They were intensely mortified at the idea of the forces of Spain being compelled to treat, upon something like even terms, with a handful of escaped slaves; and would have again marched the troops into the forest, and renewed the war.

The townspeople, however, were strongly opposed to this.

They had suffered immensely, already, by the destruction of the outlying plantations and haciendas; and the events of the attack upon the town showed that there was no little danger of the whole place being burnt to the ground.

They were, therefore, eager in the extreme to make terms with this active and ubiquitous enemy.

The troops, too, were by no means eager to attempt another entry into the forest.