His success in this
brought about, in an unexpected manner, his death and the loss of the
fort, with other evils in their train.
[Illustration: COFFEE PLANT IN BLOSSOM.]
COFFEE PLANT IN BLOSSOM.
The tragedy came on in this way: Sebastian Hurtado, one of Lara's
principal officers, had brought with him his wife, Lucia Miranda, a
Spanish lady of much beauty and purity of soul. During the frequent visits
which Mangora, the cacique of the Timbuez, paid to the fort, he saw this
lady and became enamoured of her charms, so deeply that he could not
conceal the evidence of his love.
Miranda was not long in observing the ardent looks of the Indian chief and
in understanding their significance, and the discovery filled her with
dread and alarm. Knowing how important it was for the commandant to keep
on good terms with this powerful chief, and fearing that she might be
sacrificed to this policy, she did her utmost to keep out of his sight,
and also to guard against any surprise or violence, not knowing to what
extremes the passion of love might lead an Indian.
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