and of the change in his fortunes. In spite of the
feelings of rivalry and distrust that existed between himself and his
old comrade, Pizarro was delighted to hear of his arrival, as the
additional troops he brought with him made it possible to go forward
with the conquest of the country. So when Almagro reached Caxamalca in
the middle of February 1533, he and his men were received with every
mark of joy. Only Atahuallpa looked on sadly, seeing the chances of
regaining his freedom, or maintaining it if he did regain it, lessened
by the increased number of his enemies, and to add to his dejection a
comet just then made its appearance in the heavens. As one had been
seen shortly before the death of the Inca's father, Huayna Capac, he
looked upon it as a warning of evil to come, and a dread of the future
took possession of him.

The Spaniards now began to clamour for a division of the gold which had
been already collected: several of them were disposed to return home
with the share that would fall to them, but by far the greater number
only wished to make sure of the spoil and then hurry on to Cuzco, where
they believed as much more awaited them. For various reasons Pizarro
agreed to their demands; the gold--all but a few particularly beautiful
specimens of the Indian goldsmith's work, which were sent to Castile as
part of the royal fifth--was melted down into solid bars, and when
weighed was found to be worth nearly three and a half millions of pounds
sterling. This was divided amongst Pizarro and his men, the followers of
Almagro not being considered to be entitled to a share, though a small
sum was handed over to them to induce them to give up their claim. The
division being completed, there seemed to be no further obstacle to
their resuming active operations; but then the question arose what was
to become of Atahuallpa, who was loudly demanding his freedom. He had
not, indeed, paid the whole of his promised ransom; but an immense
amount had been received, and it would have been more, as he urged, but
for the impatience of the Spaniards. Pizarro, telling no one of the dark
purposes he was brooding over in his own mind, issued a proclamation to
the effect that the ransom was considered to be completely paid, but
that the safety of the Spaniards required that the Inca should be held
captive until they were still further reinforced. Soon rumours began to
be spread, probably by Felipillo, who hated the Inca, that an immense