159 



watch, had retired to take their siesta.* The crafty 

 Chilran highly praised his project, and oiFered him- 

 self to keep a gate open on the day assigned for the 

 enterprise. The Araucanian, elated with joy, has- 

 tened to give information to Canpolican, who was 

 at a short distance, and Andrew proceeded imme- 

 diately to disclose the plot to the commander of tlie 

 fort, who directed him to keep up the deception by 

 appearing to carry it on, in order to take the enemy 

 in their ov/n snare. 



Caupolican, occupied with an ardent desire of 

 accomplishing this enterprise, lost sight on this 

 occasion of his wonted prudence, and too easily 

 reposed faith in this ill -concerted scheme. In order 

 the better to devise his measures, he expressed a wish 

 to converse with the Chilian ; Pran immediately gave 

 notice to his supposed friend, who appeared before 

 Caupolican with all that air of respect and flattering 

 show of attachment which villains of this stamp 

 know so well to assume. He broke out into invec- 

 tives against the Spaniards, whom he said he had 

 always detested, and^rcnewed his promise, declaring 

 that nothing could be easier than the execution of 

 the plot. The Araucanian general applauded his 

 patriotism, loaded him with caresses, and promised 

 to give him, if the enterprise should succeed, an 

 Ulmenate with the office of first captain of his army. 

 He then showed him his troops, appointed the next 

 day for the execution of their scheme, and dismissed 

 him with the strongest demonstrations of esteem 

 and favour. The Spaniards, informed of all, em- 



* Affeernwon sleep. 



