Page:Don Coronado through Kansas.djvu/136

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125
125

FAITHFUL INDIAN GUIDE. 125 of Turk's account of the populous cities of Quivira. Ysopete had frequently told Coronado, but more particularly, Alonso and Monte, that Turk was de- ceiving them. Mind you, both these guides had lost their bearings, especially Turk; but on reaching the river, Ysopete recognized it and became so emphatic that he informed his two friends that he was certain of his knowing where they were and, that instead of going north, they ■ must go northeast; so he was escorted to the general and when confronted by him, Ysopete prostrated himself on the ground and mo- tioned that his head could be cut off if he was not tell- ing the truth,. Then Alonso explained to Coronado how for a long time Ysopete had informed him of the bad faith of Turk who was only trying to destroy the Spaniards so as to rid the country of them; this being done at the suggestion and command of the chiefs of Cibola and particularly those of Cicuye. For several days pur party rested, and in the meantime a consultation of ofiicers was held to dis- cuss the situation. It was concluded that the general should select thirty of his best horsemen and a few of "the most hardy foot-soldiers for tiie purpose of con- tinuing towards the cities told of by Turk. After this conclusion was arrived at the inain part of the army was to retrace its steps towards Tiguex, there to remain untU the return of the party of forlorn hope. It was not without many protests from those not selected to continue the journey, as they did not wish Coronado to leave them, they having implicit faith in his ability to lead them out of the wUderness and were dubious of their fate at the hands of numer-