This prolonged and profitless fighting naturally disgusted the Spanish soldiery, and at length a conspiracy was organized amongst them against the life of Valdivia. That officer, however, having obtained information of what was passing, took his measures accordingly. Some of the conspirators were punished with death, and the soldiers in general were diverted by an expedition to the valley of _Quillota_, which was said to abound in mines of gold. The result surpassed their most sanguine expectations. Past sufferings and present dangers were forgotten, and the longing to return to _Peru_ no longer existed. All were anxious to remain in the new _El Dorado_, and the governor lost no time in constructing a frigate at the mouth of the river _Chile_, which was to bear to _Peru_ the news of his discovery, and to bring him the necessary aid to enable him to prosecute it with success.
Meanwhile, however, the state of his affairs being urgent, Valdivia likewise despatched to _Peru_ two of his officers by land, who should take with them six companions, whose spurs, bits, and stirrups he directed to be made of gold, which he knew would speak more eloquently than any words with a view to gaining him recruits. These messengers, although escorted by thirty horsemen, were attacked by the archers of _Copiapo_, and of the whole band only two escaped with life. These were the two officers Monroy and Miranda, who were brought before the _Ulmen_, covered with wounds. That prince resolved to put them to death, but was dissuaded from doing so by his wife, who pitied their deplorable condition. Several of the horses had been taken alive, and the _Ulmena_ who had saved the Spaniards requested from them in return the slight favour of teaching her son to ride. This naturally suggested the idea of escape, which no one could blame the prisoners for attempting. But it would not have been in harmony with all Spanish conduct towards natives of the New World had they simply contented themselves with escaping. One day whilst the young prince was riding, escorted by his archers, and preceded by an officer armed with a lance, Monroy suddenly attacked him with a poniard, inflicting mortal wounds, whilst Miranda at the same time wrested the lance from the officer. The pair having thus rewarded the kindness of the _Ulmena_, put spurs to their horses and made their escape, in due time reaching _Cuzco_.