so made many
fantastic ornaments of gold and silver, and cast gold and silver
vessels, which they carved delicately with chisels. Some of the silver
vases were so large that a man could not encircle them with his arms.
But the art in which they most delighted was the wonderful feather-work.
With the gorgeous plumage of the tropical birds they could produce all
the effect of a beautiful mosaic. The feathers, pasted upon a fine
cotton web, were wrought into dresses for the wealthy, hangings for
their palaces, and ornaments for their temples.

These then were the people of whom Grijalva sent back to Cuba a few
vague reports, and these, and the accounts of the splendour of the
treasure, spread like wildfire through the island. The governor having
resolved to send out more ships to follow up these discoveries, looked
about him for a suitable person to command the expedition and share the
expenses of it, and being recommended by several of his friends to
choose Hernando Cortes, he presently did so. Cortes had now attained
his heart's desire, and at once began with the utmost energy to purchase
and fit out the ships. He used all the money he had saved, and as much
more as he could persuade his friends to lend him, and very soon he was
in possession of six vessels, and three hundred recruits had enrolled
themselves under his banner. His orders were, first, to find Grijalva
and to proceed in company with him; then to seek out and rescue six
Christians, the survivors of a previous expedition, who were supposed to
be lingering in captivity in the interior; and to bear in mind, before
all things, that it was the great desire of the Spanish monarch that the
Indians should be converted to Christianity. They were to be invited to
give their allegiance to him, and to send him presents of gold and
jewels to secure his favour and protection. The explorers were also to
survey the coast, acquaint themselves with the general features of the
country, and to barter with the natives.

THE BEGINNING OF THE EXPEDITION

But before Cortes was ready to start, a jealousy and distrust of him
took possession of the mind of Velasquez, so that he determined to
entrust the command of the fleet to someone else. This came to the ears
of Cortes, and he with great promptitude assembled his officers
secretly, and that very night set sail with what supplies he was able to
lay hands upon, his ships being neither ready for sea nor properly
provisioned. When