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THE COLONIAL PERIOD 65 upon they were thrown into confusion, the Spanish cavalry pressed in and a complete rout followed. The Indians fled into the woods and the victorious army, abandoning the pursuit, marched into the prov- ince of Arauco, but on the way were constantly har- assed by bands of Caupolican's troops. Mendoza, more inhuman than any of his predecessors, had put to death some, and mutilated others of the prisoners taken. A brave fellow named Galverino had his hands cut off by the Spaniard's orders, and then was set free, perhaps for the purpose of inspiring the Araucanians with terror. The contrary, however, was the result. The bloody arms of their wounded com- rade aroused in the Indians feelings of revenge, so that even the women took up arms and became veritable Amazons. At a place called Melipuru, the Spaniards were met again by the Indian army, which advanced upon them at daybreak in three lines, having previously sent forward word, in a spirit of bravado, that they would meet them in such manner. Here a closely contested battle was fought, the outcome of which was for a long time doubtful. The Spanish cavalry was met by the Indians with levelled spears and forced back in con- fusion ; the Araucanians penetrated into the center of the infantry, and were on the point of routing the whole Spanish army, when Don Garcia brought up a reserve force and with it charged that part of the enemy's lines commmanded by the giant Lincoyan. This threw them into such confusion that the whole Araucanian line was broken, seeing which Caupolican ordered a retreat. To save the army, Rencu, a val- iant chieftain, posted himself in such a manner with a few brave followers as to attract the attention of the Spaniards. While Don Garcia was attacking his