The Spaniards lay an Ambush
"It is peace. The Mexicans see my master as I have seen him for many
weeks now," said Tamba, suddenly, as both looked down from the summit of
the tower upon the crowds below. "Look, my lord, they are carrying
banners and flowers, and they are coming towards this place with smiles
of welcome."
The native clapped his hands with delight, for though he had said little
up to this, and had supported Roger faithfully, yet he had suffered
torments at the thought of the fate which had awaited them, and more at
the mention of such an end for the master who had been so kind to him.
Now he eagerly acclaimed the coming of the crowd, feeling that it would
bring friendship and a happier existence.
"The priest and this Teotlili are ascending," he said. "Shall I go to
them?"
"Let them come, and meet them halfway up," answered Roger. "Tell them
that I await them in all friendliness."
The native was gone in a moment, and Roger watched him as he ran lightly
down the broad steps of the tower. Soon he met the two figures which
were ascending, and hailed them with cries of joy. A few minutes later
the three were on the terrace, where the priest and the noble greeted
Roger with low bows as before.
"We are come to proclaim a truce," said Teotlili, with a smiling face.
"Our king, nephew of Montezuma, and by name Guatemozin, follows, and he
will take you by the hand, for he, as well as the people, recognize
their error. He will ask you for your help, and will repeat the offer I
made."
The news was more than welcome, and for a little while our hero could
scarcely answer. For the strain had been very trying, and the issue more
than doubtful. But he had himself to thank alone, for had he not
resisted as he had done, he would certainly have been dead. His
desperate defence of the tower had given the Mexicans time to look into
the matter, and now they were able to see in the tall white man a
friend, a god indeed, who would aid them against the Spaniards. Very
soon the shrill whistles of those who led the procession could be heard,
and within ten minutes some two hundred gorgeously apparelled personages
were on the terrace. The central figure was a young man, tall and calm,
and possessing a face which showed friendship and gentleness. He was
dressed in a suit of glittering golden armour, and was a king in every
sense of the word. Roger advanced to him, and bowed deeply.
"Do not stoop to me, I beg," said the king in broken Spanish. "I am but
a vassal of yours, and am come to beg for forgiveness, and to ask for
help. But I speak only a little of the tongue of these enemies, and
therefore Teotlili will carry on the conversation."
He nodded to the noble, while he advanced and took Roger's hand.
"He says that this is a token of his good feeling and of his sorrow,"
said the noble. "It is seldom that the King of Mexico comes to greet a
stranger, but this is a special occasion. He does honour to you with
pleasure, for he feels that you are wise and strong, and have come at an
opportune time. He asks whether you will help him, and whether you will
become a cacique?"
"Gladly," answered Roger. "Say that I will do my best to beat back the
Spaniards, and that I have already met them in battle. Say, also, that I
think that it would be well to have a meeting of all his generals, when
matters can be fully discussed. Preparations must be made to meet the
better arms of the enemy."
Teotlili interpreted his words, and Guatemozin nodded. Then he spoke
with decision, and the people about, all nobles by their dress, looked
pleased.
"The king agrees, and will go now to the palace with you. You will be
lodged there, and will be treated as your high station demands. He asks
you to lay before him any suggestions which you may have, particularly
as to new arms, by which the enemy can be kept from close quarters. That
is how they have succeeded hitherto. Their lances have killed before we
could come at them, while their cannon and their crossbows have slain
our men at a distance which our arrows refuse to travel. In all these
matters you can help. For reward, the king bids me say that he will be
pleased to do all that I related."
"I will gladly do all, and more if possible, without reward," answered
Roger, interrupting the speaker. "But, should Mexico be taken, then I
ask that men shall be given me to convey this treasure away. If we are
successful, and the time comes to leave, then, if the king still wishes
it, I will accept a reward."
"It shall be yours in any case," said Teotlili, emphatically; "only, the
disc must be found and brought to us. Now, let us go to the palace,
where suitable clothing will be given to you."
