The Indians, with great steadiness, came to the very fence of the corral: but to their surprise they found the posts fastened together by iron nails instead of leather thongs, and, of course, in vain attempted to cut them with their knives.
This saved the lives of the Christians: many of the wounded Indians were carried away by their companions, and at last, one of the under caciques being wounded, the bugle sounded a retreat.

They retired to their horses, and seemed to hold a council of war.

This was an awful pause for the Spaniards, as all their ammunition, with the exception of a few cartridges, was expended.

In an instant the Indians mounted their horses, and galloped out of sight.

Another attack was still more quickly repulsed.