Page:A history of Chile.djvu/94

CHAPTER VII CAYANCARU AND OTHER TOQUIS — SIR JOHN CAVENDISH — JANEQUEO LOYOLA Paynenancu had not been lacking in valor, but his rashness had cost the Araucanians dearly, and their repeated defeats for some time depressed their military ardor; but their heroic spirit was not broken. In 1585 Cayancaru, ulmen of the district of Mariguenu, was elected toqui, and forthwith messengers were dis- patched with the symbolical arrows calling the differ- ent provinces to arms. A new army was soon in the field, and with this Cayancaru proceeded against the Spanish post of Karampangui, his troops being led in three divisions by Lonconobal, Antulevu and Taro- china. Marching by three different routes, bodies of auxiliaries which the Spaniards had thrown out were first encountered and defeated. The Indians began their attack by moonlight, but the Spaniards, after momentary confusion, formed in line of battle and opened such a vigorous fire of musketry upon their assailants that they were at length compelled to give way. A charge was ordered by the governor, but it was only after hard fighting and great loss that the Indians were repulsed. At daybreak, however, the Araucanians returned to the attack. A battle ensued in the open plain, in 88