But Pate was deaf to their sophistical arguments, and, shaking his head with a melancholy look, turned on his heels and took his departure.
The Professor and his companions were soon seated in the amphitheater, which formed an immense circle, with seats rising in tiers, one above the other. A strong barricade of stout timbers protected the twenty thousand men, women, and children who, with the Priests, the President, and the Congress of the country were here assembled, and waited with impatience until a gate was opened and several of the combatants appeared, some on horseback armed with long lances, and others on foot.
"Great thunder! what are those?" exclaimed Tom Seddon, pointing to four uncouth shapes stalking into the arena wearing ugly masks with enormous beaks, and having dusky wings ingeniously fitted to their sides.
"They look like very large turkey-buzzards," said Toney.
"Half men and half birds," said Moses.
"They are Peruvian fairies," said the Professor, turning round and imparting this information to Moses.
"Fairies!" exclaimed Moses, his eyes opening in astonishment.
"A gigantic species of fairy peculiar to this country," said the Professor.
"What are they going to do?" asked Moses.
"They are exceedingly fond of bull-beef," said the Professor. "They will wait until the animal is slain, and then dine on the carcass."