Two more days of fierce fighting were required to move the army through the defile. The Spaniards grew increasingly frustrated and angry with the slow progress.

Observing their confusion, the Indians in-creased their attacks on all sides, anxious now to break and destroy them. Moreover, they gathered new strength and spirit in recalling that it had been in this identical swamp, although not the same pass, that 10 or 11 years previously they had routed and destroyed Pamphilo de Narvaez. The Indians at this time reminded the General and his men of their previous deed, adding among other impertinent remarks and affronts that they would do the same with their present foes.

Struggling in this manner with the difficulties of the road and the afflictions bestowed upon them by their enemies, the Spaniards traveled the two remaining leagues through the wood, coming eventually to clear, open terrain.

And now, thanking God who had released them from their confinement, they loosed the reins of their horses and demonstrated clearly the hatred they felt for the Indians. In the more than two leagues that remained of open land before they reached the cornfields, the Spaniards killed or captured every Indian they encountered.

They slew in particular those who made a show of resistance, not permitting any to escape. The result was that the mortality that day was great, for they seized few and killed many. So it was that they avenged the insult and damage which Pamphilo de Narvaez had suffered at the hands of the inhabitants of Apalache. They also disillusioned these people of their arrogant idea that they might destroy these Castilians as they had their predecessors.

It appeared to Governor Hernando de Soto that for this day he should be satisfied with having emerged from the forest where so much opposition had been met, and with having punished the Indians in part. And he felt no desire to go any farther but wished instead to bivouac his army in that plain since the ground was free of underbrush. For this reason, he pitched camp near a small village that marked the beginning of the fields and settlements of the province of Apalache which was so famous throughout that land.

Then at dawn, the Spaniards marched on through some great fields of corn, beans, squash and other vegetables which had been sown on both sides of the road and were

spread out as far as the eye could see across two leagues of the plain.

After having advanced two leagues through the fields, the Spaniards came to a deep ravine containing a great quantity of water and fringed on both sides with dense woods. The passage through this place was tedious. The Indians, recognizing the fact, had foreseen an opportunity to fall upon their opponents here.

Observing the obstacles and defenses offered, the best armed of the cavaliers dismounted and, some with sword and shield and others with axes, gained the passage. They knocked down the barricades and fences which had been constructed to keep the horses from advancing or their riders attacking. At this point the natives charged with their greatest impetus and fury, for the passage being difficult, they had placed their last hope of conquering the Christians here. Thus the battle raged. Many Spaniards were wounded and some killed, for their enemies fought boldly.

Once across the ravine, the army moved two more leagues through country devoid of both fields and towns. The Indians no longer molested them since they could have no advantage where horses were used, and they feared to encounter these animals in open country. Therefore when the Christians pitched camp they were permitted to sleep throughout the remainder of the day. They did indeed need rest since they had labored and watched during the whole of the previous four days and three nights.

As soon as the army resumed its march on the following day, which was the fifth day after they had crossed the swamp, the Governor went in advance with 200 horsemen and 100 foot soldiers. He had learned from prisoners that the town of Apalache was only two leagues distant.

So the General and his companions galloped their horses across the intervening two leagues, lancing every Indian encountered on both sides of the road. Arriving at the town, they found that the Curaca and his people had left it undefended.

Knowing that these Indians had not gone far, they pursued them for two leagues beyond the place. Many of them they killed and captured, but never did they succeed in overtaking Capafi, as this cacique was called. This is the first cacique we have encountered whose name differed from that of his province.

In consequence, the Adelantado returned to the village, which consisted of 250 large and good