Guatemozin took our hero by the hand and led him down the steps, Tamba
following closely. Then he led him through the crowds of Mexicans, who
shouted their welcomes, and strewed flowers before them. Indeed, the
excitement was tremendous. People told themselves that a happier time
had come, and that there was now some prospect of meeting the enemy. The
very coming of this god of air would bring allies to their side. It was
a fine thing for Mexico, and the population made the most of it. A
quarter of an hour later the king and his guest entered the palace, and
Roger was shown into a room which was luxuriously furnished, and
decorated with panels of the most beautiful woods.
"Here is clothing suited to your rank," said Teotlili, pointing to a
couch. "I will stay and tell you how to don the garments. This is a
padded surcoat of cotton, and it will keep out many a blow. It is light,
and will enable you to move freely. Over that will go this suit of
armour, while your head will be protected with this casque of gold
decked with silver feathers. My lord looks a king indeed in his new
uniform. Guatemozin will be pleased."
He stood aside and looked at Roger with the utmost approval, and it must
be confessed that the tall young fellow did indeed look every inch a
nobleman in his borrowed plumes. His armour glittered, while his
muscular arms and legs were clearly displayed, giving him the appearance
of a youth possessed of huge strength. His skin had long ago been deeply
tanned by the sun, so that now that he was dressed as a Mexican there
was very little difference between him and the king or many of his
nobles, for numbers of the upper classes were very fair. Altogether the
change was excellent, for now the people would not be reminded so much
of the Spaniard, and Roger could take his place as one of their leaders.
"I have almost all that I desire," he said, as he looked at Teotlili. "I
am now known as a friend, and as such I require arms. Let me have my
sword and crossbow."
Teotlili clapped his hands smartly, and spoke a few words as an
attendant appeared. Then, within a few seconds the man came in again,
bearing Roger's sword, his steel cap and shoulder-pieces, and his
faithful crossbow and bag of shafts.
"Good!" he cried, delighted at seeing them again. "You shall see what a
crossbow will do as compared with your little bows and arrows, and we
will have some constructed. Now, lead me to the king, for I am anxious
to put the work in hand, and then to go in search of my countrymen."
"And of the rogue who took the disc from you and sought to slay you with
his dagger. Is that not so, my lord? As to your comrades, our spies
tell us that they are not on the coast now, and no news has come of them
from the north or south. But follow me, and we will go to the meeting."
Roger felt strange in his new dress at first, and somewhat bashful at
the thought of entering the huge room in which the conference was to be
held. Indeed, he would have retreated, but suddenly remembered the
estimation in which these people now held him, and that it was necessary
for him to act up to his position.
"I will show them what a white man can do," he said to himself, "and if
it is possible I will lead them so as to beat back the Spaniards. If
only I could persuade them to give up the sacrifices as well. But I am
no priest, and hardly know how to speak on such matters."
His thoughts were suddenly distracted by the sight which met his eyes as
he entered the room in which the king and his generals were collected,
while his heart beat quickly, and he flushed to the roots of his hair at
the deference which all showed him; for, as Teotlili backed before him,
all rose and bowed, while the king came forward.
"Let us now discuss the question from the very commencement," he said
eagerly. "I will begin by telling our friend that we have made efforts
to gather allies, and that many are now on their way to join us. Our
embassies also left this very morning for distant parts, to visit the
cities which are wavering, and they take news of the coming of the white
man. Those are our preparations for reinforcements, while in this city
itself we are storing food and grain, and laying by fresh water in huge
tanks which were constructed long ago. Our causeways are under repair,
and arrangements have been made so that the bridges which divide them
can be altogether removed. Now let the white man speak of arms, for ours
are useless."
Teotlili interpreted the words, while Roger thought for a few minutes.
"You require lances," he said at length, "and these can be easily made.
But tell me, when these Spaniards fell during their flight did they not
leave many arms behind?"
"Not a great number," was the answer; "for, of those who fell, quite
half sank beneath the water of the lake, where they lie now."
"Then you must send men with poles and hooks at the end, and must
recover the arms," said Roger, with emphasis. "Then portions of the
armour must be used to manufacture lance heads, while men must be
practised in the use of the sword. Others must be trained to use the
crossbow, which can easily be constructed here. I will give the plans,
and I advise that the work be carried out at once."
