he
altars of their gods, it is not a time for scruples. I approve of
the orders the general gave, that no one was to injure women and
children, and I heartily wish that such were always the orders; but
when it comes to men who have set their minds upon killing me, I
don't draw nice distinctions, and I just smite where I see a
chance."

The news that the Spaniards had crossed the mountains, and had
entered the valley, completed the dejection and despair of
Montezuma; and after shutting himself up in his palace, and
refusing food, he at last turned from the gods, from whom he could
obtain no assistance, and summoned a meeting of his counselors.

These were divided in opinion. Cacama was at the head of the peace
party. He pointed out that, had they intended to oppose the advance
of the white men by force of arms, the whole strength of the empire
should have been dispatched to dispute the passage of the
mountains. As that had not been done, they should now be received
in friendly fashion, as the ambassadors of the great king whom
Cortez claimed to represent. Some of the other counselors, led by
Cuitlahua, Montezuma's brother, were in favor of turning out all
the forces and repelling the invasion; but Cacama's counsel
prevailed, and an embassy was dispatched, under his leadership, to
greet the Spaniards and conduct them to the capital.

The Spanish army advanced slowly. They halted for two days at
Amaquemecan, where they were well received and hospitably
entertained, and presented with a considerable sum in gold. They
then marched forward to Ajotzinco, a town standing at the southern
extremity of Lake Chalco, and partly erected on piles rising from
the lake itself. Here, as at Venice, canals took the place of
roads, and all traffic was carried on in boats.

Upon the following morning, a messenger arrived with the news that
the King of Tezcuco was approaching, as an ambassador from the
emperor, and in a short time the royal procession approached the
city. Cacama was borne in a magnificent litter, shaded by a
gorgeous canopy, and was attended by a number of nobles and
officials. As the palanquin neared the spot where Cortez was
standing, Cacama left his litter and advanced towards him; saluting
by touching the ground with his hand, and raising it in the air.
Cortez also advanced and embraced the young prince, who told him
that he came as the ambassador of the emperor, to welcome him to
his capital. An exchange of presen