the turban into a bundle , , , and placing it in her arms in on her arms on her arm on her arm on her arm on her arm , that it might serve her, at need, as a species of shield against the hostile arrows. While he was thus employed, Ozema's head fell upon his breast, and the excited girl burst into tears. This display of weakness, however, lasted but a moment , ; ; when she aroused herself, smiled through her tears, pressed the arm of Luis convulsively , and became the Indian heroine , again. They then left the building together.

Luis soon perceived that his retreat from the house had not been made a moment too soon. The family of Mattinao had already disappeared, and a strong party of the invaders was in full view, rushing madly up the grove, silent, but evidently bent on seizing their prey. He felt Ozema, who clung to his arm, tremble violently, and then he heard her murmuring -- ,-- ,-- ,--

"Caonabo--no--no--no." "Caonabo,--no--no--no!" "Caonabo,--no--no--no!" "Caonabo,--no--no--no!"

The young Indian princess Princess Princess had caught the Spanish monosyllable of dissent , ; ; and Luis understood this exclamation to express her strong disinclination to become a wife of the Carib chief. His resolution to protect her, or to die, was in no manner lessened by this involuntary betrayal of her her her her feelings, that that which which which which which he could not but think might have some connection connexion with himself; for, while our hero was both honorable honourable honourable honourable and generous, he was human, and consequently , consequently, , consequently, , consequently, well disposed to take a favorable favourable favourable favourable view of his own powers of pleasing. It was only in connection connexion with Mercedes, that Luis de Bobadilla was humble.

A soldier almost from childhood, the young count Count Count looked hastily hastily around him for a position that would favor favour favour favour his means of defence, and which would render his arms the most available. Luckily , , , one offered so near him, that it required but a minute to occupy it. The terrace lay against a precipice of rocks , ; ; and , , a hundred feet from the house, was a spot where the face of this precipice was angular, throwing forward a wall on each side to some distance, while the cliff above overhung the base sufficiently to remove all danger from falling stones. In the angle were several large fragments of rock that could could would would would would would would afford shelter against arrows, while there was while there was while and, there was being and, there being and, there being a sufficient space of green sward green sward greensward greensward greensward greensward greensward before them, for on which a knight to might well display his prowess on on which a knight might well display his prowess on which a knight might well display his prowess on which a knight might well display his prowess on which a knight might well display his prowess on which a knight might well display his prowess on which a knight might well display his prowess . When when when when when when when in possession of this position , , , , , ; ; our hero felt himself strong, if not impregnable, as since since since since since since since he could be assailed only in front. Ozema was stationed behind one of the fragments of the fallen rocks, her person only half concealed , ; ; however, concern for Luis, and curiosity as related to her enemies, equally equally inducing her to expose her head and beautiful bust.

Luis was scarcely in possession of this post, ere a dozen iIndians Indians were drawn up in a line , at the distance of fifty yards in his front. They were armed with bows, war-clubs , , , and spears. Being entirely entirely without other defensive armour than his buckler, the young man would now now have thought his situation sufficiently critical, did he not know that the archery of the natives was any thing anything anything anything but formidable. Their arrows would kill , , , certainly, when shot at short distances, and against the naked skin, but it might be questioned if they would penetrate the stout velvet in which Luis was encased, and fifty yards was not near enough to excite much much undue undue undue undue undue alarm. The besieged besieged besieged young man besieged besieged young man young man did not dare to retreat to the rocks , as a clear a clear space was indispensable for the free use of his good sword, and to that weapon alone alone he looked for his eventual triumph.

It was perhaps , perhaps, , perhaps, , perhaps, fortunate for our hero that Caonabo , himself, himself himself himself was not with the party which beleagured beleaguered beleaguered beleaguered him. That redoubtable chieftain, who had been led to a distance in pursuit of the flying females, under the the a a a a a belief that her her she she she she she he sought was among them, would doubtless have brought the matter to an immediate issue by a desperate charge, when numbers might have prevailed against courage and skill. The actual assailants chose a different course, and began to set poise poise their arrows bows bows . One of the most skilful among them drew an arrow to the head, and let it fly . The missile glanced from the buckler of the knight, and struck the wall wall wall wall wall hill hill hill behind him, as lightly as if the parties had been at their idle sports. Another followed, and Luis turned it aside with his sword, as if disdaining to raise his shild shield shield shield shield against such a trifle. This cool manner of recieving receiving receiving receiving receiving their assaults assault assaults assaults caused the Indians to raise a shout ; , , , though whether in admiration or rage, Luis could not tell.

