their dismission seemed proper on this account likewise, that according to report, the town had nothing to fear for the present from Debayakaikin; who however was concealed with his forces in a neighbouring wood, awaiting nothing but the departure of the Mocobios, to begin the assault. The Mocobios departing early the next morning, which was Sunday, Debayakaikin divided his forces into three companies, and sallied from his hiding-place by three different ways, in the very sight of the town. Its guard, Raphael de los Rios, who happened to be at that time reposing in his hut, was pierced with many and deep wounds by an Abipone, whose father had fallen in the skirmish between Ychoalay and Oaherkaikin. At the same time, part of the Guaranies who guarded the cattle were taken captive, whilst the rest, who were on horseback, saved themselves by speedy flight. The herds, which were assembled in one place, as usual in the evening, and about two thousand horses, became the uncontested prey of the enemy. When these tidings were learnt from trusty messengers, and the concourse of enemies was beheld on the opposite shore, a great trepidation seized upon the whole town. Of the Abipones, most of whom, either through ignorance or apprehension of the ensuing attack, had gone out to hunt wild horses, a few days before, there remained at home no more than eighty, who, whilst Debayakaikin was committing these ravages in the estate, were engaged in a merry carouse with their Cacique Ychamenraikin; but on receiving information of the near approach of the enemy, though in a state of intoxication, they all blackened their faces, and flew on the swiftest horses, and amidst the deadly clangor of trumpets, to the bank of the river, not so much with the intention of fighting the enemy, as of preventing them from crossing the river. Debayakaikin, whom long experience in war had rendered exceedingly cautious, thought it unsafe to send his men across to the opposite shore, which the enemies had got possession of, and to hazard a doubtful contest. It was treated of by legates, and resolved by mutual consent, that the battle should be deferred till the morrow, as the sun was hastening to set, and little of the day remained.