prized of all this, and sadly repented in the choice
of this man, whose character and artful disposition, however, he had
known beforehand.

As Cortes was still afraid that Diego Velasquez might somehow or other
obtain information of the purport of our mission to the emperor, and not
merely frustrate our designs, but also send out an armament against us,
he considered it necessary to send a trustworthy man to Vera Cruz. His
choice fell upon Sandoval, who became alguacil-major of the town after
the death of Escalante. Sandoval was accompanied by Ircio, the same
who, Gomara affirms, founded a settlement in Panuco. This Ircio had been
groom to the earl of Urena, and likewise to Don Pedro Giron, and knew
well how to entertain Sandoval with the various adventures of his life:
hereby he succeeded in gaining the intimate friendship of this excellent
man, who was innocence itself, and, by degrees, he obtained a captaincy.
He, however, repaid him with ingratitude, and calumniated him so grossly
that he might have been punished according to law, but Sandoval
contented himself by giving him a severe reprimand.

I will, however, leave this subject, and relate that Sandoval,
immediately upon his arrival at Vera Cruz, fulfilled Cortes' orders,
took Grado prisoner, and sent him under a strong escort of Indian
auxiliaries to Mexico. Sandoval very soon gained the good wishes of the
whole garrison, for he began his work by providing food for the sick,
and treating the inhabitants with every possible kindness, and was most
particular in promoting the interests of the surrounding townships which
were friendly with us. In the same way he set diligently about the
completion of the fortress, and every way proved himself an active and
vigilant commander, who afterwards, as will be seen, rendered vast
services to Cortes and all of us.

I must now return to Grado, who soon arrived at Mexico in custody of our
Indian auxiliaries. His request to obtain a hearing from Cortes was not
only refused, but he was thrown into a wooden cage which had just been
constructed. I can still well remember that the wood of this cage smelt
strongly of garlic and onions. However, our prisoner was obliged to pass
two whole days in it; yet, like a clever fellow, who is never at a loss,
he found means to soften Cortes' resentment by making him solemn
promises of future obedience, and not only obtained his liberty again,
but, from that moment, as I witnessed myself, be