The next attack was more judicious, being made on a principle that Napoleon is said to have adopted in directing discharges of his artillery. All there there those those those who had bows, some six or eight, drew their arrows together, and the weapons came rattling on the buckler of the assailed in a single flight. It was not easy to escape altogether from such a combined assault, and our hero received one or two bruises from glancing arrows, though no blood followed the blows. A second attempt of the same nature was about to be made, when Ozema the alarmed girl the alarmed girl rushed from her place of concealment, and, like the the Pocahontas of our own history, placed placed threw threw threw threw threw herself before Luis, with her arms meekly folded folded placed placed placed placed placed on her bosom. As soon as she appeared , , , there was a cry of "Ozema"--"Ozema" "Ozema, Ozema," "Ozema"--"Ozema," "Ozema, Ozema," among the assailants, who were not Caribs, it will be rememberedas will understand who are familiar with the island history, as all will understand who are familiar with the island history, as all will understand who are familiar with the island history, but milder Haytians who were who were , , , , , governed by a Carib chief.

In vain Luis endeavored endeavoured endeavoured endeavoured to persuade the devoted girl to withdraw. She thought his life in danger, and no language, had he been able to exert his eloquence on the occasion, could have induced her to leave him exposed to such a danger. As the Indians were endeavoring endeavouring endeavouring endeavouring to obtain chances at the person of Luis without killing the princess Princess Princess , he saw there remained no alternative but a retreat behind the fragments of rock. Just as he obtained this the the temporary security, a fierce looking fierce-looking fierce-looking fierce-looking fierce looking warrior joined the assailants, who immediately commenced a vociferous explanation of the actual state of the attack.

"Caonabo?" -- demanded Luis , , , of Ozema, pointing towards the new comer new-comer new-comer new-comer .

The girl shook her head, after taking an anxious look at the stranger's face, at the same time clinging to our hero's arm, with seductive dependance dependence dependence dependence .

"No--no--no--" she said , , , eagerly. "No Caonabo--Caonabo--no--no--no." "No Caonabo--no--no--no." "No Caonabo--no--no--no." "No Caonabo--no--no--no."

Luis understood the first part of this answer to mean that the stranger was not the Carib chief; and the last to signify Ozema's strong and settled aversion to becoming a his wife of Caonabo's! his wife.

The consultation between between among among among among among the assailants was soon ended. Four Six Six of them then poised their war clubs war-clubs war-clubs war-clubs and spears , , , and made a rush for the citadel of the besieged. When they were they were within twenty feet of his cover, our hero sprang lightly forward on the sward to meet his foes. Two of the spears he received on his buckler, severing both shafts with a single blow of his keen and highly tempered highly-tempered highly-tempered highly-tempered highly tempered sword. As he recovered from the effort, with an upward cut he met the uplifted uplifted raised raised raised raised raised arm of the club-man most in advance. Hand and club fell at his feet with the skilful touch. Making a sweep with the weapon in his front, its point seamed the breasts of the two astonished spearsmen, whose distance alone saved them from more serious injuries.

Thise This rapid and unlooked for unlooked-for unlooked-for unlooked-for unlooked-for execution struck the assailants with awe and dread. Never before had they witnessed the power of metal as used in war , ; ; ; ; and the sudden sudden amputation of the arm struck them as something miraculous. Even the ferocious Carib fell back in dismay, and Luis felt hopes of victory. This was the first occasion on which the Spaniards had come to blows with the mild inhabitants of the islands they had discovered, though it is usual with the historians to refer to an incident of still later occurrence , , , as the commencement of strife, the severe privacy which was has ever been has ever been thrown over the connection connexion of Don Luis with the expedition, having completely completely baffled their slight and superficial researches. Of course , , , the efficiency of a weapon like that used by our hero, was as as novel to the Haytians as it was terrific.

At this instant a shout among the assailants, and the appearance of a fresh body of the invaders, with a tall and commanding looking chief at commanding chief at their head, announced the arrival of Caonabo in person. This warlike cacique Cacique Cacique was soon made acquainted with the state of affairs, and it was evident that the prowess of our hero struck him as much with admiration as with wonder. After a few minutes , , , he directed all all his followers , to fall back to a greater distance, and , , , laying aside his club, he advanced fearlessly towards Luis , , making signs of amity.

