one pressed forward to engage in it. Choosing seventy of the most vigorous, he ordered the rest to maintain their post in the village. “ As soon as night had fallen, he departed silently and secretly with his chosen band, and made his way with such rapidity through the labyrinths of the forests and the de files of the mountains, that he arrived in the neighbour hood of the residence of Tubanama by the following eve ning, though at the distance of two regular days journey. “ There waiting until midnight, he assailed the village suddenly, and with success, so as to surprise and capture the cacique and his whole family, in which were eighty fe males. When Tubanama found himself a prisoner in the hands of the Spaniards, he lost all presence of mind, and wept bitterly. The Indian allies of Vasco Nunez behold ing their once dreaded enemy thus fallen and captive, now urged that he should be put to death, accusing him of va rious crimes and cruelties. Vasco Nunez pretended to lis ten to their prayers, and gave orders that his captive should be tied hand and foot and given to the dogs. The cacique approached him trembling, and laid his hand upon the pom mel of his sword. ‘ Who can pretend,’ said he, 1 to strive with one who bears this weapon, which can cleave a man asunder with a blow ? Ever since thy fame has reached among these mountains have I reverenced thy valour. Spare my life, and thou shalt have all the gold I can pro cure.’ “Vasco Nunez, whose anger was assumed, was readily pacified. As soon as the day dawned, the cacique gave him armlets and other jewels of gold, to the value of three thousand crowns, and sent messengers throughout his do minions, ordering his subjects to aid in paying his ransom. The poor Indians, with their accustomed loyalty, hastened in crowds, bringing their golden ornaments, until in the course of three days they had produced an amount equal