These poor, islanders were now harassed both by the rebels and by the
loyal Spaniards, whom the Adelantado could not venture to curb much, for
fear of their going over to the other party. The Indians were also tempted
by Roldan to join him, as he contended that tribute had been unjustly
imposed upon them. From all these difficulties, Guarionex made his escape
by flying to the territories of Maiobanex, the cacique of a hardy race,
who inhabited the hilly country towards Cabron. This flight of Guarionex
was a very serious affair, as it threatened the extinction of tribute in
that cacique's territory; and Don Bartholomew accordingly pursued the
fugitive. After some skirmishes with the troops of Maiobanex, in which, as
usual, the Spaniards were victorious, the Adelantado sent a messenger to
Maiobanex, telling him that the Spaniards did not seek war with him, but
that he must give up Guarionex, otherwise his own territory would be
destroyed by fire and sword. Maiobanex replied, that everyone knew that
Guarionex was a good man, endowed with all virtue, wherefore he judged him
to be worthy of assistance and defence, but that they, the Spaniards, were
violent and bad men, and that he would have neither friendship nor
commerce with them.


MAIOBANEX AND HIS GUEST.

Upon receiving this answer, the Adelantado burnt several villages, and
approached nearer to the camp of Maiobanex. Fresh negotiations were
entered into: Maiobanex convoked an assembly of his people; and they
contended that Guarionex ought to be given up, and cursed the day when
first he came amongst them. Their noble chief, however, said, "that
Guarionex was a good man, and deserved well at his hands, for he had given
him many royal gifts when he came to him, and had taught him and his wife
to join in choral songs and to dance, of which he made no little account,