with great shoutings, and clanging of noisy instruments-men, women, and children, clad in dresses of divers colors. At first there were many amongst them that did regard Master Francis with most sinister aspects, reviling and jeering of him, and seeming to triumph over him as if he were an enemy taken in battle; but when something was said to them by those he was amongst, they did abuse him no more, nor regard him in any sort than with a very marvellous curiousness. As for Padre Bartolomé, there could not be a question as to their treatment of him. They cast dirt on him as he went; they spat on him, they screamed, they yelled, they danced for very joy; naught could exceed the wonderful pleasure they seemed to find in the sight of him. But he regarded them not at all. He passed along with his fine eyes fixed upon the glowing heavens with a most pious expression of countenance, as if his spirit was in such strict communion with his Creator he could not regard for a moment the din that was going on around him. His hands were tied behind his back, and he was strictly guarded; yet walked he with a proud step, more like that of a conquerer than a captive: and looked such resignation and hope as if he would needs appear like one of the right famous martyrs of old, who did suffer extreme persecution of the heathen, even unto death, rather than give up their faith in the life everlasting. Nothing astonished Master Francis so much as the wonderful quantity of gold that was worn by the natives. They had armlets, bands for the ankles and for the forehead; plates that hung about the joints, rings and chains, all solid, and curiously wrought; and these shining in the sun, had a singular fine and brilliant effect; but when he came into the city and saw the insides of the houses, and beheld the commonness of this precious metal, for it appeared to be made into every sort of thing that could be named, as if its abundance was beyond all comparison, he marvelled ten times the more. In this place he abode many days, being well cared for, having to eat all kinds of fish, flesh, and fowl, that could be procured, with fruit in great plenty; tortoise eggs, which he found to be a very wholesome meat; and wine of a good sort, as much as he could drink of it: and he saw nothing of Padre Bartolomé all this time, for the priest was kept close in durance, having scanty fare, and usage of the hardest; but at last there came a command from the king of all these parts, that the stranger should be sent to the imperial city, where he was, for him to see the prisoners, and judge how they should be disposed of. Then Master Fran cis and the Jesuit were straightway set on two of the horses taken of the Spaniards, and accompanied by a strong guard to prevent escape; and proceeded on their journey to the city of the king. After passing a great distance through a fine open country, rich with verdure, and of a most delicate aspect, when a many days had elapsed, they approached a magnificent city, which was the place they were in quest of. Master Francis could see, as he came nigh unto it, that it was a famous large place; and noticing of the vast numbers that were thronging in its vicinity, some going and some coming, he did judge that it was well populated. The first thing that did give him a proper estimation of the wonderful riches of the city, was the great gates, which, to his exceeding astonishment, he saw were made of the solid gold, and wrought in all manner of beautiful figures of men, and beasts, and birds, and flowers, with such extreme cunning that he marvelled as much at the skilfulness of the workmanship as at the costliness of the material. Discoursing with one of his guard, for he had picked up some little knowledge of the language, he learned that the riches of this city was considered to be far beyond that of any place in the world, for there were in it four-and-twenty gates of a like fashion and fabric; and the quantity of the same precious metal, wrought up into idols, monuments, altar places, and the like, was beyond all calculation. Hearing this, and beholding, as he proceeded along through the broad thoroughfares, the strongest evidence that what he heard was no other than the truth, he did from it imagine that he was in that right famous place called El Hom bre Dorado, or the Man of Gold; of the which divers notable commanders of the Spaniards had searched for in vain; and for the discovery thereof Sir Walter Raleigh had got together so brave an expedition; and, as imagination was strengthened into certainty by his guides telling him the city was called Manoa, it did create in him a singular curiousness to observe, as closely as was possible, this wonderful place. As he rode onward he could not but marvel at the sight of such goodly structures, that seemed like unto palaces, all the way long. Presently he would come he entered the palace by one of the many golden gates it had, whereof he was told there were fifty, all of a like splendor and massiveness with the one he now saw, which was indeed the most magnificent thing to see eye of his ever beheld. to some open space, in the midst of which there was set up a huge figure of some idol, whereof he saw a great many, all wrought out of the solid gold, and the crowds of natives dressed in the costliest silks and fine cloths, some walking, and some riding on prancing steeds, the harness of which was covered over with gold and jewels, were wonderful to look upon, for the beauty and variety of their apparelling. They seemed, for people of so dark a skin, an exceeding handsome race; the women remarkably so, having well disposed bodies and