But for what purpose are they thus mounted? What scene of mockery is to be enacted? Scene of mockery! Ha! ha! ha!
Observe! the horses upon which they sit are wild mustangs! Observe! they are blinded with tapojos!
For what purpose? You shall see.
A Tagno stands at the head of each horse, and holds him with difficulty. The animals are kept fronting the cliff, with their heads directed to the jutting point of La Niña.
The Indians are drawn up in line also facing to the cliff. There is no noise in their ranks. An ominous silence characterises the scene. In front is their chief mounted upon his coal-black steed; and upon him the eyes of all are fixed, as though they expected some signal, his face is pale, but its expression is stern and immobile. He has not yet reached the completion of his vengeance.
There are no words between him and his victims. All that has passed. They know their doom.
Their backs are towards him, and they see him not; but the Tagnos who stand by the horses’ heads have their eyes fixed upon him with a singular expression. What do these expect? A signal.
In awful silence was that signal given. To the right and left sprang the Tagnos, leaving free the heads of the mustangs. Another signal to the line of mounted warriors, who, on receiving it, spurred their horses forward with a wild yell.
Their spears soon pricked the hips of the mustangs, and the blinded animals sprang towards the cliff!
The groans of agonised terror that escaped from their riders were drowned by the yells of the pursuing horsemen.