Page:A history of Chile.djvu/55

 the banks of the river Mapocho where they fought desperately, but were slaughtered by the incessant musketry until they were obliged to fly the field. Though so roughly handled, they again and again renewed the contest, until the fruitful valley of the Mapocho was laid waste and the ancient tribe, giving it its name, utterly ruined. For six years this desolating war lasted, until the colony of St. Jago was reduced to starvation, and in desperation, organized a conspiracy to take Valdivia's life and then return to Peru. Discovering this disaffection in time, the commander caused the ringleaders to be executed, and then sought to regain the confidence of the colonists by instilling into their minds flattering hopes for the future. Fortunately gold was discovered in the ancient mines of the valley of Quillota in such paying quantities that soon no one thought of quitting Chile. A frigate was built and dispatched to Peru for aid and recruits.