Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1854-06-27

spread before hlm. COuntieSS trees, anu Snd-
ding groves, and running rivers, threw indis-
cribable charms around the landscape. The
mountains rose up like guardians, cultivated
in many places by terraces far up their sides.
But no people could be seen. The villages,
the immense royal granneries, the roads and
fields, al were empty.
81 would not wonder,-by the holy virgin, |
would not, if these mountain recesses were
full of them," said the Spaniard. ssYonder
projecting rock-Ha ="
He uttered an exclamation of surprise, as
looking forward toward place where the road
turned round lofty cliff, he saw crowd of
men running up toward the summit.
'ssBy San Christofero." he cried. ssThe vii
lains will stop me. They win throw rocks
down upon me-
He reined in his steed and stopped to con-
slider. He delayed but for moment.
..sI must on,'' he cried ); ssnever shall it be
said that Don Alberto de Reggie feared a foe !!
A Christian can overcome hundred heather
Indians. Then Reggie g Dois Hurra.''
Shouting his battle cry and holding his head
erect, he spurred his horse and rode like the
wind down the road. He neared the rock. A
wild cry came from the summit. Loose rocks
fell before him.
sReggio Dios - he shouted.
He rushed like the wind around the rock.
A hundred missive fragments of stone fell
crashing down. They poured down like hail
but Reggie was beyond their reach. The
rocks fell upon the road behind him. Some
rested, others bounded on, and descended
thunderingly down the declivities, awaking
the echoes in the deep recesses of the gorges
which lay around.
On rode Reggie.
The Peruvians uttered louder cry. y
shout of disappointment, mingled with VEN
gence. The sound struck coldIy upon the
Spaniard's ear.
ssThey have something worse in store for
me,'' he muttered, as turning his head he be-
held them descending into the road behind
him. ., .-.--..---e.s----a.
The road ascended before him, and then
with short turn descended steeply into a val
ley. He drew up his horse suddenly as he
stood upon the top of the eminence, and the
reins dropped from his hands.
In the valley before him was crowd of men
dressed in the cotton armor of the Peruvians,
with their sharp spears, and steel pointed ma
ces glttering in the last rays of the sun, toward
which all knelt in alteration. Hoary priests
moved among them, and virgins dressed in
white stood around an altar As the sun sank
a loud cry ascended. But louder, wilder,
a more fearful shout arose, as they saw Reggie
and recognized one of their hated prosecutors!
ssThe invaders! Vengence' The cry came
up from all. Terror at first seized upon many
for they knew not the number which might be
behind the single horseman.
"Courage!" cried venerable priest. Slight
for your country, Though there be a hundred
you can surely withstand them, for thousands
of warriors are here.''
Reggie looked he saw the dark body of
warriors closing upon him, their level spears,
their appraised weapons. A shower of arrows
flew towards him, but fell harmlessly from his
strong breastplate.
ssThere is no hope! must on.''
He spoke with desperate energy. He took
his gun, and giving spurs to his horse, rode
down into the midst of his enemies.
Again his battle cry arose. His fierce char
ger rushed among the Indians;--the thunder
of the Spaniard's gun struck deadly fear upon
their hearts. But they closed in all around
him, and arrows from afar struck his arms, and
hundreds of blows fell upon him. With his
heavy sword the Spaniard struggled bravely
against the fearful odds. Now terrified at his
strength and slaughter, they retreated for a
little space,-and again gathering courage,
they sprang forward. They leaped upon the
horse, they seized his legs, they fell beneath
him. and were trampled down while they held
the reins in frenzied, deathly grasp. The
horse, held back by so many, stood still. Reg
gio, wounded and weary, could not struggle
much longer. A huge warrior jumped up be-
hind him, and wound his strong arms round
Reggio's neck. a score Of others seized him
and pulled him to the ground.
ssYield!'' cried an old priest to him.
ssYield, fool or you die
ssI will not!'' cried Reggie in Peruvian; and
he sought to free himself. But strong men
held him down,-his sword was wrenched from
his grasp,-his horse was led away,-he was
lost, They bound his arms tightly behind
him, and then four strong warriors took him
upon their shoulders and bore him away.
s.To the sacrifice! the sacrifice, at to-mOr-
rows dawn,'' exclaimed hundred voices
CHAPTER II.
Reggie lay bound in the room of a strong
barrier through which he might never escape.