comely countenances; eyes dark and penetrating, and hair very long and black, the which, in many instances, was powdered with gold dust, that did have a marvellous shining effect; the most of them wore gold anklets and armlets, very thick, and some curiously cut and set in with precious stones, and some wore so many plates of the same metal that they kept up a con-intent upon some important business or stant jingling as they walked along, from the pieces knocking one against another. Here some of those he was with did have speech with a chief or officer of the guard, who stopped them; and hearing of their business, hurried them on, himself leading the way, telling them that the king was sitting in council with his wise men, and had given orders that the strangers should immediately on their arrival be brought before them, to be done by as they should think fit. After passing through vast halls and long spa|cious passages, and up broad flights of steps, meeting with a great crowd of the natives, seeming to be officers, priests, soldiers, and the like, appearing to be another, they at last arrived at an anteroom, which was guarded on both sides by rows of Indians, with long spears standing up much higher than themselves, where they waited till some went to announce their arrival to the king; which having been done, after a short delay Master Francis and Padre Bartolomé, uncovered, were allowed to advance into the council chamber. Master Francis was made to halt at a building of wonderful size and stately aspect, story above story, and tower above tower, with figures upon them, all of gold, stretching out over a vast space of ground. As he approached it by one of many wide streets of goodly mansions that led to where it stood, quite apart in Upon entering, the first thing which atan open plot of ground, he observed tracted the attention of Master Francis divers companies of armed Indians, doubt was a splendid throne, supported by fig less soldiers, led by their lords, or caciques, ures of leopards, wrought in solid gold, arrayed in most sumptuous fashion, and blazing with all manner of sapphires, marching with bands of warlike instru-carbuncles, emeralds, diamonds, pearls, ments, that made a monstrous clang, and divers other precious stones; and on some going and some coming away-it, upon cushions of embroidered silk, some of horse and some of foot; and there being a marvellous high flight of steps all around, to reach the gates of this palace, it was a pretty sight to see the foot soldiers ascending and descending, with their spears glancing in the sun, their feathers waving in the breeze, and their draperies of the very brightest colors, together with the abundance of gold ornaments they wore, looking more beautiful and costly than the most extreme cunning with the pen could describe. Having dismounted, Master Francis had to ascend the steps with his guard, which was a work of some labor, there being a hundred steps to go up; and then passing along a level way of fine polished marble, which was covered with a crowd of Indians, seemingly of all sorts and conditions, going in and out, there sat a man of a mild, yet majestic countenance, clothed in robes of the very richest sort, and wearing beside the most costly armlets, anklets, and plates of gold all about him, and rings, and chains, and rare gems, a tiara of the same precious metal, set in with diamonds and rubies of the very largest and purest kind. Round him, in a semicircle, seated on thrones, less elevated, but of almost equal costliness, were the wise men of the council, which seemed to be such as were selected for their great knowledge, for they did appear to be of a wonderful gravity, and were clothed in long robes of white cloth bordered with gold. Padre Bartolomé was desired to prostrate himself immediately upon his entering, which he did, with an affectation of great reverence; but Master Francis liked not the behaving with such humility to a mere mortal, and could not be got to do aught save the making of a respectful bow, which it was evident angered many in that assembly, for some did regard him with stern and forbidding glances. An interpreter being present, who was the chief priest, and was one that had lived with the Spaniards till he was as familiar with their language as with his own, the padre was asked if the other white man, meaning Master Francis, was a Spaniard, many of the Indians having asserted he talked a different tongue, and was of an entirely different nation. Then up spoke the wily Jesuit, exceedingly to his companion's astonishment, and mayhap instigated of the devil to do it, saying, that not only was he a Spaniard, although he spoke a foreign tongue, wanting to pass himself off as of a different country, but that he was the chief counsellor of the governor Don Antonio de Berrio, and had instigated him to do those cruelties against the Indians of which such loud complaint had been made. At the hearing of this, it was easily seen that the king and all his council were moved to a great wrath. Master Francis was so taken by surprise at the hearing of so atrocious a calumny that he knew not what to say or do; and, by his judges, his confusion was taken as a sign of guilt. They then examined the padre as to what were the designs of himself and party in entering the territory of Guiana, and he answered that he was but a man of peace, and merely accompanied the others at their request, to give them such good instruction as they stood in need of; that the command of the party was intrusted to his companion, and that its object was to fall upon the Indians in some village or another, murder