Great was the joy of Ortiz at this news, though still doubtful of its truth. However, he thanked Mococo, and went his way. A dozen principal Indians were sent to accompany him. On their way to the port, they met Baltasar de Gallegos, in the manner that has been related. Arrived at the camp, the Governor ordered that apparel be given to him, good armor, and a fine horse.

When asked if he knew of any country where there was either gold or silver, Ortiz said that he had not been ten leagues in any direction from where he lived. However, thirty leagues distant was a chief named Paracoxi, to whom Mococo, Ucita, and all they that dwelt along the coast paid tribute. Perhaps he had knowledge of some good country, as his land was better than theirs, being more fertile, abounding in maize.

Hearing this, the Governor was well pleased. he said he only desired to find subsistence, that he might be enabled to go inland with safety; for that Florida was so wide, in some part or other of it, there could not fail to be a rich country.

The Cacique of Mococo came to the port, and calling on the Governor, he thus spoke:

"Most High and Powerful Chief: Though less able, I believe, to serve you than the least of these under your control, but with the wish to do more than even the greatest of them can accomplish, I appear before you in the full confidence of receiving your favour. As much so as though I deserved it, not in requital of the trifling service I rendered in setting free the Christian while he was in my power, which I did; and not for the sake of my honour or my promise; but because I hold that great men should be liberal. As much as in your bodily perfections you exceed all, and in your command over fine men are you superior to others, so in your nature are you equal to the full enjoyment of earthly things. The favour I hope for, great Lord, is that you will hold me to be your own, calling on me freely to do whatever you wish. "

The Governor answered him that although it were true, in freeing and sending him the Christian, he had done no more than to keep his word and preserve his honour, nevertheless he thanked him for an act so valuable. There was no other for him that could be compared to it. Holding him henceforth to be a brother, he should in all, and through all, favour him. Then a shirt and some other articles of clothing were directed to be given to the Chief, who, thankfully receiving them, took leave and went to his town.

Three years from that time some people fishing out at sea, three leagues from land, brought news of having seen ships. Mococo, calling Ortiz, gave him permission to depart, who, taking leave, made all haste possible to the shore. Finding no vessels, he supposed the story to be only a device of the Cacique to discover his inclination.

In this way Ortiz remained with him nine years, having little hope of ever seeing Christians more. However, no sooner had the arrival of the Governor of Florida taken place, when it was known to Mococo, who directly told Ortiz that Christians were in the town of Ucita.

The captive, thinking himself jested with, as he had supposed himself to be before, said that his thoughts no longer dwelt on his people, and that his only wish now was to serve him. Still the Cacique assured him that it was even as he stated, and gave him leave to go. He told him that if he did not, and the Christians should depart, he must not blame him, for he had fulfilled his promise.