days but then came out and was detained for several more days by Soto. Unable to obtain any cooperation from the Indians, Soto released his hostages.

When the cacique had departed, the Spaniards, employing the ingenuity of Maestro Francisco, a Genoese engineer, drew geometrical plans for a bridge. They then proceeded to build it.

First they threw great beams of wood across the river, binding them together with heavy ropes which had been brought along for just such occasions. Then, to join and secure the beams, they laid thick boards over the top of them. There was so much wood in that vicinity they could use all they wished.

Thus this structure was completed in a few days. It was so well built that both men and horses passed over it very much as they pleased.

Before the army crossed the river, the Governor commanded his men to ambush and seize as many natives as possible. Those few who had come along to serve the Castilians had now fled with the Cacique Ocali, and guides were needed.

Accordingly the soldiers took 30 Indians, counting both children and adults. Then coaxing the captives on the one hand with flattery, gifts and promises of reward should they do their duty, and on the other with great threats of cruel death should they fail in it, they persuaded them to direct their search for another province 16 leagues distant from that of Ocali.

The region which lay between the two provinces was unpopulated and peaceful. It was filled with many forests and with streams which ran through very flat country that would have been quite fruitful had it been cultivated. The first eight leagues of this land the army crossed in two days. When they had completed a half of the third day's march, the Governor took 110 cavalrymen and 100 foot soldiers and went in advance of the army for the remainder of that day and all of that night. At dawn of the next day he arrived at Ochile, the principal village of Vitachuco, a large province with more than 50 leagues of road in that part through which the Spaniards passed.

The province of Vitachuco had been divided among three brothers. The eldest, who ruled five-tenths of this land, bore the same name as the province and its principal village, as we shall see later. The second, whose name is omitted because of its having been forgotten, ruled three-tenths. The youngest, who was

lord of the village of Ochile and had the same name as his village ruled the remaining two-tenths.

The Adelantado arrived at dawn in Ochile, a village consisting of 50 houses which were large and substantially built since it was situated on the frontier and served as an outpost against the adjoining province through which the Spaniards had just passed.

Soto remained in Ochile a few days while he won over the chief of that name and sent envoys to the two older brothers. The unnamed brother came forward in three days. Vitachuco, the eldest, remained adamant despite messages of reassurance from his younger brothers.

As negotiations for peace with Vitachuco proceeded through messengers, Soto moved forward in short daily marches. Vitachuco finally consented to entertain the Spaniards, and they moved into the chief's village in battle formation.

Vitachuco mistrusted the Spaniards and resolved to overcome them by force during a review of his warriors by Soto. The ruse was discovered, and Soto struck first. He captured Vitachuco and killed more than 300 Indians.

The battle took place near the village on a great plain. On one side was a tall, dense and extensive forest, and on the other, two lagoons. The first lagoon was small, measuring only a league in circumference; but it was clear of underbush and mud. It was so deep that at three or four steps from its bank one could not find footing. The second lagoon, which was farther from the town was very large. It was more than half a league in width and so long that it looked like a great river. The Spaniards had no idea as to where it ended.

The two lagoons described by Garcilaso appear very much like a deep spring and an associated river which here abruptly emerged from, or disappeared into, an underground channel. Such features are not uncommon in Florida.

Following the short but fierce battle, more than 900 fleeing Indians threw themselves into the small lagoon. Soto's men surrounded it and waited 30 hours for the swimmers to become exhausted and surrender one by one.

Despite the treachery, Soto placed Vitachuco at his side during meals. The lagoon survivors were chained and parceled out as slaves.