red comparatively tranquil
by their personal observation of its actual results. Arrived at the
quadrated point, where the two great avenues we have described
intersect, Mr. Huertis boldly demanded of his guide the further course
and character of his destination. He was answered by his dignified
companion, that he would be conducted to the building immediately before
him, which is described as one of majestic dimensions and style, where
the monarch of the nation daily assembled with his councillors, at the
hour of noon, to administer justice and listen to complaints. In the
meantime, his wounded friend could be placed in a state of greater ease
and repose, in one of the apartments of the edifice, while the mules
and baggage could be disposed of in its basement vaults. When this was
accomplished the hours of audience had arrived.

The entire party of strangers, with the young chief and several of his
subordinates, were then led into a large and lofty hall, surrounded by
columns, and displaying three raised seats covered with canopies of rich
drapery and design. On the one of these, which stood at the eastern end,
sat the monarch himself, a personage of grave but benignant aspect,
about sixty years of age, arrayed in scarlet and gold, and having a
golden image of the rising sun, of extraordinary splendor, displayed on
the back of his throne. On the seat on the southern side, sat a
venerable man of advanced age, not less gorgeously attired; and the seat
at the western end was occupied by a functionary of similar years and
costume. Around the apartment, and especially around the steps of the
throne, sat other grave looking men, in scarlet robes. Huertis,
Velasquez, and their Indians, still carrying their loaded rifles, of
which he had not suffered them to be deprived, stood on the left side of
the monarch, and the young chief and his soldiers on the right. The
latter gave his statement with truth and manly candour, although the
facts which he averred seemed to fill the whole council with amazement,
and left a settled gloom upon the imperial brow. The whole proceeding
possesses great interest in Velasquez's narrative, but we can only
briefly state that it resulted in the decision, which was concurred in
by the associate councillors, that the strangers having magnanimously
released and restored the company of guards, after they had surrendered
themselves prisoners; and having voluntarily entered the city in a
peaceable manner,