the Mexican capital, but he had as yet effected nothing towards the
conquest of the country. At any moment he might hear of the landing
of an expedition from Cuba, that his authority was revoked, and
that another was to reap the benefit of all he had done.

He therefore called a council of his most trusted officers, and
discussed the situation with them. All agreed that some step must,
at once, be taken. Some were in favor of starting that night, and
making their way out of the city before a sufficient force could be
collected to oppose their retreat; while others were of opinion
that it were better to retire openly, with the consent of
Montezuma, whose conduct since they had reached the city appeared
to be most friendly.

Cortez pointed out that both these methods would be retreats, and
the whole country would probably rise against them. Moreover, even
if they reached the coast, they would have sacrificed all they had
won by their valor and sufferings. He proposed a measure which
astonished even his boldest companions; namely, that they should go
to the royal palace, and bring the emperor--by persuasion if
possible, by force if necessary--to their quarters, and there hold
him as a hostage for their safety.

The proposal was agreed to, and on the following morning Cortez
asked for an interview with the emperor, which was at once granted.
He proceeded to the palace with his principal officers, ordering
the soldiers to follow in groups of twos and threes, so as not to
attract particular attention.

Montezuma began to converse with his usual courtesy, but Cortez
roughly cut him short, and charged him with being the author of the
attack upon the garrison at the port. Montezuma indignantly denied
this, and said that he would send at once, and arrest the author of
the attack. Cortez replied that it was necessary, for their safety,
that Montezuma should come and reside among them.

The emperor was thunderstruck at the proposal; but the soldiers
crowded in, loud and threatening words were used, and Montezuma, in
fear of his life, gave way. Had he possessed any of the courage
with which he was credited, in his youth, he would have called his
guards and nobles around him, and died fighting. Having once given
in, he assumed the air of having done so voluntarily, and ordered
his litter to be brought.

In the meantime his attendants, and the nobles who had been
present, had spread the news through the city. The Mexicans,
ca