The colonists fled, pursued by the savages. But a formidable explosion upheaved the ground beneath their feet, and the hapless Indians hurled into the air fell dead all around. It was a mine the Argentines had fired.
The Indians, wild with terror, and deaf to the voice of their Ulmens, fled, and refused to begin the engagement again.
Nocobotha, mounted on a splendid charger, black as night, dashed forward, almost alone, and waved the sacred totem of the United Nations, shouting in a voice heard above the din of battle—
"Cowards who refuse to conquer, at least see me die!"
This cry sounded in the ears of the Indians as a shameful reproach, and they ran after their chief.
Nocobotha appeared invulnerable. He made his horse curvet, rushed into the thickest of the fight, parried every blow with the staff of the totem, which he raised above his head and shouted to his men—
"Courage, follow me!"
"Nocobotha, the last of the Indians! Let us die for the Child of the Sun!" the Patagonians shouted, electrified by the rash boldness of their Toqui.
"Ah!" he exclaimed, enthusiastically pointing to the planet of day, "See! My radiant father smiles on our valour. Forward, forward!"
"Forward!" the warriors repeated, and redoubled their fury.