Pledges of Pizarro.--His Perfidy.--False Mission of De Soto.--Execution of the Inca.--His Fortitude.--Indignation of De Soto.--Great Embarrassments.--Extenuating Considerations.--Arrival of Almagro.--March Towards the Capital. 107 CHAPTER VIII. _De Soto Returns to Spain._ Dreadful Fate of Chalcukima.--His Fortitude.--Ignominy of Pizarro.--De Soto's Advance upon Cuzco.--The Peruvian Highway.--Battle in the Defile.--De Soto takes the Responsibility.--Capture of the Capital and its Conflagration.--De Soto's Return to Spain.--His Reception there.--Preparations for the Conquest of Florida. 126 CHAPTER IX. _The Landing in Florida._ The Departure from Spain.--Arrival in Cuba.--Leonora and Tobar.--Isabella Invested with the Regency.--Sad Life of Isabella.--Sailing of the Expedition.--The Landing at Tampa Bay.--Outrages of Narvaez.--Noble Spirit of Ucita.--Unsuccessful Enterprises.--Disgrace and Return of Porcallo. 144 CHAPTER X. _The March to Ochile._ The March Commenced.--The Swamps of Florida.--Passage of the Morass.--Heroism of Sylvestre.--Message to Acuera.--His Heroic Reply.--Fierce Hostility of the Indians.--Enter the Town of Ocali.--Strange Incident.--Death of the Bloodhound.--Historical Discrepancies.--Romantic Entrance to Ochile. 163 CHAPTER XI. _The Conspiracy and its Consequences._ The Three Brother Chieftains.--Reply of Vitachuco to his Brothers.--Feigned Friendship for the Spaniards.--The Conspiracy.--Its Consummation and Results.--Clemency of De Soto.--The Second Conspiracy.--Slaughter of the Indians.--March of the Spaniards for Osachile.--Battle in the Morass. 180 CHAPTER XII. _Winter Quarters._ Incidents of the March.--Passage of the River.--Entering Anhayea.--Exploring Expeditions.--De Soto's desire for Peace.--Capture of Capafi.--His Escape.--Embarrassments of De Soto.--Letter of Isabella.--Exploration of the Coast.--Discovery of the Bay of Pensacola.--Testimony Respecting Cofachiqui.--The March Resumed. 199 CHAPTER XIII. _Lost in the Wilderness._ Incidents at Achise.--Arrival at Cofa.--Friendly Reception by Cofaqui.--The Armed Retinue.--Commission of Patofa.--Splendors of the March.--Lost in the Wilderness.--Peril of the Army.--Friendly Relations.--The Escape from the Wilderness.--They Reach the Frontiers of Cofachiqui.--Dismissal of Patofa.--Wonderful Reception by the Princess of Cofachiqui. 220 CHAPTER XIV. _The Indian Princess._ Crossing the River.--Hospitable Reception.--Attempts to visit the Queen Mother.--Suicide of the Prince.--Futile search for Gold.--The Discovery of Pearls.--The Pearl Fishery.--The Princess a Captive.--Held in Silken Chains.--Her Escape.--Location of Cutifachiqui.--The March Resumed. 240 CHAPTER XV.