"There will be no delay," answered the noble. "Tell our men how to
proceed, and a hundred weapons will be ready in two days' time. And now
for other matters. The king has already spoken of stores and of the
causeways."
"You must decide to meet them outside the city," said Roger,
thoughtfully. "You must fall on them at night, cut off their baggage,
and endeavour to capture their guns and ammunition. Then I should build
forts where the causeways and the aqueducts commence, for the latter in
particular must be defended to the very last. Finally, I advise that we
go to the top of the tower again, where we can see the whole city, and
from which point we can pick out the spots which most require
defending."
There was a murmur of approval, and several of the nobles leapt to their
feet and began to discuss the matter eagerly. Guatemozin nodded his
approval, and came to Roger's side.
"These crossbows could be handed to our best bowmen," he said, "and then
you might train them for us. How many do you advise us to have."
"As many as you can construct," answered Roger, promptly. "Your own bows
are useless against the Spanish armour, but a shaft from a crossbow will
often penetrate, particularly if aimed at a vulnerable spot, or at the
face. Then the men with the lances should be trained together, and put
under a leader. It will be their task to charge down upon the Spaniards
when they are gathering strongly, and particularly to meet the rush of
the horsemen. Let them be armed with short swords or knives, and then,
if the horsemen beat down the lances, the men should throw themselves on
to the ground, and as the Spaniards pass, leap on their backs or drag
them from the saddle."
"The advice is good," said Guatemozin, thoughtfully. "The lances will
hold the enemy back, while the crossbows will bring death to their
ranks. But we must have some suggestion for the causeways. They will
fight their way among those, and these brigantines will lie on one side
and take us in the flank."
This, in fact, was the very reason for their construction, for the wily
Cortes had long ago seen that a powerful enemy could hold his men in
check on the narrow causeway. If, however, he could keep their boats
from the water, and could advance there himself, he would, with the help
of his guns, be able to drive the enemy back, and so gain the causeway
without much loss.
"You cannot stop the brigantines if the water is deep," said Roger,
after a while. "If shallow, you might drive in numbers of piles."
"Then I fear that we must suffer, for the lake is very deep on either
side of the causeway," answered the king.
"And there is no time in which to make a big boat for ourselves, and we
have no guns, and ammunition is not to be found. Then we must think of
another plan, and decide when we see the actual spots. But I think that
our best way will be to break down the causeway in numerous places,
leaving wide chasms over which a plank or two can be placed till the
Spaniards come. Then it ought to be made still wider. Let men be
stationed all the way along in their canoes, and arm each boat with a
couple of poles with hooks at the end. Then the canoes can dash in as
the fighting is in full swing, and the men can drag the enemy into the
water."
For long they discussed their plans for the future, Roger's advice being
received with the utmost respect. For it must be remembered that these
natives had, for a couple of generations, been fighting with the same
kind of arms as they now used, and against the same class of enemy.
Their tactics, therefore, had required no alteration, and the coming of
a new race with more effective arms and different methods had entirely
nonplussed the Mexicans. There were few amongst them who had any new
ideas, and by now they had proved the old ones to be useless. No wonder,
therefore, that they received these new notions with every sign of
approval, and begged Roger to put them into practice.
"But we will eat first, and afterwards go to the tower," said the king,
as he took his guest by the arm.
It was a magnificent meal, and Roger, who had seen something of court
life in England, for he was often stationed about the palace, knew that
this banquet would compare most favourably with anything which King
Harry could show. The meats and the dishes were all beautifully
prepared, while there was abundant variety. But he had other things in
his mind, and was glad when they rose from their couches and went to the
tower. From the lofty elevation he was able to see all the outskirts of
the city, and when at length he descended it was with the knowledge that
orders had already been given for the work of construction to be carried
out.
