determined to go back to Mexico. Sandoval, with a small retinue
on horseback, took this answer to Cortez. He was also commissioned to
do every thing in his power to persuade Cortez also to embark again
for Mexico.

Though thus forsaken, he still refused to leave Honduras. Weakened by
bodily sickness, which plunged him into the deepest melancholy, his
usual energies were dormant. He, however, sent a confidential servant,
named Orantes, with a commission to Generals Alvarado and Las Casas,
who had returned from Honduras to Mexico, to take charge of the
government and punish the usurpers. Orantes performed his mission
successfully. The people, hearing with joy that Cortez was safe,
rallied around the newly-appointed deputies, and the prominent
usurpers were seized and imprisoned in a timber cage. Cortez remained
in Honduras until he received intelligence that the disturbances in
Mexico were quelled. He now decided to leave the government of
Honduras in the hands of a lieutenant, and to return to Mexico. His
health, however, was so very feeble that he hardly expected to
survive the voyage. He therefore, before embarking, confessed his
sins, partook of the sacrament, and settled all his worldly affairs.

It was on the 25th of April, 1526, that the pale and emaciate
adventurer, accompanied by a few followers, embarked on board a
brigantine in the anchorage at Truxillo. The morning was serene and
cloudless, and a fresh breeze filled the unfurled sails. Rapidly the
low line of the shores of Honduras sank below the horizon, and Cortez
bade them adieu forever.

CHAPTER XII.

THE LAST DAYS OF CORTEZ.

The party are obliged to put into Havana for repairs.--Triumphal march
to the capital.--Reception at Tezcuco.--Enemies at work.--Serious
charges.--The commissioner.--Offers of courtesy.--The banquet.--
Unfortunate effects.--Notice for complainants.--Leon's sudden death.
--Its cause.--Aguilar's administration.--He determines to return to
Spain.--Reception of the emperor.--Marquis of the Valley.--Captain
General.--Cortez's marriage.--Envy of the queen.--He embarks for
New Spain.--Effects of displeasing a queen.--Cortez's abode.--The
contrast.--He goes to Cuarnavaca.--Devotes himself to industrial
interests.--The expeditions and failures.--Cortez heads another
party.--Arrival at Santa Cruz.--The fleet returns.--Disasters.
--Discontent.--Search for the vessels.--The colonists eat too
voraciously.--Cortez resolves to replenis