them, and take away their gold. At this the assembly were more wrath than at first: and when Master Francis sought to deny what had been so falsely said of the other, they would scarce hear him, and the king, having taken the opinion of his wise men, did speak with great bitterness of the inhuman cruelties of the Spaniards in their inordinate search after gold, and then adjudged Master Francis to be sacrificed to his gods, whilst Padre Bartolomé should be kept close prisoner. When the priest heard this sentence he turned on his companion a look of fiendish exultation, which the other returned only with one of wonder and pity. CHAPTER XXVI. He that is thy friend indeed I do profess it willingly To serve and suffer patiently. SIR THOMAS WYATT. Talbot. I mean to prove this lady's courtesy. Come hither, captain! (whispers.) You perceive Captain. I do, my lord, and mean accordingly. SHAKSPEARE. mind? UPON Sir Walter Raleigh's rising in the morning and missing Master Francis he did marvel exceedingly. Every place was searched for him, and every inquiry set on foot, but one or two only of the natives had had sight of him as he was walking toward the grove, and after sending parties hither and thither, and finding no trace of him, Sir Walter was obliged to return to his boat, because of those who were waiting for victual. He knew not what to think. It was not likely his secretary should have been devoured by savage beasts, because there was none known to frequent those parts, nor was it probable that he had been set upon and slain by the Indians, because of their hospitable character, and of the great interest they showed when it was made known to them one of the white men had disappeared from amongst them. No man could be more downcast at anything than was Sir Walter. He offered great rewards-he spared neither trouble nor expense, but it was all unavailing; and on his voyage back loaded with provision for those of his followers he had left behind him, he could scarce speak a word. In truth, he loved Master Francis as a son; and his loss did affect him more than anything he had ever endured. If Sir Walter was thus moved, how much more strongly did the intelligence of his friend's disappearance affect Harry Daring. He was like one distractedhe did abuse all around for a parcel of pitiful rogues and villains for coming back without bringing his true friend with them; and was for starting himself quite alone and on the instant to fetch him away in spite of everything; but Sir Walter Raleigh, though he could not but pardon the intemperance of his language, knowing of what disposition he was, and how much he was attached to the other, would have him go on no account, because he believed it would be a fruitless and a dangerous errand for him to set out on alone, and he could not spare others at such a time; therefore he was held fast; notwithstanding which he spared none with his tongue; for he did rate them all after a fashion that must have angered many who knew not of what sort he was, and the provocation he had had. After a bit, finding that this was of no service, he appeared more tranquil, and said naught to any save the young Indian, with whom he was noticed to be frequently a whispering. His commander thinking that he was now resigned to the loss of his friend, took not so much heed of him, nor could he well, for his attention was taking up with looking after his own and the other boats, whereof the companies now, every one having feasted and drunk to his heart's content, were proceeding at a famous rate upon their voyage. It did so happen that of a party that on the next day landed from the boats to traffic with the natives of a village on the banks of the river, Harry Daring and the Indian boy were of the number, and whilst all else were busily engaged, they two slipped away unobserved with what arms they had, and with such things as they had got ready for the occasion; and threading their way through the thorny bushes that grew along the water-side, and which completely shut them out from view, they came at last to where lay a canoe, into the which they got without loss of time, and commenced rowing away with all their strength to return the way they had come the day previous. None noticed them, either from the boats or on the land, their attention being taken up with the natives; and having the tide in their favor, they proceeded along very famously, Harry Daring in an admirable humor at having a chance of finding out his true friend, and the young Indian in as much delight with the prospect of seeing again his family, who knew not what had become of him. Though these two were boys, as it might be said, seeing that they were each scarce above sixteen or seventeen years of age, yet were they strong and of wonderful activity. The young Indian was somewhat about the tallest of the two, being a youth of a truly graceful figure, but Harry Daring was of a thicker make, and, though he had shot up since he had left England, he looked nothing better than a big boy. They found in the canoe provisions enough for their wants and a plenty to spare, for it had been victualled for a party of Indians who were about going upon a voyage, so that they were enabled, yet not without vast labor and pains, to reach the village at which Master Francis had slept the morning he had been stole away. Here they were entertained in a like hospitable manner as their companions had been; and hearing from Harry's comrade in the adventure, upon what errand they had come, every facility was afforded them to pursue their search. Whilst Harry Daring was getting ready such things as he designed taking