"And now for the crossbows and the lances," said Teotlili. "I have
already sent orders for the recovery of the Spanish armour and arms, and
grieve that we did not trouble about it before. But we never thought of
the necessity. Our divers brought up the gold which Malinché attempted
to carry off, and after that we did not trouble. Now we will go to the
artisans' quarters."
They tramped through the city, followed by a crowd of eager natives,
while everywhere Roger was treated with the utmost respect. Then they
reached the part where the carpenters plied their trade, and here the
wood for the crossbows was selected, and one of special toughness, and
of somewhat greater length than the steel bow on Roger's weapon, chosen
for that portion.
"A steel bow would have been better," said our hero, "but as we have
none of the metal, wood must do. It will throw a shaft farther than the
bows now in use, and a tip of iron to the former will do the rest."
Roger's coming was in fact the signal for unusually hard work in and
about the city of Mexico, and when three weeks had passed he had the
satisfaction of knowing that great strides had been made. Huge chasms
now gaped in the causeways, while the edges of these were left steeply
sloping, so that an enemy could not easily climb up them. Then archways
were left for the secretion of a few canoes, whose crew could dart out
at the proper moment and fall on the flank of the enemy. The opening of
the aqueduct was also strongly fortified, though it seemed certain that
the position could not be held for long.
"We will keep the water running till the last moment," said Roger. "Then
we must fall back on our store. I should advise that as many as possible
of the women and children should be sent out of the city, for then our
stores will last longer."
However, his advice on this matter was not followed, for the Mexicans
were a home-loving race, and could not easily reconcile themselves to
parting with their families, a fact which afterwards had a fatal
influence on their hopes of success. Unable to persuade them in this,
Roger caused them to arrange for the constant supply of fresh
provisions, to be brought at night by way of the water, and set guards
on the enormous tanks which held the city's supply of fluid. That done,
he turned to the training of his two special bands, the one wielding
long lances, tipped with sharp spikes made from the Spanish armour and
arms, while the crossbow men carried a weapon which, if not as good as
the one which he and Tamba used, was almost so, and could be relied on
to do much execution.
"We will divide the lances up into three lots," he said to Teotlili, as
that noble was one day inspecting the band, "for I think that the
Spaniards may attack in three columns along the three viaducts. We will
appoint their officers and give them a little practice, for one band can
be pitted against the other."
At his direction the men reversed their arms, and lashed a piece of
cotton to the butt end of the stout poles which held the lance head,
padding the cotton with some loose material. Then one band was set to
enter the city, while another opposed them. Roger taught them how to
stand steady, to await attack, and how to make the most of their
numbers, the front rank kneeling, while the rear rank, standing only a
pace behind, stood upright, their lances protecting their comrades who
knelt. At a shout the whole party would dart forward and take up a new
position, or would retire slowly, facing the supposed enemy. But there
was more to be seen, and Teotlili and the king, who was more than
energetic in these days of preparation, and who had come to see how the
bands were faring, were delighted at the next movement.
"We have no horses, but we can imagine them," said Roger, with a smile.
"The enemy will rush forward without arms, and my men will send a force
forward to break up the supposed horsemen."
He whistled to the men who had been sent along the causeway, while a
shout set those with the lances in motion. They ran forward to meet the
supposed horsemen, and took up a position as formerly. Then some forty
who stood behind them leaped over the shoulders of those who were
kneeling and dashed to the front. Arrived within a few feet of the
supposed horsemen, they shouted, waved their arms, and flung themselves
on the ground.
"That is as far as we can train them without horses," said Roger; "but
they know what is required. I have given them instructions to wave and
shout, for horses are easily frightened. Then they will escape the
lances by flinging themselves on the ground, while they need not fear
the horses stamping on them. It remains to be seen how they will manage
to deal with the enemy."
As for the men with the crossbows, they had rapidly acquired the use of
their new weapons, and being skilled with the ordinary bow, soon were
able to do almost as well with the others. Roger had set up a figure
dressed in armour taken from the body of one of the officers who had
fallen in the retreat of the Spaniards. The crossbow men spent hours
firing at it, their instructions being to aim for the joints beneath the
arms, and for the face.
