To let these scoundrels escape, after having them so completely in our power, was a source of the bitterest chagrin to every one of our party It was like abandoning the object of our expedition. But, from the high tone taken by Carrasco, I could tell that less liberal terms would be rejected; and I was far from being confident of his compliance with these. I had a thought--shared by my comrades--that there was still something behind, and that another trick was intended to be played upon us. In the speeches addressed to us, there was an ambiguity we could ill understand. Despite his professed fearlessness, the robber-chief could not but be sensible of the danger he was in; and the _sang froid_ displayed by him was scarcely reconcilable with the situation. Perhaps at this moment he was in the act of perpetrating some piece of strategy--some villainous _ruse_? We could not think what it might be, nor even that any was possible; and therefore no one gave speech to the vague suspicion, though all felt it. It was only as a presentiment--and for this reason remained unspoken. It had the effect, however, of urging us to hasten our deliberations, and bring them to a more speedy conclusion. The terms settled, I stepped once more to the front--with the intention of making them known to the enemy. There was no one in sight; but I supposed that the bandit was still upon the housetop--crouching below the level of the parapet. I shouted to attract his attention. There was no response, save the echoes of my own voice, that reverberated in duplicate along the twin cliffs of the chasm. I shouted a second time, louder than before. Still only echoes--mingling with the cries of a _caracara_ eagle, that soared scared-like into the air. Again I put forth my voice--calling the robber by his name, and summoning him to listen to our proposal. But there was no answer--not even a responding exclamation! Outside the hut there was heard the hoarse roaring of the torrent, that rose continuously from below--above, the _caracara_ still repeating its shrill screech; but inside there was only silence--ominous, deathlike, appalling! I could bear the suspense no longer. Directing one half of the men to keep their places--and cover our approach with their rifles--with the other half I started towards the dwelling. With a rapid rush we reached it--coming to a stop in front of the doorway. There was no need for such haste. We were permitted to make approach unmolested. No shout heard--not a shot fired--not a missile hurled from above! We stayed not to give expression to our surprise. The door was instantly assailed; and, before the strokes of the Collin's axe, soon gave way--going inside with a crash. We entered in a confused crowd--unopposed, not caring for opposition. We did not expect it. Despite its improbability, we were more than half prepared to find the fortress forsaken.