, took a detachment
of horse and foot and set off himself in search of some relief or path
of extrication. Late in the night he returned, perplexed and
distressed, having accomplished nothing. A council of war was held. It
was promptly decided that the armies should remain where they were
while detachments were sent in all directions in search of food or of
some path of escape.

These detachments left early in the morning and returned late at night
having discovered neither road nor corn-field, nor habitation. De Soto
then organized four bands of horse and two of foot to go up and down
the river, and to penetrate the interior, and to make as wide an
exploration as possible within the limit of five days. Each band was
accompanied by a large number of natives. Patofa himself went with one
of these detachments. A thousand Indian warriors were scattered
through the forest in search of a road and such game as could be
found. The Governor remained on the banks of the river anxiously
awaiting their return.

[Illustration]

"The four thousand Indians," writes Mr. Irving, "who remained
with him, sallied out every morning and returned at night,
some with herbs and roots that were eatable, others with
fish, and others again with birds and small animals killed
with their bows and arrows. These supplies were, however, by
no means sufficient for the subsistence of such a multitude.

"De Soto fared equally with his men in every respect; and,
though troubled and anxious for the fate of his great
expedition, he wore a sunny countenance to cheer up his
followers. These chivalrous spirits appreciated his care and
kindness, and to solace him they concealed their sufferings,
assumed an air of contentedness, and appeared as happy as
though revelling in abundance."

Most of the exploring parties suffered no less from hunger than did
their companions who remained behind. Juan De Anasco, after traversing
the banks of the river for three days, had his heart gladdened by the
sight of a small village. From an eminence he saw that the country
beyond was fertile, well cultivated and dotted here and there with
hamlets. In the village, for some unexplained reason, he found a large
amount of provisions accumulated, consisting mainly of corn. He
immediately dispatched four horsemen back to De Soto with the joyful
tidings. They took with them such food as they could carry. This
proved to be the