When the two adversaries met, it was with mutual respect and confidence. The Carib made a short and vehement speech, in which the only word that was intelligible to our hero, was the name of the beautiful young Indian. By this time Ozema had also also advanced, as if eager to speak , , , , and her rude suitor turned to her, with an appeal that was passionate , , if not eloquent. He laid his hand frequently on his heart, and his voice became soft and persuasive. Ozema replied earnestly , , , , and in in the quick manner of one whose resolution was settled . . At the close of her speech, the colour mounted to the temples of the ardent girl, and, as if purposely to make her meaning understood by our hero, she ended by saying , , , in Spanish -- , , , ,

"Caonabo--no--no--no -- !-- !-- !-- !-- !-- Luis--Luis!"

The aspect of the hurricane of the tropics is not darker , or more menacing, than the scowl with which the Carib chief heard this unequivocal [illeg.] rejection of his suit rejection of his suit , accompanied, as it was , , , , by so plain a demonstration in favor favour favour favour of the stranger. Waving his hand in defiance, he strided strode strode strode back to his people, and issued his orders for a fresh assault.

This time, a tempest of arrows preceeded preceded preceded preceded preceded the rush, and Luis was fain to seek his former cover behind the rocks. Indeed, this was the only manner in which he could save the life of Ozema , ; ; ; ; the devoted girl resolutely persevering in standing before his body, in the hope it would shield him from his enemies. There had been some words of reproach from Caonabo to the Carib chief , , who had retreated from the first attack, and the air was yet yet filled with arrows, as this man rushed forward , , , singly, to redeem his name. Luis met him, firm as the rock in his rear in his rear behind him behind him behind him behind him behind him . The shock was violent, and the blow that fell on the buckler would have crushed an arm less enured inured inured to such rude encounters , ; ; ; but it glanced obliquely from the shield, and the club struck the earth with the weight of a beetle. Our hero saw that all now now depended on a deep impression. His sword flashed in the bright sun of the tropics of the tropics , and and and and and the head of the Carib tumbled by the side of his club, actually actually actually actually actually leaving the body erect for an instant, so keen was the weapon, and so dexterous had been the blow.

Twenty savages were on the spring, but they stopped , , , like men transfixed, at this unexpected sight. Caonabo, however, however, however, however, however, undaunted even when most surprised, roared out his orders like a maddened maddened bull, however, however, and the wavering crowd was again about to advance, when the lowd loud loud loud report of an arquebuse was heard, followed by the whistling of its deadly missive, and missives missives missives missive a . A . A . A . A second Haytian fell dead in his tracks. It exceeded the powers of savage endurance to resist this assault, which , , , to thier their their their their uninstructed minds , , , appeared to come from heaven. In two minutes niether Caonabo, In two minutes, neither Caonabo In two minutes, neither Caonabo In two minutes, neither Caonabo In two minutes, neither Caonabo nor one any any of his followers was were visible. As they rushed down the hill, Sancho appeared from a cover, carrying his his the the the the the arquebuse, which he had taken the precaution to reload.

The [illeg.] circumstances circumstances did not admit of delay. Not a being of Mattinao's tribe was visible to be seen to be seen in any direction , ; ; ; and Luis made no doubt they had all fled. Determined to save Ozema , at every hazard, he now took his way to the river, in order to escape in one of the canoes. In passing through the town, it was seen that not a house had been , ; ; ; and the circumstance was commented on by both the Spaniards. both the Spaniards., Luis pointing it out to his companion. the Spaniards, Luis pointing it out to his companion. the Spaniards, Luis pointing it out to his companion. the Spaniards, Luis pointing it out to his companion. the Spaniards, Luis pointing it out to his companion.

"Caonabo--no--no--no--Ozema!-- Ozema!--" Ozema!" Ozema!" Ozema!" Ozema!"--was the answer of the girl, who well knew the real object of the inroad.

A dozen canoes lay at the landing, and five minutes sufficed for the three three fugitives fugitives fugitives fugitives fugitives to enter one, and to commence thier their their their their retreat. The current flowed towards the sea, and in a couple of hours the fugitives the fugitives they they they they they were on the ocean. As the wind blew blow constantly from the eastward, Sancho soon rigged an apology for a sail, and , , , an hour before the sun set, the party landed on a point , that concealed them from the bay , ; ; ; ; Luis being mindful of the admiral's Admiral's Admiral's injunction , , , , , to conceal his excursion , , , , , lest others might claim a similar favor favour favour favour .