THE NIGHT AFTER THE BATTLE--ON THE WATCH--KANIMAPO APPEARS--WARNS US
THAT AQUALONGA IS ABOUT TO RETURN--WE RESOLVE TO RETREAT--KANIMAPO
OFFERS TO GUIDE US TO A PLACE OF SAFETY--THE DOCTOR ACCOMPANIES THE
WOUNDED--OUR JOURNEY--ADVENTURES--MY MOTHER UNABLE TO PROCEED--ENCAMP--
FIND CANDELA FISHING--VISIT THE PADRE IN HIS NEST--HE COMES WITH ME TO
OUR CAMP--HE AGREES TO ACCOMPANY US UP THE MOUNTAINS--AGAIN PROCEED--
ENCOUNTER THE DOCTOR--HE JOINS US--KILL TWO PUMAS AND OBTAIN SOME
VENISON.
Notwithstanding our success, we were perfectly sensible that danger was
not over, as the enemy might return, and, in the hope of taking us by
surprise, renew the attack. Of course, trustworthy men were placed on
the battlements to keep a look-out.
We were all naturally somewhat tired, and were very glad to lie down on
mats in the corners of the room. My father and uncles were, however,
too anxious to go to sleep; and I desired to be aroused in three hours,
that I might take my share of watching.
When Tim called me, I got up, feeling quite refreshed, and at once went
to the top of the house to have a look-out. The buildings which the
enemy had set on fire were still smouldering, but I was able to look
beyond them into the darkness, and to distinguish objects at a
considerable distance. The fire which we supposed to be our own house
had now gone out, showing that it must long since have been burned to
the ground. We hoped, however, that the village had escaped.
A passage ran completely round the roof, and by its means I could watch
each side in succession. I was looking towards the south-west, where
the ground was mostly open, when I observed a single figure advancing at
a quick pace across it. The person stopped for a few seconds, and then
came on directly towards the house. Whoever he was, I could not suppose
that he was an enemy. As he got near enough to hear me, I hailed, and
inquired what he wanted.
"I come with important information," he answered; "allow me to enter,
that I may deliver it without delay."
From the tone of his voice, and the way he pronounced his words, I knew
that he must be an Indian; but feeling assured that he was a friend, I
told him on which side he would find the only door by which he could be
admitted; then calling to one of the men to take my place, I hastened
down to the ground-floor. I there summoned four trustworthy men to
guard the door; but on opening it, the light from the lantern held by
one of the men fell on the stranger's countenance, and I recognised
Kanimapo.
"I come," he said, "to urge you to be on your guard; for Aqualonga has
been joined by fresh forces, and he has sworn that he will capture the
house, or perish in the attempt. He fully expects to succeed, for a
black, who states that he made his escape from the house, has informed
him that many of your people have been killed and wounded, and that your
ammunition is almost expended. On hearing this, Aqualonga expressed
both rage and regret at not having continued the attack; and he fully
intends to resume it to-morrow night, when he hopes to find you off your
guard. As I am supposed to be a foe to the patriots, I was able to mix
among his officers without being suspected; and having gained all the
necessary information, I escaped from the camp, and came at once to put
you on your guard. I desire, also, to render you any further assistance
in my power."