converted
into their stronghold. Here on a scanty expanse of dry soil, surrounded
by extensive marshes, they erected their pueblo. Being few in numbers
they were overlooked as insignificant, and thus they had a chance to
improve their surroundings. They increased the area of dry land by
digging ditches, and throwing the earth from the same on the surrounding
surface, and thus elevated it. In reality, in the marshes that
surrounded their pueblo was their greatest source of strength. "They
realized that while they might sally with impunity, having a safe
retreat behind them, an attack upon their position was both difficult
and dangerous for the assailant." They were, therefore, strong enough
for purposes of defense. But they wished to open up communication with
the tribes living on the shore of the great marsh in the midst of which
they had their settlement. For this purpose they applied to their near
and powerful neighbors, the Tecpanics, for the use of one of the springs
on their territory, and for the privilege of trade and barter in their
market. This permission was given in consideration that the Mexicans
become the weaker allies of the Tecpanics, that is, pay a moderate
tribute and render military assistance when called upon.

The Pueblo of Mexico now rapidly increased in power. Communication being
opened with the mainland, it was visited by delegates from other tribes,
and especially by traders. They fully perceived the advantages of their
location and improved the same. By the erection of causeways, they
entirely surrounded their pueblo with an artificial pond of large
extent. To allow for the free circulation of the water, sluices were
cut, interrupting these causeways at several places. Across these
openings wooden bridges were placed which could be easily removed in
times of danger.

Thus it was that they secured one of the strongest defensive positions
ever held by Indians. The Tecpanics had been the leading power in the
valley, but the Mexicans now felt themselves strong enough to throw off
the yoke of tribute to which they were subject. In the war that ensued
the power of the Tecpanics was broken, and the Mexicans became at once
one of the leading powers of the valley. We must notice, however, that
the Mexicans did not gain any new territory, except the locality of
their spring. Neither did they interfere at all in the government of the
Tecpanics. They simply received tribute from them.

Once started on t