ADMITTING that the intent with which the Spaniards
came to Tenochtitlan took from them the sanctity
accorded by Christians to guests, and at the same time
justified any measure in prevention, — a subject belonging
to the casuist rather than the teller of a story, — their situation
has now become so perilous, and possibly so interesting
to my sympathetic reader, that he may be anxious to enter
the old palace, and see what they are doing.

The dull report of the evening gun had long since spent
itself over the lake, and along the gardened shores. So, too,
mass had been said in the chapel, newly improvised, and
very limited for such high ceremony; yet, as Father Bartolom
é observed, roomy enough for prayer and penitence.
Nor had the usual precautions against surprise been omitted;
on the contrary, extra devices in that way had been resorted
to; the guards had been doubled; the horses stood

[figure description] Page 307.[end figure description]

caparisoned; by the guns at the gates low fires were burning, to
light, in an instant, the matches of the gunners; and at intervals,
under cover of the walls, lay or lounged detachments
of both Christians and Tlascalans, apparently told off for
battle. A yell without or a shot within, and the palace
would bristle with defenders. A careful captain was Cortes.

In his room, once the audience-chamber of the kings,
paced the stout conquistador. He was alone, and, as usual,
in armor, except of the head and hands. On a table were
his helm, iron gloves, and battle-axe, fair to view, as was the
chamber, in the cheerful, ruddy light of a brazen lamp. As
he walked, he used his sword for staff; and its clang, joined
to the sharp concussion of the sollerets smiting the tessellated
floor at each step, gave notice in the adjoining chamber, and
out in the patio, that the general — or, as he was more familiarly
called, the Señor Hernan — was awake and uncommonly
restless. After a while the curtains of the doorway
parted, and Father Bartolomé entered without challenge.
The good man was clad in a cassock of black serge, much
frayed, and girt to the waist by a leathern belt, to which
hung an ivory cross, and a string of amber beads. At sight
of him, Cortes halted, and, leaning on his sword, said, “Bring
thy bones here, father; or, if such womanly habit suit thee
better, rest them on the settle yonder. Anyhow, thou 'rt
welcome. I assure thee of the fact in advance of thy report.”

“Thank thee, Señor,” he replied. “The cross, as thou
mayst have heard, is proverbially heavy; but its weight is
to the spirit, not the body, like the iron with which thou
keep'st thyself so constantly clothed. I will come and stand
by thee, especially as my words must be few, and to our own
ears.”

He went near, and continued in a low voice, and rapidly,
“A deputation, appointed to confer with thee, is now

[figure description] Page 308.[end figure description]

coming. I sounded the men. I told them our condition; how
we are enclosed in the city, dependent upon an inconstant
king for bread, without hope of succor, without a road of
retreat. Following thy direction, I drew the picture darkly.
Very soon they began asking, `What think'st thou ought to
be done?' As agreed between us, I suggested the seizure of
Montezuma. They adopted the idea instantly; and, that no
consideration like personal affection for the king may influence
thee to reject the proposal, the deputation cometh, with
Diaz del Castillo at the head.”

A gleam of humor twinkled in Cortes's eyes.

“Art sure they do not suspect me as the author of the
scheme?”

“They will urge it earnestly as their own, and support it
with arguments which” — the father paused a moment — “I
am sure thou wilt find irresistible.”

Cortes raised himself from the sword, and indulged a laugh
while he crossed the room and returned.

“I thank thee, father,” he said, resuming his habitual
gravity. “So men are managed; nothing more simple, if
we do but know how. The project hath been in my mind
since we left Tlascala; but, as thou know'st, I feared it
might be made of account against me with our imperial
master. Now, it cometh back as business of urgency to
the army, to which men think I cannot say nay. Let them
come; I am ready.

He began walking again, thumping the floor with his
sword, while Olmedo took possession of a bench by the
table. Presently, there was heard at the door the sound of
many feet, which you may be sure were not those of slippered
damsels; for, at the bidding of Cortes, twelve soldiers
came in, followed by several officers, and after them yet
other soldiers. The general went to the table and seated
himself. They ranged themselves about him, standing.

[figure description] Page 309.[end figure description]

And for a time the chamber went back to its primitive
use; but what were the audiences of Axaya' compared with
this? Here was no painted cotton, or feather-work gaudy
with the spoils of humming-birds and parrots: in their
stead, the gleam and lustre blent with the brown of iron.
One such Christian warrior was worth a hundred heathen
chiefs. So thought Cortes, as he glanced at the faces before
him, bearded, mustachioed, and shaded down to the eyes by
well-worn morions.

“Good evening, gentlemen and soldiers,” he said, kindly,
but without a bow. “This hath the appearance of business.”

