tin, Francisco
Ximenes, with four Indians of Guacasualco, to the rebels, in order to
try if we could not induce them by kind remonstrances to return to their
duty.

In this province the generality of townships lie between marshes and
deep rivers; when, therefore, we had arrived within eight miles of the
place of our destination, we despatched a messenger to the inhabitants
to inform them of our arrival; but instead of returning any answer,
three separate bodies of their warriors, armed with bows and lances,
marched out against us, and attacked us so vigorously, that two of our
companions were instantly killed. I myself was dangerously wounded by an
arrow in the throat, from which the blood flowed so fast that my life
was in the utmost danger. Next Francisco Martin was wounded, who stood
close to me; and we, in our turn, certainly wounded several of the
enemy; but at length we were compelled to seek our safety in flight, and
try if we could not take possession of some canoes which lay near at
hand, in a river called the Macapa. While my comrades were striving to
accomplish this, I was obliged, though heavily wounded, to remain alone
behind; and in order not to be killed outright, I summoned what little
recollection I had, and hid myself between the bushes. Here I was again
enabled to take courage, and I swore to the blessed Virgin that these
dogs should not, at least, get me into their power this time! I then
collected all my strength, leaped forth from among the bushes, fell
vigorously upon the Indians, and I succeeded, by dint of heavy blows and
thrusts, to cut my way through them; so that I was enabled, though
wounded afresh, to reach the spot where Francisco Martin, with four
trustworthy Indians, was waiting with the canoes. Even then we must all
of us have undoubtedly been cut to pieces, if these faithful men had not
defended our baggage to the last, thereby drawing off the enemy's
attention from us; and while they were busily engaged in plundering our
trunks we found time to set the canoes afloat, and to push off from the
shore. Thus, through the great mercy of God, we made our escape by means
of these canoes, and passed across this deep and broad river, which
abounded with alligators; but in order to elude the pursuit of these
Cimatecs, we were obliged to conceal ourselves for the space of eight
days among the mountains. In the meantime the news of our disaster had
reached Guacasualco, and the four Indians, who ha