father Olmedo had been here, he had himself
frequently discoursed with him; but from all he had uttered could only
conclude that Cortes, with the whole of his officers, was desirous of
being on friendly terms with Narvaez. He ought likewise to remember that
Cortes took every opportunity of speaking in his praise; indeed Cortes,
as well as all his men, never pronounced the name of Narvaez but with
profound respect, and it would be a small piece of heroism to seize upon
the person of a priest; and the other man, who had come with him, was
brother to the artilleryman Usagre; it would be therefore better in
every respect if they received polite treatment; and he would advise him
to ask the father to dinner, when he could himself fish out from him
what the views of Cortes were.

With these and such like kind-words, Duero succeeded in softening down
Narvaez's anger; upon which the former immediately communicated to
father Olmedo all that had transpired. Narvaez then sent for the father
to dine with him, and received him most courteously.

Father Olmedo, who was a remarkably judicious and shrewd man, requested
Narvaez, with a pleasing smile, to grant him a private interview; and
they walked up and down together in the courtyard, when Olmedo addressed
him to the following effect: "I am well aware that your excellency had
the intention to take me prisoner; though I can assure you there is not
a person belonging to your staff more devoted to you than I am. I am
likewise convinced that several cavaliers and officers in Cortes' troops
would gladly see the latter in your power; indeed I am altogether
convinced that we shall all soon stand under your commands. In order to
make the necessary preparations for such a step, they have written you a
letter full of extravagant expressions, and got it signed by several of
our men. This letter I was ordered to hand over to your excellency; but,
on account of its contents, I could not make up my mind to do so, but
felt more inclined to throw it into the river."

Narvaez then expressed a desire to see this letter, and father Olmedo
told him he had left it in his room, but would go for it, and left
Narvaez for that purpose. In the meantime Salvatierra, the braggadocio,
had come up to the latter; while Olmedo hastened to Duero, requesting
him to be present when he handed over the letter to Narvaez, and bring
with him as many other soldiers as possible, that its contents might be
made known to