e up in arms and had assaulted the
Spanish quarters, that they had overwhelmed the garrison with a torrent
of missiles, which had killed some and wounded many, and had burned some
brigantines which Cortes had built to secure a means of retreat, and it
ended by imploring him to hasten to the relief of his men if he would
save them or keep his hold on the capital. This was a heavy blow to
Cortes, but there was no time for hesitation. He laid the matter fully
before his soldiers, and all declared their readiness to follow him.

On June 24, 1520, the army reached the same causeway by which they had
before entered the capital; but now no crowds lined the roads, and no
pirogues swarmed upon the lake; a death-like stillness brooded over the
scene. As they marched across Cortes ordered the trumpets to sound, and
their shrill notes were answered by a joyful peal of artillery from the
beleaguered fortress. The soldiers quickened their pace, and all were
soon in the city once more. But here the appearance of things was far
from reassuring. In many places they saw the smaller bridges had been
taken away; the town seemed deserted, and the tramp of the horses
awakened melancholy echoes in the deserted streets. When they reached
the palace the great gates were speedily thrown open, and Cortes and his
party were eagerly welcomed by the garrison, who had much to tell and to
hear. Of course the general's first inquiry was as to the origin of the
tumult, and this was the story he heard.

The Aztec festival called 'The incensing of Huitzilopochtli' was about
to be celebrated, in which, as it was an important one, nearly all the
nobles took part. The caciques asked the permission of Alvarado to
perform their rites in the teocalli which contained the chapel of the
Spaniards, and to be allowed the presence of Montezuma. This latter
request was refused, but he consented to their using the teocalli
provided they came unarmed and held no human sacrifice. Accordingly, on
the day appointed the Aztecs assembled to the number of at least six
hundred. They wore their magnificent gala costumes, with mantles of
featherwork sprinkled with precious stones, and collars, bracelets, and
ornaments of gold. Alvarado and his men, fully armed, attended as
spectators, and when the hapless natives were engaged in one of their
ceremonial dances, they fell upon them suddenly, sword in hand. Then
followed a great and dreadful slaughter. Unarmed, and taken unawares,