the point where it breaks out, to judge it upon that only, since the stream of ill-will may have run underground for a long time—­suffice it to say, that Roldan and his men grew more and more insubordinate; were not at all quelled by the presence of the Adelantado on his return from Xaragua; and finally quitted Isabella in a body.  The Adelantado contrived to keep some men faithful to him, promising them, amongst other things, two slaves each.  Negotiations then took place between the Adelantado and Roldan, which must be omitted for the present, to enter upon the further dealing of Don Bartholomew with the Indians.

  Flight of Guarionex.

These poor, islanders were now harassed both by the rebels and by the loyal Spaniards, whom the Adelantado could not venture to curb much, for fear of their going over to the other party.  The Indians were also tempted by Roldan to join him, as he contended that tribute had been unjustly imposed upon them.  From all these difficulties, Guarionex made his escape by flying to the territories of Maiobanex, the cacique of a hardy race, who inhabited the hilly country towards Cabron.  This flight of Guarionex was a very serious affair, as it threatened the extinction of tribute in that cacique’s territory; and Don Bartholomew accordingly pursued the fugitive.  After some skirmishes with the troops of Maiobanex, in which, as usual, the Spaniards were victorious, the Adelantado sent a messenger to Maiobanex, telling him that the Spaniards did not seek war with him, but that he must give up Guarionex, otherwise his own territory would be destroyed by fire and sword.  Maiobanex replied, that everyone knew that Guarionex was a good man, endowed with all virtue, wherefore he judged him to be worthy of assistance and defence, but that they, the Spaniards, were violent and bad men, and that he would have neither friendship nor commerce with them.

  Maiobanex and his guest.

Upon receiving this answer, the Adelantado burnt several villages, and approached nearer to the camp of Maiobanex.  Fresh negotiations were entered into:  Maiobanex convoked an assembly of his people; and they contended that Guarionex ought to be given up, and cursed the day when first he came amongst them.  Their noble chief, however, said, “that Guarionex was a good man, and deserved well at his hands, for he had given him many royal gifts when he came to him, and had taught him and his wife to join in choral songs and to dance, of which he made no little account, and for which he was grateful:  wherefore, he would be party to no treaty to desert Guarionex, since he had fled to him, and he had pledged himself to take care of the fugitive; and would rather suffer all extremities than give detractors a cause for speaking ill, to say that he had delivered up his guest.”  The assemblage of the people being dismissed, Maiobanex informed his guest that he would stand by him to the last.