Aftermatl, of Sall Saba. ,Jfassacrc
proved a poor arrangement, because the Indians soon gave way and left the flanks of the main body completely exposed to the impetuous rushes of the infuriated northern tribes. It was almost one o'clock when two small cannon were placed in position and the general assault was ordered. The Indians met the attack with incredible valor and coolness, displayin;; much skill in repelling it. Swift bands of natives, mounted on excellent horses and armed with rifles charged the advancing column, the men on the stockade kept up a lively fire, while groups of warriors fell vigorously upon the flanks. The Indian braves were followed by footmen who handed them loaded rifles as they were needed. When the horsemen retreated, the footmen closed their ranks and held the ground until a new mounted charge was made. The Indians were directed and led by ·an imposing chief in a spotless white uniform mounted on a superb horse. He seemed to be everywhere, encouraging the warriors by his coolness, dexterity, and horsemanship. His figure was easily distinguishable, yet he seemed to have a charmed life, coming out unscathed from the thickest of the fight. He was dressed in spotless white doeskin and over his head he wore a small hat made of the same material, with a crest of horsehair colored a bright red. His horse was dark red with a flowing black mane and tail. Both the rider and the steed seemed inspired by a daring spirit that led them recklessly into the midst of the battle. Never before had Spanish troops encountered such a stout resistance or such well planned tactics. Confronted by a deadly fire of an enemy who used rifles just as skillfully as themselves, the Spaniards wavered 'and their allies broke and fled, leaving the flanks exposed. In the ensuing confusion the militia or volunteers began to lose heart and to flee. All efforts of the officers to restrain them proved fruitless. The two cannons were fired eleven times but with little effect. One of them exploded and seriously injured Captain Francisco Espinosa de los Monteros in the le;;. When a large group of natives sallied forth along the protected road on the right and began to advance with the purpose of cutting off the retreat of the Spaniards, the attackers became apprehensive and abandoned the assault, leaving the broken cannon and its now silent companion in the open field, while they took refuge in the narrow strip of timber. Fortunately darkness spread its protecting mantle and saved the remainder of the Spanish troops from complete annihilation. During the night the discour- aged and amazed Spanish troops saw the bright camp fires in the village of the Taovayas, where the savages danced in triumph. They noticed how the watch on the stockade was not relaxed and how new bands kept
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