as compelled by
the soldiers to inquire of Cortes what had become of the missing gold?

I will, however, cut this matter short here, and return to Leon, who was
confined in a room not far from the apartments occupied by Motecusuma.
When Leon, therefore, who was a tall powerful man, paced up and down his
room, his heavy chains dragged along the floor, so that the monarch
could plainly hear the jingling noise, and he inquired of Orteguilla who
the prisoner was? His page then told him that it was Leon, who had
previously been captain of the guard, an appointment now filled by Oli,
and told him that the reason of his confinement was on account of some
gold that was missing.

When Cortes that day, as usual, paid his visit to the monarch, and the
first compliments had passed between them, the latter inquired of our
general how it came that such a distinguished officer as Leon should
have been thrown into chains? To which Cortes answered, jokingly, that
all was not as it should be with him, he having threatened, because he
had not received sufficient gold, to travel around to the different
towns, and demand gold of the caziques. Fearing, therefore, he might put
his threats into execution, and kill one or other chief, he had thrown
him into prison. Motecusuma, on hearing this, begged Cortes to set him
at liberty again, and promised he would soon drive such thoughts from
his mind by presenting him with gold from his own private treasure.

Cortes feigned great unwillingness to grant the monarch's request, but
at length assured him he would comply merely on account of the affection
he bore him, Motecusuma. Leon was, consequently, released, and Cortes
brought about a reconciliation between him and Mexia; then despatched
him with some of Motecusuma's principal officers to raise gold at
Cholulla, from which place he did not return till the end of six days,
and now he had more gold than ever. Mexia, however, never forgot this
affair, and a coolness ever after existed between him and our general.

I have related this story, though foreign to my narrative, to show the
reader what artful devices Cortes was accustomed to set on foot, and
what a show he made of justice to make us fear him.

CHAPTER CVII.

_How Motecusuma offers one of his daughters in marriage to Cortes,
who accepts her, and pays her the attentions due to her high
station._

I have often related how we strove, in every possible manner, to amuse