34
LIFE A N D VOYAGES OF
[BOOK VIII.
man, and with the wild stratagems and vaunting exploits incident to Indian warfare. In the course of their march, having halted near the Little Yagui, a considerable branch of the Neyba, Ojeda one day pro duced a set of manacles of polished steel, so highly burnished that they looked like silver. These he assured Caonabo were royal ornaments which had come from heaven, or the Turey of Biscay ;* that they were worn by the monarchs of Castile on so lemn dances, and other high festivities, and were intended as pre sents to the cacique. He proposed that Caonabo should go to the river and bathe, after which he should be decorated with these ornaments, mounted on the horse of Ojeda, and should return in the state of a Spanish monarch, to astonish his subjects. The cacique was dazzled with the glitter of the manacles, and flattered with the idea of bestriding one of those tremendous animals so dreaded by his countrymen. He repaired to the river, and having bathed, was assisted to mount behind Ojeda, and the shackles were adjusted. Ojeda made several circuits to gain space, followed by his little band of horsemen, the Indians shrink ing back from the prancing steeds. At length he made a wide sweep into the forest, until the trees concealed him from the sight of the army. His followers then closed round him, and drawing their swords, threatened Caonabo with instant death if he made the least noise or resistance. Binding him with cords to Ojeda to prevent his falling or effecting an escape, they put spurs to their horses, dashed across the river, and made off through the woods with their prize.† * The principal iron manufactories of Spain are established in Biscay, where the ore is found in abundance. † This romantic exploit of Ojeda is recorded at large by Las Casas ; by his