The magnet of Mr. Dow’s desire had been drawn thitherward by the reputed existence of a walled city inhabited by a white race of great beauty. He considered the report sufficiently well authenticated to warrant the adventure of his life for its discovery and relief from the constant siege to which it had been subjected by the savage tribes from time beyond date. His chief authority, which had incited him to engage in the emprise, was his Auraucanian servant, who had, in his wanderings and progress northward, served in an Indian marauding expedition, which invaded the valley of the city for the purpose of lifting the cattle of the inhabitants, who were in seasons of drought obliged to protect them while feeding beyond the walls. As Indian forays were expected, the herds were well guarded by shepherd escorts, whose persons were safely protected with defensive armor, so that with the exception of the face the other parts of the body were proof to the poisoned arrows. In addition they were armed with a bow which in their practiced hands sent the arrow sure to its mark far beyond the range of their savage foes’ weapons, so that in the open valley they were safe. Besides, their tactics embraced so many precautionary variations that the Indians were almost invariably decoyed and blinded from real intention. These feints caused the savages to become over wary, never venturing an attack unless with the advantage of overwhelming numbers. The party with which Aabrawa, Mr. Dow’s servant, was engaged, met with a severe repulse that indisposed them to renew the attempt, notwithstanding an opportunity was offered on the succeeding day. So well managed were the citizens’ plans of protection that they rarely lost either men or cattle, and without being aggressive frequently administered well merited punishment upon their foes, who were inspired with wholesome fear from a superiority so manifest in deadly effect. Unable to cope with their white antagonists in the open field, they, with constant wariness peculiar to the savage, neglected no opportunity to harass, hoping at some time with constant worrying to catch them off their guard. The cause of this implacable hatred was hereditary, reaching, as Aabrawa learned, far back to a time when the forefathers of the citizens abused their supremacy by enslaving their Indian benefactors. The Indians having surprised and overcome their oppressors, a remnant of the whites obtained refuge in the present city, which had since been kept under constant espial. As the city was overlooked from an adjacent height, but little passed in the streets unknown to the besiegers, who were quick to discover any relaxation of vigilance; and whenever from pestilence or other cause it did occur, couriers were dispatched to summon aid from distant tribes.