sary to visit the outbuildings to make some temporary arrangements for security and comfort till the following day; so that it was not until a very late hour of the night that the members of our household, as well as those of our neighbours, could obtain repose.
"I was awoke from an hour's feverish slumber by a loud knocking at the door of my chamber. I hastily rose on hearing a voice I well knew, and unfastened it immediate; when a confidential servant entered, and almost sinking on the floor, exclaimed, 'The savages have returned in greater force that ever! Oh! Señor, we are lost! They have surrounded the buildings, and are at this moment preparing to set fire to them!
"I hastened to the window and looked out. The news was but too true: building after building echoed to the most horrible whoops and yells; clouds of smoke arose from every quarter; and already a dreadful hissing and crashing sound could be distinguished. My heart sank with me, my head drooped upon the ledge of the window at which I stooped, and for a moment I lost my consciousness.
"I was aroused by the grasp of a heavy hand upon my shoulder; and as by this time