Diaz advanced a step, and replied, —

“Señor, we are a deputation from the army, appointed to
beg attention to a matter which to us looketh serious;
enough so, at least, to justify this appearance. We have
been, and are, thy faithful soldiers, in whom thou mayst
trust to the death, as our conduct all the way from the coast
doth certify. Nor do we come to complain; on that score
be at rest. But we are men of experience; a long campaign
hath given us eyes to see and ability to consider a situation;
while we submit willingly to all thy orders, trusting in thy
superior sense, we yet think thou wilt not take it badly,
nor judge us wanting in discipline and respect, if we venture
the opinion that, despite the courtesies and fair seeming of
the unbelieving king, Montezuma, we are, in fact, cooped
up in this strong city as in a cage.”

“I see the business already,” said Cortes; “and, by my
conscience! ye are welcome to help me consider it. Speak
out, Bernal Diaz.”

“Thank thee, Señor. The question in our minds is, What
shall be done next? We know that but few things bearing
anywise upon our expedition escape thy eyes, and that of what
is observed by thee nothing is forgotten; therefore, what I
wish, first, is to refer some points to thy memory. When

[figure description] Page 310.[end figure description]

we left Cuba, we put ourselves in the keeping of the Holy
Virgin, without any certain purpose. We believed there
was in this direction somewhere a land peopled and full of
gold for the finding. Of that we were assured when we set
out from the coast to come here. And now that we are
come, safe from so many dangers, and hardships, and battles,
we think it no shame to admit that we were not prepared for
what we find, so far doth the fact exceed all our imaginings;
neither can we be charged justly with weakness or fear, if
we all desire to know whether the expedition is at an end,
and whether the time hath arrived to collect our gains, and
divide them, and set our faces homeward. There are in the
army some who think that time come; but I, and my associates
here, are not of that opinion. We believe with Father
Olmedo, that God and the Holy Mother brought us to this
land, and that we are their instruments; and that, in reward
for our toils, and for setting up the cross in all these abominable
temples, and bringing about the conversion of these
heathen hordes, the country, and all that is in it, are
ours.”

“They are ours!” cried Cortes, dashing his sword against
the floor until the chamber rang. “They are ours, all ours;
subject only to the will of our master, the Emperor.”

The latter words he said slowly, meaning that they should
be remembered.

“We are glad, Señor, to hear thy approval so heartily
given,” Diaz resumed. “If we are not mistaken in the
opinion, and, following it up, decide to reduce the country to
possession and the true belief, — something, I confess, not
difficult to determine, since we have no ships in which to
sail away, — then we think a plan of action should be adopted
immediately. If the reduction can be best effected from
the city, let us abide here, by all means; if not, the sooner
we are beyond the dikes and bridges, and out of the valley,

[figure description] Page 311.[end figure description]

the better. Whether we shall remain, Señor, is for thee to
say. The army hath simply chosen us to make a suggestion,
which we hope thou wilt accept as its sense; and that is, to
seize the person of Montezuma, and bring him to these quarters,
after which there will be no difficulty in providing for
our wants and safety, and controlling, as may be best, the
people, the city, the provinces, and all things else yet undiscovered.

“Jesu Christo!” exclaimed Cortes, like one surprised.
“Whence got ye this idea? Much I fear the Devil is abroad
again.” And he began to walk the floor, using long strides,
and muttering to himself; retaking his seat, he said, —

“The proposition hath a bold look, soldiers and comrades,
and for our lives' sake requireth careful thought. That we
can govern the Empire through Montezuma, I have always
held, and with that idea I marched you here, as the cavaliers
now present can testify; but the taking and holding him
prisoner, — by my conscience! ye out-travel me, and I must
have time to think about the business. But, gentlemen,” —
turning to the Captains Leon, Ordas, Sandoval, and Alvarado,
who, as part of the delegation, had stationed themselves behind
him, — “ye have reflected upon the business, and are of madeup
minds. Upon two points I would have your judgments:
first, can we justify the seizure to his Majesty, the Emperor?
secondly, how is the arrest to be accomplished? Speak
thou, Sandoval.”

“As thou know'st, Señor Hernan, what I say must be
said bluntly, and with little regard for qualifications,” Sandoval
replied, lisping. “To me the seizure is a necessity,
and as such justifiable to our royal master, himself
so good a soldier. I have come to regard the heathen king
as faithless, and therefore unworthy, except as an instrument
in our hands. I cannot forget how we were cautioned
against him in all the lower towns, and how, from all

[figure description] Page 312.[end figure description]

quarters, we were assured he meant to follow the pretended instructions
of his god, allow us to enter the capital quietly,
then fall upon us without notice and at disadvantage. And
now that we are enclosed, he hath only to cut off our supplies
of bread and water, and break down the bridges. So,
Señor, I avouch that, in my opinion, there is but one question
for consideration, — Shall we move against him, or wait
until he is ready to move against us? I would rather surprise
my enemy than be surprised by him.”

“And what sayest thou, Leon?”

