ion; otherwise he would ride over the land, and put
every living creature to the sword. The Tabascans, cowed by the
dreadful thunder weapons, and by the astounding armed creatures
that had fallen upon them, had no wish for further fighting, and
the principal caziques soon came in with offerings to propitiate
the Spaniards.

Among these were twenty female slaves--one of whom turned out a
more valuable gift to the Spaniards than all the other presents,
put together. Among the gifts were only a few small gold ornaments,
and when asked where the metal was procured, they pointed to the
northwest and said Mexico. As there was nothing to be done here,
the Spaniards prepared to depart; but before doing so insisted on
the people consenting to become Christians. As they had but little
idea of what was required by them, and were in no mood for argument
with the Spaniards, a solemn mass was held, at which the whole
people became nominally Christians.

Re-embarking, the Spaniards sailed along the coast, until they
reached the island of San Juan de Uloa, and anchored in the strait
between it and the mainland. A canoe speedily came off from the
latter, with presents of fruit and flowers, and small gold
trinkets, which the natives willingly bartered with the Spaniards.
Cortez was, however, unable to converse with them; for Aquilar, who
had acted as interpreter with the Tabascans, was unable to
understand their dialect. Presently, however, the female slaves
informed him that one of their number, named Malinche, was a native
of Mexico, and spoke that language as well as the tongue of the
Tabascans. She was at once installed as interpreter--she informing
Aquilar what the Mexicans said, and he interpreting it to Cortez.
By this means he learned that the Indians were subjects of the
great Mexican Empire, which was ruled over by a monarch named
Montezuma, whose capital lay seventy leagues from the coast.

A strong force at once landed on the mainland, and threw up a
fortified camp. The Mexicans came in, in crowds, with fruit,
vegetables, flowers, and other articles, which they bartered with
the Spaniards. They brought news that the Mexican governor of the
province intended to visit them, the next day.

Before noon, he arrived with his numerous suite. A banquet was
served to them, and then, in answer to the cazique's inquiries as
to the objects of their visit, he was informed by Cortez that he
was the subject of a great monarch beyond t