z of
which they had heard so much; nor could Pizarro believe the explanation
of this state of affairs given by the Curaca, who was caught lurking in
the woods. However, it was his policy to remain friendly with the
natives if possible, so no further notice was taken. No true account
could be gathered of the fate of the two men who had been left there
from the last expedition, though it was evident that both had perished.
An Indian gave Pizarro a scroll left by one of them, upon which was
written: 'Know, whoever you may be that may chance to set foot in this
country, that it contains more silver and gold than there is iron in
Biscay.' But when this was shown to the soldiers they only thought it
was a device of their captain to give them fresh hope. Pizarro, seeing
that nothing but incessant activity could keep down the rising spirit of
discontent, now spent some weeks in exploring the country, and finally
assembling all his men at a spot some thirty leagues south of Tumbez, he
built there a considerable town, which he named San Miguel. The site
afterwards proved to be unhealthy, and was abandoned for another on the
banks of the river Piura, where a town still stands. Presently the news
reached San Miguel that Atahuallpa was encamped within twelve days'
journey, and Pizarro after much consideration resolved to present
himself in his camp, trusting doubtless that when he got there
circumstances would arise which he could turn to his own advantage.

PIZARRO MARCHES TO MEET THE INCA

Placing himself at the head of his troops, he struck boldly into the
heart of the country, received everywhere by the natives with confiding
hospitality. The Spaniards were careful to give no offence, being aware
that their best chance of success lay in conciliating the people by whom
they were surrounded. After five days' marching, Pizarro halted in a
pleasant valley to rest his company, and finding that some few among
them showed discontent and were unwilling to proceed, he called them all
together, and told them that they had now reached a crisis which it
would require all their courage to meet, and no man should go forward
who had any misgivings as to the success of the expedition. He added
that the garrison left in San Miguel was by no means as strong as he
would like it to be, and that if any of them wished to return there
instead of going forward with him they were quite free to do so, and
their share in the profits of the expedition s