cruel nature. Vexed with his
faithless lieutenant, and embarrassed by the disastrous consequences of
his actions, Cortes for the first time lost his self-control, and
allowed his disgust and irritation to be plainly seen. He treated
Montezuma with haughty coldness, even speaking of him as 'this dog of a
king' in the presence of his chiefs, and bidding them fiercely go tell
their master and his people to open the markets, or he would do it for
them to their cost. The chiefs retired in deep resentment at the insult,
which they comprehended well enough from his look and gesture, and the
message lost nothing of its effect in transmission. By the suggestion of
Montezuma, Cortes now released his brother Cuitlahua, thinking he might
allay the tumult and bring about a better state of things. But this
failed utterly, for the prince, who was bold and ambitious, was bitterly
incensed by the injuries he had received from the Spaniards. Moreover,
he was the heir presumptive to the crown, and was welcomed by the people
as a substitute for the captive Montezuma. So being an experienced
warrior, he set himself to arrange a more efficient plan of operations
against the Spaniards, and the effect was soon visible. Cortes,
meanwhile, had so little doubt of his ability to quench the insurrection
that he said as much in the letter that he wrote to the garrison of
Villa Rica informing them of his safe arrival in the capital. But his
messenger had not been gone half-an-hour before he returned breathless
with terror, and covered with wounds, saying that the city was in arms,
the drawbridges were raised, and the enemy would soon be upon them.

Surely enough before long a hoarse, sullen roar arose, becoming louder
and louder, till from the parapet surrounding the enclosure the great
avenues that led to it could be seen dark with masses of warriors
rolling on in a confused tide towards the fortress, while at the same
time the flat roofs of the neighbouring houses were suddenly covered, as
if by magic, with swarms of menacing figures, brandishing their
weapons--a sight to appal the stoutest heart.

FIGHTING IN MEXICO.

When notice was given of the approach of the Aztecs, each man was soon
at his post, and prepared to give them a warm reception. On they came,
rushing forward in dense columns, each with its gay banner, and as they
neared the enclosure they set up the hideous yell or shrill whistle used
in fight, which rose high above the sound of