im. Had it been otherwise he would
probably, ere this, have made some propositions to us, through
Sancho, for a closer alliance with us, on the understanding that
the territories Montezuma has taken from him shall be returned.

"We must have Cacama's actions closely watched. There are other
Aztecs who are willing enough to act as our spies, and who will
keep us informed of what is going on. Hitherto their reports have
agreed with Sancho's, but from his sending the young fellow back
here, Cacama may now be intending to act against us."

Cacama, indeed, lost no time in setting to work, and began to form
a league with many of the leading nobles, to rescue the emperor and
destroy the Spaniards. Montezuma's brother Cuitlahua and many
others agreed, at once, to join him; but the greater part of the
Aztec nobles hung back, upon the ground that they did not like to
move in the matter, without the orders of their emperor. Their
refusal prevented any general rising taking place, and thus
destroyed the last chance of Mexico retaining its independence.

Cortez learned from his spies what was going on, and would have
marched against Tezcuco, had not Montezuma dissuaded him; telling
him that Cacama was a powerful prince, and would certainly be aided
by many other chiefs, and that the enterprise would be hazardous in
the extreme. Cortez then endeavored to negotiate, but received a
haughty answer from Cacama. He then tried threats, asserting the
supremacy of the Spanish emperor.

Cacama replied "that he acknowledged no such authority, he knew
nothing of the Spanish sovereign or his people, nor did he wish to
know anything of them."

Cortez then invited Cacama to come to Mexico to discuss their
differences; but Cacama had no faith in Spanish loyalty, and he
replied "that when he did visit the capital, it would be to rescue
it, as well as the emperor himself, and their common gods, from
bondage. He should come, not with his hand upon his breast but on
his sword, to drive out the Spaniards, who had brought such
disgrace upon the country."

While this had been going on, Montezuma had still further forfeited
all claim to sympathy, by the willingness with which he accepted
the attentions of those who were, in fact, his gaolers. They paid
him all the outward marks of respect, pretending still to regard
him as a powerful sovereign; and he, in return, was present at
their exercises and sports, took the greatest interest in two ships
th