180 



by their Indian auxiliaries, and made the mark of 

 the artillery, he resolved to take a severe vengeance 

 upon them. For this purpose he contrived by his 

 emissaries to inform the Spanish commander that 

 the auxiliaries were intriguing to deliver up the fort 

 to the Araucanians. Bernai gave such credit to this 

 false report, that in a transport of fury he immedi- 

 ately ordered those unfortunate men to quit the 

 place, notwithstanding their intreaties and remon- 

 strances. This was the sole object of the Arauca- 

 . nian chieftain, who immediately had them seized 

 and put to a cruel death in sight of the Spaniards, 

 who were extremely exasperated in finding them- 

 selves so grossly imposed on by a barbarian. 



As the siege was protracted to a considerable 

 length, Antiguenu became impatient, and wished to 

 bring it to a conclusion, if possible, by the death of 

 the governor ; with this view he challenged him to 

 single combat. Notwithstanding the remonstrances 

 of his soldiers, Bernai, who deemed himself secure 

 of the victory, accepted the challenge. The bat- 

 tle between these two champions was continued for 

 two hours without cither obtaining any advantage 

 or injuring the other, till they were at length sepa- 

 rated by their men. But what force had not been 

 able to effect, was performed by famine. Several 

 boats loaded with provisions had repeatedly attempt- 

 ed in vain to relieve the besieged ; the vigilance of 

 the besiegers opposed so insuperable an obstacle, 

 that Bernai saw himself at length compelled to aban- 

 don the place. The Araucanians permitted the gar- 

 rison to retire without molestation, and contented 



I 