with him in the way of victual, a woman, who seemed to be natural of that place from her dress and complexion, did enter the room where he was, and call aside his companion, and they went out together. As many of the natives had done the same, because he alone could understand them, Harry did not much notice it, but went on with what he was a doing of After an absence of nigh upon half an hour, the young Indian came running back to him, seemingly in a wonderful great pleasure and surprise. "I have found where him gone to, Massa Harry!" exclaimed he, dancing about for very joy as it seemed. "Where, where, Snowball, where?" quickly asked Harry with extreme earnestness. "Let me have sight of him on the instant. I be a longing to behold him again. Say where he is or I shall take thee to be but a sorry friend, and will presently forswear thy company." "She tella me all, Massa Harry-she tella me all!" cried the young Indian. "And who is she-and what did she tell thee?" inquired the other. in her country no woman show her face. | female companion had slept sufficiently She say she no have speech wid you, 'cause she no understanda what you say, and you no understanda what she say." 66 By Gog and Magog! I care not so that she show me Master Francis," said the other. "Is he at any distance? Can I see him within a day or so ?" "She tella me he long, very long way off," replied his companion. She get horse to ride on; and for you and for me. We go very fast gallop; by-and-by stop, horse him eat grass, we eat victual. When night come hang hamaca upon tree in forest; we go sleepa by turns. Wild beast come, Massa Harry shoot him bang, or me run him troo wid spear after fashion of my country. She sleeps very much quiet all the time." "I'faith, 'twill be exquisite fine fun, Snowball?" exclaimed Harry; "and I don't care how soon we set about it." 66 "What for you call me Snowball, Massa Harry?" asked the young Indian. "My name be Pomarra, if you please, sir." Hang Pomarra!" cried Harry. "I dislike everything that be not honest English. Snowball be much the properest name for thee, so Snowball thou canst not help being." she would keep watch with the young Indian whilst Harry Daring slept, and when he had had enough, Pomarra turned in whilst the other two kept guard. One night a strange adventure happened to them, which had like to have put an end to their journey. Harry Daring was very intent upon the telling of how he had pulled out the old woman's two sound teeth instead of the one aching one, and the goodly rage she was in when she discovered it, when he was stopped in his narration by his companion's sudden exclamation of "Hist!" as he caught hold of his arm. Harry then noticed that the horses, which were fastened to the tree behind him, were plunging, snorting, and trembling wonderfully. 66 Wild beast, Massa Harry," said his companion in a whisper. Spear him if I miss, Snowball!" whispered the other, as he took hold of a musket that was leaning against a tree at his elbow, and looked about him to notice where was his enemy. The night was clear and starlight, but the shadows of the trees kept a great portion of the ground around him in utter darkness. The hammock in which slept the Indian woman was elevated two or three feet from the ground, between two large trees, whereof the thick branches crossed each other, and round about were clumps of bushes, and tall grass, and weeds, much of which was enveloped in a deep shadbut occasionally illuminated by myriads of fire-flies. 66 A few hours after what hath been here related, Pomarra, Harry Daring, and an Indian woman were galloping along the very road the Spaniards took when they carried off Master Francis. The face of the female was concealed in the folds of a thin scarf or muffler, that allowed noth-ow, ing to be seen but the eyes, which seemed to be of great brilliancy. The young Indian was completely under her guidance, and he it was, when they were at all at a loss, found out the path the Spaniards had taken by tracking their horses' feet. They passed the place where these latter had been set upon by the Indians, which they easily discovered by the stains of blood, which were yet fresh; and then proceeded onward at a good pace, only halting to get such refreshment as they needed. At night they slept in a forest after the following fashion. An hamaca was slung from the branches of some trees, and first of all the Indian woman lay in it and went asleep for two or three hours, whilst Harry Daring and Pomarra kept watch, which they did very famously, because the one would keep the other awake by telling of him all manner of laughable stories of what tricks he had played when he was apprentice to the barber-chirurgeon in Eastcheap; and then when their Now, Snowball, dost see anything of the villain?" asked Harry, as with Pomarra close at his elbow, having a long sharp spear held in such a manner as to give all his force to it should it be required, he was looking cautiously about, with his gun ready to put to his shoulder upon the first occasion. "Look in de bush, Massa Harry," whispered the young Indian, pointing to a cluft of underwood within a few paces of him. "See him big eye roll about like ball of fire." The horses were every moment getting to be more restless, showing that one they liked not was in their neighborhood; and Harry Daring looking in the direction pointed out, and seeing something move, knew it was high time to be doing of something, so he stealthily crept a pace or two closer, that he might have all the better aim, and then bidding of his companion be ready, he raised his piece very quietly, kept his eye on the |