They first appeared in two bodies on a neighbouring hill; having there dismounted, and taken off their fur mantles, they advanced naked to the charge.

The only weapon of an Indian is a very long bamboo or chuzo, ornamented with ostrich feathers, and pointed by a sharp spear-head.

My informer seemed to remember with the greatest horror the quivering of these chuzos as they approached near.

When close, the cacique Pincheira hailed the besieged to give up their arms, or he would cut all their throats.

As this would probably have been the result of their entrance under any circumstances, the answer was given by a volley of musketry.