CHAP. XXVI.] RETURN OF NUNEZ TO DARIEN 1514. 235 “ Departing from this village, and being still accom panied by the Indians of Teaochan, the Spaniards now bent their course along the banks of the river Comagre, which descends the northern side of the isthmus, and flows through the territories of the cacique of the same name.”* They had soon to abandon this wild stream and wander on without any path, but guided by the In dians. On the way, their sufferings from hunger be came intense, and many of their Indian companions perished; having been loaded too heavily with gold and too lightly with provisions. At length they reached a village, where, obtaining supplies, they re mained thirty days to recruit their strength. The Spaniards had now to pass through the territories of Tubanama, the potent and warlike chieftain of whom a formidable character had been given by the young Indian prince who first informed Vasco Nunez of the southern sea.f “ He had erroneously represented the dominions of Tu banama as lying beyond the mountains: and when he dwelt upon the quantities of gold to be found in them, had magnified the dangers that would attend any attempt to pass their borders. The name of this redoubtable cacique was, in fact, a terror throughout the country; and when Vasco Nunez looked round upon his handful of pale and ema ciated followers, he doubted whether even the superiority of their weapons, and their military skill, would enable them to cope with Tubanama and his armies in open con test. He resolved, therefore, to venture upon a perilous stratagem. When he made it known to his men, every