"No," answered Don Esteban, "I was not; but we know from experience that when they begin these raids they usually divide themselves into a number of small bands, attacking in several directions simultaneously, and depending upon being reinforced by the negroes on the estates which they purpose to attack.  Thus, for example, whatever may have been the original strength of the band which set out to attack Montpelier, they have already been augmented by two hundred of my people.  Probably they now muster about two hundred and fifty altogether--not more, I should say.  Ah! look yonder.  Do you see that blaze?  That is Montpelier. They have already plundered the house and set it on fire, so you see we did not get away from it any too early."