that he should disembark at the
next township, where he would meet with excellent quarters. This he
readily agreed to, and stepped into Caballero's boat, which, by this
time, had been joined by those of the other vessels, and so all went on
shore; but he had scarcely set foot on land when Caballero exclaimed,
"Sir, you are my prisoner, in the name of the captain-general Cortes!"
One can easily imagine the astonishment of Barba and his men; however,
they could do no better than patiently submit. The sails, compass, and
rudder were immediately taken out of the vessel, and were all sent to
Cortes' head-quarters at Tepeaca.

Our joy was excessive when these succours arrived, and certainly they
could not have come more opportunely, for we had not yet recovered from
our wounds, or regained our usual strength. Every one of us suffered
more or less from ill health, and as blood and dust had coagulated in
our entrails, we consequently emitted nothing else. Add to all this, we
were obliged to be under arms both night and day, and thus it may be
imagined our condition was truly pitiable; and five of our men had died
within the last fortnight of pleurisy.

There likewise arrived with Barba a certain Francisco Lopez, who settled
at Guatimala, and became regidor of that place.

Cortes received Pedro Barba with every mark of distinction, and
immediately gave him a company of crossbow-men. He likewise learnt from
him that there was another smaller vessel at Cuba, which was taking in a
cargo of provisions, and was also destined by the governor for New
Spain. This vessel actually arrived at Vera Cruz eight days after, and
was commanded by a cavalier, named Rodrigo Morejon. She had on board
eight soldiers, a mare, six crossbows, and other kinds of ammunition.
Morejon, with his vessel, was captured by Caballero in the same manner,
and sent to Segura de la Frontera. Our joy at the arrival of these new
guests was, if possible, greater than on the previous occasion. Cortes
received them most kindly, gave each an appointment, and we thanked God
most heartily for this reinforcement of men, arms, and horses.

We must now, however, return to the Mexican troops, which lay on the
confines of Quauhquechola.

CHAPTER CXXXII.

_How the inhabitants of Quauhquechola called upon Cortes, and begged
of him to drive out the Mexican troops from their town, as they were
plundered and ill-used by them._

The new king of Mexico had t