governor of the territory, and that they were guilty. of treason to the crown in thus opposing him; in vain he appealed to their humanity, and protested before God against their cruelty and persecution. The Spaniards were in that state of tumult when they were ready to add cruelty to injustice. Not content with expelling the discarded governor from their shores, they allotted to him the worst vessel in the harbor, an old, crazy brigantine, totally unfit to encounter the perils of the sea.

Seventeen followers embarked with him, and the frail bark set sail March 1, 1511, for the island of Hispaniola, but was never seen or heard from again.

In less than one year from the time he left San Domingo in a cask, an absconding debtor, we find Balboa governor de facto of Darien, with nations of untold wealth all about him. He exhibited wonderful ability, both as a conqueror and as a ruler. While he dealt the most terrible vengeance on the warlike and rebellious natives, he conciliated the conquered, and made them his friends. From Indian captives he heard wonderful stories of vast countries beyond the mountains, where gold was found in great abundance. Pizarro, returning from a cruise along the shores of the Isthmus, brought with him two Spaniards, clad in painted skins, like Indians, whom he took to Balboa.

"From whence come you?" asked the governor.

"We escaped from Nicuesa about a year ago, and took refuge with Careta the chief of Coyba," one answered.

"Has he much gold and provisions?"

"He has more gold than you have ever seen, but it and his provisions are concealed."

The stories they related roused Balboa's cupidity and he resolved on the conquest of Coyba at once. With one hundred and thirty well-armed men and several bloodhounds, he set out for Careta's dominions. The difficult and dangerous march was made in three days. Learning of their approach, the cacique received them kindly just without his town. Through interpreters, Balboa informed Careta that they were hungry and thirsty.

"If you are hungry and thirsty I will soon satisfy your wants," said the cacique, and he ordered food and drink to be brought them. When their wants were satisfied, Balboa explained:

"I am governor of Darien, and my people are in want of food. Will you give me food for the colony ?"

"I am sorry, I cannot," answered Careta. "I have no corn nor meat to spare. We have long been at war with Ponca, a neighboring cacique, and my people were prevented from cultivating the fields."

One of the ungrateful spies, who had been so kindly cared for by Careta, spoke up:

“The old wretch speaks falsely, Governor Balboa. He has an abundance of provisions stored away in secret places."

"How can we get at them?" asked Balboa.

"Pretend to depart for Darien, but return in the night with your troops and take the village by surprise.”

Balboa complied with the suggestion.

Taking

a cordial leave of Careta, he set off for the settlement. In the dead of night, when the entire village was buried in deep slumber, he led his men back into the midst of it. Slow matches were lighted, arquebuses loaded, crossbows strung, and lances couched for deadly work. Before the inhabitants could be roused for resistance, the cacique and many of his people were captives. All was accomplished without the shedding of a drop of blood. Secreted provisions were discovered, and two brigantines were filled with food and provisions, and Balboa set out for Darien.

Careta was separated from his people and taken by Balboa himself to Darien. Not until he was brought into the governor's house did he discover that his wife and children were prisoners also. cry was heard on the morning air, and an Indian princess, all glittering with ornaments of gold and

A

pearls, burst into the apartment and fell weeping on the neck of her captive father. The new-comer was Careta's beautiful daughter, the most lovely aborigine the Spanish governor had ever seen. Her costume was wild, but becoming. It consisted of a skirt of tinted doe-skin, and moccasins ornamented with precious jewels. Her abundant black hair was gathered from her forehead and fell in a glossy flood over her shoulders. Escaping the general captivity of her family, she had followed the Spaniards to Darien to learn the fate of her parents.

At sight of his favorite child, the stoicism of the old chieftain forsook him, and, giving way to a flood of tears, he turned on Balboa a look of reproach.

"What have I done that you should treat me so cruelly?" he asked. "None of your people ever came to my land that were not fed and sheltered, and treated with loving kindness. When you came to my dwelling, did I meet you with a javelin in my hand? Did I not set meat and drink before you and welcome you as a brother? Set me free, therefore, with my family and people, and we will remain your friends. We will supply you with provisions and reveal to you the riches of the land. Do you doubt my faith? Behold my daughter, I give her to you as a pledge of friendship. Take her for a wife, and be assured of the fidelity of her family and people."