ome authorities assert quite positively that they had
money, and mention as articles used for such purposes grains of cacao,
"T" shaped pieces of tin or copper, and quills of gold dust.<35> But
Mr. Bandelier has shown that the word barter properly designates the
transactions where such articles passed. But this absence of money shows
us at once that the merchants of Mexico were simply traders who made
their living by gathering articles from a distance to exchange for home
commodities.

We are given some very entertaining accounts of the wealth and
magnificence of the "merchant princes of Mexico."<36> It needs but
a moment's consideration of the state of society to show how little
foundation there is for such accounts. Mr. Bancroft also tells us that
"throughout the Nahua dominions commerce was in the hands of a distinct
class, educated for their calling, and everywhere honored by the
people and by kings. In many regions the highest nobles thought it not
disgraceful to engage in commercial pursuits."

Though we do not believe there is any foundation for this statement, yet
trading is an important proceeding among sedentary tribes. "The native
is carried over vast distances, from which he returns with a store of
knowledge, which is made a part of his mythology and rites, while his
personal adventures become a part of the folk lore."<37> It was their
principal way of learning of the outside world. It was held in equally
high esteem among the Mexicans. Such an expedition was not in reality
a private, but a tribal undertaking. Its members not only carried into
distant countries articles of barter, but they also had to observe the
customs, manners, and resources of the people whom they visited. Clothed
with diplomatic attributes, they were often less traders than spies.
Thus they cautiously felt their way from tribe to tribe, from Indian
fair to Indian fair, exchanging their stuff for articles not produced
at home, all the while carefully noting what might be important to their
own tribe. It was a highly dangerous mission; frequently they never
returned, being waylaid or treacherously butchered even while enjoying
the hospitality of a pueblo in which they had been bartering.

We may be sure the setting out of such an expedition would be celebrated
in a formal manner.<38> The safe return was also an important and joyful
event. The reception was almost equal to that afforded to a victorious
war-party. After going to the templ