e defenders. The subjects of
Capaha reviled those of Casquin, calling them cowardly dogs, who had
never ventured before to attack that place, and threatened them with
ample vengeance when the valiant strangers had left the country. The
subjects of Casquin were so intimidated by these threats and the brave
opposition they experienced, that in spite of every thing their cacique
could say they took to flight, carrying off forty of the canoes, and
would have done the same with the other twenty, had not two Spaniards
that were left in charge of each defended them with their swords. Being
thus deserted by their allies, and having no horses to act against the
Indians, the Spaniards began to retire; and when the Indians proposed to
pursue them, Capaha restrained them, thinking this a favourable
opportunity to embrace the peace he had before rejected, and the
Spaniards accordingly retired unmolested.

Next day, without taking any notice whatever of Casquin, Capaha sent
four messengers to Soto, apologizing for having before refused peace,
which he now sued for, and requested leave to wait upon him. Soto was
well pleased with this, and returned a suitable answer. Accordingly,
Capaha came next day to the town, attended by an hundred Indians finely
adorned with plumes of feathers; and before waiting on the general went
to the sepulchre of his forefathers, where he gathered together the
bones with anxious care, kissed them with much reverence, and replaced
them in their chests or coffins. On coming into the presence of Soto, he
paid his compliments with a good grace, and though only about twenty-six
years of age gave an intelligent account or the affairs of his country.
Turning to his enemy Casquin, he addressed him as follows: "I suppose
you are now well pleased at having seen what you never expected, for
which you may thank the power of these valiant strangers: But when they
are gone, you and I shall understand each other. In the mean time I pray
the sun and moon to send us good seasons." Being informed of what Capaha
had said, the general without giving time to Casquiu to reply, assured
Capaha that he and his Spaniards had not come into the country to
inflame the enmity of the tribes, but to reconcile them. After more
friendly discourse of this nature, Capaha consented to be friends with
Casquin, and the two chiefs sat down to dinner with Soto. After the
repast, the two women who belonged to Capaha and had been taken
prisoners wer