our casks were old and leaky; nor was the best economy used with the
water, for we thought by going on shore we should be certain either to
meet with some spring or obtain it by digging wells. Thus coasting along
we espied a village from our ships, and about three miles further on
there was a kind of inner harbour, at the head of which it appeared to
us there might be some river or brook; we therefore resolved to land
here.

The water, as I have above mentioned, being uncommonly shallow along
this coast, we were compelled to anchor our two larger vessels at about
three miles distance from the shore, fearing they might otherwise run
aground. We then proceeded with our smallest vessel and all our boats in
order to land at the above-mentioned inner harbour. We were, however,
quite upon our guard, and carried along with us, besides the
water-casks, our arms, crossbows, and muskets.

It was about midday when we landed. The distance from here to the
village, which was called Potonchan, might be three miles. Here we found
some wells, maise plantations, and stone buildings. Our water-casks were
soon filled, but we could not succeed to get them into our boats on
account of an attack made upon us by great numbers of the inhabitants. I
will, however, break off here and relate the battle we fought, in the
next chapter.

[2] Bernal Diaz is thus particular in laying stress on this remarkable
circumstance, because the pope of Rome, in Spanish, is termed papa. (p.
7.)

CHAPTER IV.

_How we landed in a bay close to some maise plantations, near the
harbour of Potonchan, and of the attack that was made upon us
there._

While we were busy taking in water, near the above-mentioned houses and
maise plantations, great numbers of Indians were making towards us from
the village of Potonchan, as it is termed by the natives. They had all
their cotton cuirasses on, which reached to their knees, and were armed
with bows, lances, shields, and swords. The latter were shaped like our
broadswords, and are wielded with both hands. They also had slings and
stones, their bunches of feathers on, and their whole bodies painted
with white, brown, and black colours. They approached us in profound
silence, as if they came with the most peaceable intentions, and
inquired of us by signs if we came from the rising of the sun, thereby
pronouncing the very same words which the inhabitants of St. Lazaro had
used: namely, _Castilan, Casti