The head of a column had pushed out from the trees which hid the approach to the bridge. The distance was too great to disclose its nature, but soon the highway was covered with thousands. Presently Pizarro noted with relief that the movement of the encircling line had been arrested, and the approaching column had advanced beyond it. He could hear the rolling of drums and the weird strains of heathen marching music. Soon no doubt remained that it was the escort of the Inca. About half a mile from the edge of the town the column turned from the causeway and halted, and the anxious watchers saw they were pitching tents. A _chasqui_ was seen speeding toward the town. Pizarro descended to the square with his officers. A soldier from the exterior guard hurried in with the _chasqui_, a half-naked, clean-limbed, intelligent-looking youth, lithe and supple as a panther. He bore a message, translated by Felipillo, to the effect that the Inca would camp for the night on the plain, and would enter in the morning. An impatient oath, quickly suppressed, escaped Pizarro, and he replied coolly:— "Tell him that our disappointment will be immeasurable. We have made all preparations for his reception, and hope to have him sup with us." The _chasqui_ darted away. After an interval another arrived. The Inca would be pleased to come; and as he would remain overnight, would bring his attendants, but without arms. The _chasqui_ departed. Pizarro, his pallid face lighted for an instant by a smile, sinister and triumphant, turned to his officers. "Now, gentlemen, the quarry! Remember—everything, our lives, all, hang upon the absolute and implicit observance of my instructions. If we fail," he waved his hand toward the menacing dark semicircle outside the town, "ye know what to expect. But we shall not fail. Now, to your posts, and may the Virgin have us all in her keeping! I believe every man knoweth his duty. Candia, art ready?" "More than ready, General!" "Then, to thy guns!" Candia returned to the redoubt, occupied now only by his cannoneers and the sentinel.