avaliers said, 'only the more earnest to prove
the adventure, desperate as it might appear.'

[Illustration]

The natives were also very curious to know about the Spaniards, their
horses and dogs, and strange weapons, and Marina in answering their
questions took care to expatiate upon the exploits and victories of her
adopted countrymen, and to state the extraordinary marks of respect they
had received from Montezuma. This had its effect upon the cacique, who
presently sent the general some slaves to make bread for the soldiers,
and supplied them with the means of refreshment and rest, which they
needed so much after their toilful march.

The army rested in this city four or five days, and even at the end of
the last century the Indians would still point out the cypress tree
under the shelter of which the conqueror's horse had been tied. When the
journey was resumed, the way was through a broad green valley, watered
by a splendid river and shaded by lofty trees. On either side of the
river an unbroken line of Indian dwellings extended for several leagues,
and on some rising ground stood a town which might contain five or six
thousand inhabitants, commanded by a fortress with walls and trenches.
Here the troops halted again, and met with friendly treatment.

In their last halting-place Cortes had been advised by the natives to
take the route to the ancient city of Cholula, the inhabitants of which
were a mild race, subjects of Montezuma, and given to peaceful arts, who
were likely to receive him kindly. But his Cempoallan allies declared
that the Cholulans were false and perfidious, and counselled him to go
to Tlascala, a valiant little republic which had managed to maintain its
independence against the arms of Mexico. The tribe had always been
friendly with the Totonacs, and had the reputation of being frank,
fearless, and trustworthy. The Spanish general decided to try and secure
their goodwill, and accordingly despatched four of the principal
Cempoallans with a gift, consisting of a cap of crimson cloth, a sword
and a cross-bow, to ask permission to pass through their country,
expressing at the same time his admiration of their valour, and of their
long resistance of the Aztecs, whose pride he, too, was determined to
humble. Three days after the departure of the envoys the army resumed
its march, lingering somewhat by the way in hopes of receiving an answer
from the Indian Republic. But the messengers did not retur