hould be just the same as
that of the men originally left there. Nine of the soldiers availed
themselves of this permission to turn back, and having thus got rid of
the elements of discontent, which might have become dangerous, Pizarro
resumed his march, halting again at Zaran while he sent an officer
forward to obtain more certain tidings of the position of Atahuallpa.
After eight days the cavalier returned, bringing with him an envoy from
the Inca, who bore a present for the Spanish commander, and invited him
to visit Atahuallpa's camp among the mountains. Pizarro quite understood
that the Inca's object was to learn the strength and condition of the
white men, but he hospitably entertained his guest, giving him all the
information he demanded by means of the two interpreters, who had by his
forethought been taught Castilian, and were now of inestimable service.
When the Peruvian departed, Pizarro presented him with a few trifling
gifts, and bade him tell Atahuallpa that he would meet him as soon as
possible. After sending an account of their proceedings back to San
Miguel the adventurers continued their journey towards Caxamalca, and
having crossed a deep and rapid river, fell in with some natives, who
gave such contrary reports of Atahuallpa's position and intentions that
Pizarro sent one of the Indians who accompanied him ostensibly to bear a
friendly greeting to the Inca, but really to find out all he could of
the state of affairs.

After a further march of three days the little army reached the foot of
the huge mountain barrier, and entered upon the labyrinth of passes
which were to lead them to Atahuallpa's camp. The difficulties of the
way were enough to have appalled the stoutest heart. The path was in
many places so steep that the men had to dismount and scramble up as
best they could, dragging their horses after them; often some huge crag
so overhung the track that they could scarcely creep round the narrow
ledge of rock, while a false step would have plunged them into a fearful
precipice. In several of the passes huge stone fortresses had been
built, and places abounded where a handful of men might have barred the
way successfully against an army, but to the relief of the Spaniards
they found all quiet and deserted, the only living things visible being
an occasional condor or vicuna. Finding that their passage was not to be
disputed, Pizarro, who had led the way with one detachment, encamped for
the night, s