Near seven feet in height, and of corresponding breadth of shoulder, the stranger looked able to compete with a dozen men of ordinary growth, while his whole appearance was such as to strike terror into the heart of the beholder. Attired in a garment of dark red cloth, which only covered his person from his waist to his knees, the remainder of his body was painted in a most hideous manner. A black leathern belt, passing over his brawny shoulders, supported a huge naked broad-sword, doubtless obtained in some predatory exploit, whose edge was blunted and hacked by many a rough encounter, dangled by his side, or struck harmlessly against his naked legs. His face, the features of which were naturally good, was disfigured by grotesque colourings, and horrible scars; while his long black hair, to which was fastened small pieces of copper, brass buttons, and tufts of parrot feathers, floated behind him in matted locks, and gave him the appearance of a wandering gnome. An old regimental coat, from which part of the lace had been cut, and which was another of his war spoils, was tied around his neck by the two sleeves, serving the purpose of a cloak; and upon his breast reposed—a silent but melancholy memento of his habits—a string of human teeth, their dead white contrasting vividly with his dark skin. This stranger was Cuanaboa, the dreaded Carib chief. Rendering to Zulmiera his simple obeisance, he commenced the conversation by remarking in a barbarous kind of dialect, “the Boyez[93] gave the time to meet when the big star,” pointing to the moon, “rose above the hill, and the lady promised to obey; but now it’s shining o’er our heads, and the charm may be broken— the bow may indeed be bent, and the arrow speed on its way, and yet fall to the ground wide of the mark. We meet to-night, ’tis true; but the time the Boyez appointed is long past, and now perhaps our purpose may fail, and our enemies escape.” “Oh, no! Cuanaboa, believe not so,” replied Zulmiera; “listen not to the wild words of the old Boyez; thinkest thou _I_ care for what he saith?” “Ay, lady, but thou art fallen from the faith of thy fathers—thou hast lived too long with the Christians; but it matters not now, let us talk of our plans. Myself and comrades have agreed to lead the attack upon yonder house about this time to-morrow night, and we look to you to draw from their weapons those little round stones which kill so many of us, we know not how. Guacanagari has joined me with twice so many men, (holding up his hand, and spreading out his fingers,) and as fine a canoe as ever was paddled along these seas. He landed with his party just as the sun touched the waters; an hour badly chosen by him, for too many eyes are then abroad. I hope, though, none saw them but their red brothers, for they skulked along by the thickest part of the woods; and now their canoe lies high and dry, beneath the shelter of yon high banks, while they repose in safety in the cave,[94] attended by old Quiba.