The present is the most powerful story which Gustave Aimard has yet written. While there is enough of startling incident and hairbreadth escapes to satisfy the greatest craver after sensation, the plot is carefully elaborated, and great attention is paid to developing the character of the heroines. If there has been any fault in the author's previous works, it is that the ladies introduced are too subordinate; but in the present tale, the primary interest hinges upon them, and they are the most prominent characters. For this reason I am inclined to believe that the "Smuggler Chief" will become a greater favourite with readers than any of its predecessors.

Lascelles Wraxall, Bart.

CONTENTS.

I.[THE PROCESSION]
II.[THE COUNTRY HOUSE]
III.[THE CONVENT OF THE PURÍSIMA CONCEPCIÓN]
IV.[THE SMUGGLERS]
V.[THE INCA OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY]
VI.[THE BANIAN'S HOUSE]
VII.[THE NOVICE]
VIII.[A VISIT TO THE CONVENT]
IX.[ON THE SIERRA]
X.[INSIDE THE TENT]
XI.[THE SONS OF THE TORTOISE]
XII.[A HUMAN SACRIFICE]
XIII.[THE BALAS RUBY]
XIV.[THE RUPTURE]
XV.[A FIRST LOSS]
XVI.[THE PARUMO DE SAN JUAN BAUTISTA]
XVII.[THE ABDUCTION]
XVIII.[AFTER THE COMBAT]
XIX.[THE MANHUNT]
XX.[THE REDSKINS]
XXI.[THE INDIAN CITY]
XXII.[THE JAGOUAS OF THE HUILICHES]
XXIII.[A MIRACULOUS CURE]
XXIV.[THE RUINS OF THE HACIENDA]
XXV.[THE ARREST]
XXVI.[THE SCALP]
XXVII.[THE CAPTURE OF THE CONVENT]
XXVIII.[AN INDIAN VENGEANCE]
XXIX.[THE GREEN ROOM]
XXX.[THE CONFESSION]
XXXI.[THE CAMP OF THE MOLUCHOS]
XXXII.[THE SACK OF SANTIAGO]

[CHAPTER I.]

THE PROCESSION.

America, a land not yet thoroughly explored, and whose immense savannahs and gloomy virgin forests conceal so many mysterious secrets and unknown dramas, sees at this moment all eyes fixed upon her, for everyone is eager to know the strange customs of the semi-civilized Indians and the semi-savage Europeans who people the vast solitudes of that continent; for in the age of transformation in which we live, they alone have remained stationary, contending inch by inch against the civilization which invades and drives them back on all sides, and guarding with a religious obstinacy the faith, manners, and customs of their fathers—curious manners, full of interest, which require to be studied carefully and closely to be understood.