They had been merely waiting for an opportunity to attack Diaz, and they perceived their chance in this assistance in crossing the river.

They readily agreed to help make the rafts, and even to assist in the crossing.

But while the work was in progress a soldier who had gone out from the camp was surprised to observe a large number of them stealing off to a mountain on the other side.

When he reported this, Diaz caused one of the natives to be secured, without the others being aware of it.

He was tortured till he confessed that the plan was to begin the attack when some of the Spaniards were across the river, some in the water, and the others on the near bank.