These looked on, apparently, with mere curiosity, and with no desire to interfere with what was going on.
Indeed, the Inquisition was never popular with the great body of the Spaniards; over whom its secret proceedings, and terrible cruelties, hung like a dark cloud, as none could ever say that they might not be the objects of denunciation.
It was clear that the Indians were acting upon a fixed plan; for, the moment that those from within the prison sallied out, all formed in a compact body, and at a brisk slinging trot started down the street; the lads being kept well in the center, so as to conceal them from the gaze of the public.

Not a word was spoken, till they had issued from the town.

For another quarter of a mile their hurried march continued; and then, without a word, the whole of the escort, with the exception of one man, turned up a crossroad and vanished into the darkness.
"Heaven be praised that I have saved you, senors!" said the Indian who remained.

"Do you not recognize me?
I am Don Estevan, whose life you saved at Arica.

I feared that I might be too late to find you unharmed; but it required time to get the necessary force together.
"You recognized me, of course, on the pier when you landed.