"Five thousand six hundred."
"Which are the nations that accepted the quipu, and sent their warriors to the gathering place?"
"All!" Churlakin answered proudly.
"My heart is satisfied with the wisdom of my son. What is the effective strength of these eight nations?"
"Twenty-nine thousand seven hundred and sixty men, commanded by the bravest Ulmens."
"Good," said Nocobotha. "The Aucas and Araucano chiefs here present have brought twenty-three thousand seven hundred and fifty warriors. We can also reckon on a reinforcement of five hundred and fifty gauchos, or white deserters, whose assistance will be very useful to us. The total strength of the army is ninety-four thousand nine hundred and fifty men, with whom, if my brothers place confidence in me, we shall expel the Spaniards, and regain our territory within three months."
"Our father will command, and we obey."
"Never has a larger and more powerful army menaced the Spanish authority since Tahi Mahi's attempt upon Chili. The whites are ignorant of our projects, as I convinced myself at Carmen. Hence our sudden invasion will be to them a thunderbolt, and render them motionless with terror. On our approach they will be already half conquered. Lucaney, have you distributed all the weapons I sent you from Carmen to the warriors, who understand their use?"
"A corps of three thousand two hundred men is armed with muskets and bayonets, and abundantly provided with powder and ball."
"It is well. Lucaney, Churlakin, and Metipan will remain with me, and aid me in communicating with the other chiefs. And now, Ulmens, Apo-Ulmens, and caraskens of the united nations, listen to my orders, and engrave them deeply on your minds, for any disobedience or cowardice will immediately be punished by death."