“The good Captain Sandoval hath spoken for me, Señor.
I would add, that some of us have to-day noticed that the
king's steward, besides being insolent, hath failed to supply
our tables as formerly. And from Aguilar, the interpreter,
who hath his news from the Tlascalans, I learn that the Mexicans
certainly have some evil plot in progress.”

“And yet further, captain, say for me,” cried Alvarado,
impetuously, “that the prince now with us, his name —
The fiend take his name!”

“Thou would'st say, the Prince of Tezcuco; never mind
his name,” Cortes said, gravely.

“Ay, never mind his name,” Olmedo repeated, with a
scarce perceptible gleam of humor. “At the baptism to-morrow
I will give him something more Christian.”

“As ye will, as ye will!” Alvarado rejoined, impatiently.
“I was about to say, that the Tezcucan averreth most roundly
that the yells we heard this afternoon from the temple over
the way signified a grand utterance from the god of war; and
of opinion that we will now be soon attacked, he refuseth to
go into the city again.”

“And thou, Ordas.”

“Señor,” that captain replied, “I am in favor of the seizure.
If, as all believe, Montezuma is bent to make war upon
us, the best way to meet the danger is to arrest him in time.

[figure description] Page 313.[end figure description]

The question, simply stated, is, his liberty or our lives.
Moreover, I want an end to the uncertainty that so vexeth
us night and day; worse, by far, than any battle the heathen
can offer.”

Cortes played with the knot of his sword, and reflected.

“Such, then, is the judgment of the army,” he finally
said. “And such, gentlemen, is mine, also. But is that
enough? What we do as matter of policy may be approved
of man, even our imperial master, of whom I am always regardful;
but, as matter of conscience, the approval of Heaven
must be looked for. Stand out, Father Bartolomé! Upon
thy brow is the finger of St. Peter, at thy girdle the cross
of Christ. What saith the Church?”

The good man arose, and held out the cross, saying, —

“My children, upon the Church, by Christ himself, this
solemn hest hath been placed, good for all places, to be parted
from never: `Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel
to every creature.' The way hither hath been through
strange seas and deadly climates. Hear me, that ye may
know yourselves. Ye are the swords of the Church. In
Cempoalla she preached; so in Tlascala; so in Cholula; and
in all, she cast out false gods, and converted whole tribes.
Only in this city hath the gospel not been proclaimed. And
why? Because of a king who to-day, almost in our view,
sacrificed men to his idols. Swords of the Church, which
go before to make smooth her path, Christ and the Holy
Mother must be taught in yon temple of sin. So saith the
Church!”

There was much crossing of forehead and breast, and
“Amen,” and the sweet name “Ave Maria” sounded through
the chamber, not in the murmur of a cathedral response, but
outspokenly as became the swords of Christ. The sensation
was hardly done, when some one at the door called loudly
for Alvarado.

[figure description] Page 314.[end figure description]

“Who is he that so calleth?” the captain asked, angrily.
“Let him choose another time.”

The name was repeated more loudly.

“Tell the mouther to seek me to-morrow.”

A third time the captain was called.

“May the Devil fly away with the fellow! I will not
go.”

“Bid the man enter,” said Cortes. “The disturbance is
strange.”

A soldier appeared, whom Alvarado, still angry, addressed,
“How now? Dost thou take me for a kitchen girl, apprenticed
to answer thee at all times? What hast thou? Be
brief. This goodly company waiteth.”

“I crave thy pardon, captain. I crave pardon of the
company,” the soldier answered, saluting Cortes. “I am on
duty at the main gate. A little while ago, a woman —”

“Picaro!” cried Alvarado, contemptuously. “Only a
woman!”

“Peace, captain! Let the man proceed,” said Cortes,
whose habit it was to hear his common soldiers gravely.

“As I was about saying, Señor, a woman came running to
the gate. She was challenged. I could not understand her,
and she was much scared, for behind her on the street was
a party that seemed to have been in pursuit. She cried,
and pressed for admittance. My order is strict, — Admit no
one after the evening gun. While I was trying to make her
understand me, some arrows were shot by the party outside,
and one passed through her arm. She then flung herself on
the pavement, and gave me this cross, and said `Tonatiah,
Tonatiah!' As that is what the people call thee, Señor
Alvarado, I judged she wanted it given to thee for some purpose.
The shooting at her made me think that possibly the
business might be of importance. If I am mistaken, I
again pray pardon. Here is the cross. Shall I admit the
woman?”

p733-334

[figure description] Page 315.[end figure description]

Alvarado took the cross, and looked at it once.

“By the saints! my mother's gift to me, and mine to the
princess Nenetzin.” Of the soldier he asked, in a suppressed
voice, “Is the woman old or young?”

“A girl, little more than a child.”

“'T is she! Mother of Christ, 't is Nenetzin!”

And through the company, without apology, he rushed.
The soldier saluted, and followed him.

“To the gate, Sandoval! See the rest of this affair, and
report,” said Cortes, quietly. “We will stay the business
until you return.”