It is the custom of the Abipones and Mocobios to weary the Fathers with perpetual and importunate requests. We took a pleasure in gratifying them to the utmost of our power, but they frequently asked for things which we had not to give, and which you could not find in any warehouse at Amsterdam. Ychoalay, though desired to acquaint us with whatever he stood in need of, could never be induced to ask us any favour. Though the fame of his warlike prowess was so great as almost to excite envy, he would never accept of the honours of a captain, nor suffer himself to be enrolled amongst the Hëëcheri, and always used the dialect of the common people: and though his numerous military achievements entitled him often to change his name, he always retained his primitive one of Ychoalay. So great was his dislike of ostentation in apparel and horse-trappings, that he scorned to keep company with some youths, who gave themselves proud airs, and fed daintily. Conscious of his own merits, he had, undeniably, a very high opinion of himself, yet he detested flattery, and never boasted of any thing but of being no braggadocio. He could not bear that his rivals Oaherkaikin and Debayakaikin should be preferred to himself: yet when informed of any brave action performed by one of his own nation in battle, he would overflow in his praise. You will learn many things reflecting honour on the noble Ychoalay, in my relation of the vicissitudes of the furious war between the Riikahés and Nakaiketergehes. CHAPTER XVI. CONCERNING THE HOSTILE INCURSION ATTEMPTED BY DEBAYAKAIKIN AND HIS SAVAGE CONFEDERATES AGAINST THE TOWN OF ST. JERONYMO. Debayakaikin, the head of the Nakaiketergehes, provoked, as was related, to a skirmish by Ychoalay, threatened the new colony of St. Jeronymo with destruction, and its inhabitants the Riikakés with a universal massacre. He associated with himself, in this expedition, the Mocobios and Tobas, who dwelt towards the north; and by great promises of booty, induced the Vilelas to enter into a warlike alliance with him, and furnished them with horses capable of undertaking a long journey. Ychoalay could neither be ignorant, nor careless of the intentions, strength, and preparations of the enemy. To provide therefore for the safety of his people, he sends a troop of Mocobios to guard the town, and hastens to the Governor of Sta. Fè to ask for supplies, which were justly owed by the right of friendship and of promises; nevertheless he obtained nothing but words and excuses; for at that time most of the soldiers of the city were employed across the Parana, against the Charruas, savages whom they had reduced to subjection.