It was with a feeling of triumph, indeed, that the negroes, after gaining their own fastness, looked back at the sky, lighted by the distant conflagration.

They had now, for the first time, inflicted such a lesson upon their oppressors as would make a deep mark.

They felt themselves to be really free; and knew that they, in their turn, had struck terror into the hearts of the Spaniards.
Retiring to the depths of the forest, great fires were made.

Sheep, fowls, and other articles of provision, which had been brought back, were killed and prepared.

Huge bonfires were lit, and the party, secure that, for twenty-four hours at least, the Spaniards could attempt no retributive measures, sat down to enjoy the banquet.
They had driven with them a few small bullocks, and also some scores of sheep.