On the same day that Nicolas Patron went out against the Guaranies with troops of Corrientine horse, Oaherkaikin and his companions, now freed from fear, bade adieu to the colony of St. Ferdinand, intending to live, as formerly, on rapine in the country. His example was followed by the inhabitants of other colonies. They saw that, as the men were called out against the Guaranies, the towns and villages of the Spaniards were inhabited by women only, or persons incapable of fighting, and that they might overrun the defenceless estates at their pleasure. Making use of this excellent opportunity, they molested the colonies, not only of the Spaniards, but likewise of the Abipones, especially that of St. Jeronymo, to the utmost of their power. Ychoalay was deserted by many of his people, and on that account derided by his enemies, because he could no longer assist the Spaniards, or be assisted by them, they being engaged in the war with the Guaranies. His fidelity, however, and his courage, remained unaltered. He affronted the hostile storm on every side, with all the strength and arts that he was master of. An estate of his on the banks of the Malabrigo, rich in herds, flocks of sheep, and horses, but undefended by any guards, and inhabited by a few women only, was attacked by a company of Abipones, Mocobios, and Vilelas. No resistance being made, they drove away the cattle, took the women captive, and sent one old woman to tell Ychoalay that they had taken his cattle, and that if he was desirous of recovering them, he should come and give them battle at the Ychimaye, on the banks of which they would await his arrival. The message delivered by the old woman served as a trumpet to Ychoalay. Spite of the weather, which was cold and rainy, he flew burning with rage to the appointed place, accompanied by a handful of his people. He beheld the multitude of enemies, attacked, and completely vanquished them. A good many of the enemy were slain, numbers wounded, and the rest put to flight; and indeed every body was of opinion, that not one would have escaped alive, had not Ychoalay, who was wounded with an arrow in the arm, allowed them horses to carry them home. After recovering the cattle, and the female captives of the town, Ychoalay returned, signalized with a severe wound, and an unexpected victory, leaving the enemies in such consternation, that they even neglected to carry off their dead. At another time Ychoalay, awakened by an alarming sound in the middle of the night, mounted a horse, and rode out to take a survey. He had scarcely gone thirty steps from his own door, when he saw two Toba spies, took them captive, and sent them, well-guarded, to the town of St. Xavier, where some Tobas, allies of the Mocobios, were dwelling. The absence of the Spanish soldiers rendered the Abipones, and other wandering savages, daily bolder and more mischievous to the whole province: and their frequent excursions were