ies,
and, putting the Peruvians to the sword, possess themselves of the
person of Atahuallpa. After a quiet night and a careful inspection of
their arms and equipments, the Spaniards took up their respective
positions, but it was late in the day before a great stir was visible in
the Peruvian camp. The Inca sent word to Pizarro that he was coming
armed, as the Spaniards had come to him. To which the general replied
that, come as he might, he would be received as a friend and a brother.
At last the procession was seen approaching. First came a large body of
attendants, sweeping every particle of rubbish from the road. Then high
above the crowd the Inca appeared, carried in a gorgeous litter and
surrounded by his nobles, who wore such quantities of golden ornaments
that they blazed like the sun. The road was lined with Peruvian troops,
who also covered the level meadows as far as the eye could reach. When
the company had arrived within half a mile of the city gate Pizarro
observed with dismay that they halted, and seemed to be preparing to
encamp, and word was brought him that the Inca would enter the city on
the following morning. This was far from suiting the general's plans;
his men had been under arms since daylight, and to prolong the suspense
at this critical moment would he felt be fatal. He returned an answer,
therefore, to Atahuallpa, deprecating his change of purpose, and saying
that everything was provided for his entertainment and he expected him
that night to sup with him. This message turned the Inca from his
purpose, his tents were struck again, and the procession re-formed. Only
he sent Pizarro word that he should prefer to pass the night at
Caxamalca, and so would bring into the town with him only a few unarmed
men. It was near sunset when the Peruvians, chanting their triumphant
songs, entered the city gate. According to their different ranks their
robes were of various colours, some chequered in white and red, some
pure white, while the guards and attendants of the Inca were
distinguished by their gay blue uniform and the profusion of their
ornaments. Atahuallpa sat in an open litter, lined with the brilliantly
coloured plumes of tropical birds and studded with burnished plates of
gold and silver. His dress was far richer than on the preceding evening;
round his neck hung a collar of large and brilliant emeralds, and his
short hair was decorated with golden ornaments. He was at this time
about thirty yea