So much progress had been made at the end of three weeks, that Roger
felt that he could now turn his attention to other matters, more
particularly as news came that the English ship had again been seen off
the coast.
"Then I will see what I can do to reach them," said our hero, when
Teotlili told him the news, "and I should be pleased if you could come
with me. Then there will be no difficulties with your allies. I shall
take Tamba and half a dozen of the crossbow men."
"I will come," was the answer. "Our allies will be glad to see you, for
the report of your coming has already been sent to them. We have yet a
month before the brigantines will be ready, and before Malinché can
come. In that time we may reach your comrades."
"And also capture the golden disc," said Roger, with a meaning smile.
"Our journey to the coast will take us to the neighbourhood of the
Spaniards, and we will do what we can to hear of this Alvarez. When can
we set out?"
Two days later the three, with six crossbow men following, left Mexico,
each of the soldiers carrying a bundle of food in a bag suspended from
his shoulders. They took the track which led across the plain to the
city of some allies who lived on the mountain side, their journey being
accomplished at night.
"Were we to start during the day, all the Spaniards' friends would
know," said Teotlili, "for their spies are everywhere. Besides, we might
be attacked and made prisoners."
"In which case I should have little to look forward to," answered Roger,
with a grim smile. "They would have little mercy on a white man."
"They have placed a price on your head," said the noble, solemnly. "The
news of your arrival has come to their ears through spies, and they have
sent to all the cities offering a reward to any who may take or kill
you. No doubt they would treat your comrades in a similar manner.
However, we have escaped their notice so far, and will hear what our
allies have to say."
Roger was silent for some little while, for, in spite of the dangers
through which he had already passed, it was a new and a terrifying
experience to have a price set upon his head, to know that many
thousands would be on the look out for him, eager to win the reward
offered by the Spaniards. And their chances of success would be great,
he reflected, for he was the only Englishman, the only one with a white
skin, to be found in Mexico, and for that reason he would be
particularly prominent, if his height did not make him that already. He
began to wonder whether it would be possible to reach the brigantine,
and return to the safety of his friends, where he would occupy a safer
and a humbler position.
"No," he said to himself, after a little while. "I am a coward to be so
easily frightened. Even if I come across my comrades, it is my duty to
ask them to accompany me to Mexico, and, if they will not come, I will
return alone, for I have given a solemn promise. Besides, there are the
riches, the treasure to be won, which we owe to those who paid the
expenses of our expedition. As for the reward for my life, pooh!"
He tugged at his sword till it was free, and drew it. Then he carefully
inspected the edge, as if that were sufficient answer.
"He who captures me will have to beat this down first," he said, "and
afterwards he will have to look out for my fists. I am beginning to
think that nature's weapons are not to be scoffed at. Now let us
listen to these people."
By now they were in the palace of the allies, where Roger was greeted
with the usual signs of rejoicing and respect. The cacique, or chief,
having placed a meal before them, began to speak of the Spanish
movements.
"They are massing close to the town where the ships are being
manufactured," he said, "and I have news that there is to be a big
review within a few days. Doubtless, after that is done with, the armies
will march for Mexico. Meanwhile, the country swarms with enemies, and
my people are frequently in conflict with them."
"And what of the English ship?" demanded Teotlili. "She has men aboard
who will prove valuable allies."
"I cannot say," was the answer. "My spies report that she was within
sight of the coast to the north a week ago. And now comes the rumour of
noises at sea, such as the Spaniards make. At night bright flashes were
to be seen accompanying the explosions. When dawn came none were in
sight, though it is rumoured that a strange ship was brought into the
harbour with these enemies."
"Captured! My comrades beaten! Sir Thomas would never surrender!"
exclaimed Roger, aghast at the rumour; for if it were true, then he
might bid adieu to all hope of return to England, save perhaps as a
prisoner, and even then, Spain would be his destination, and not his
native land. He sat dumfounded for a little while, Teotlili and the
cacique watching him curiously. At length he spoke quietly.
"The rumour bodes little good to us," he said. "If my comrades are
taken they must be helped. I sacrifice all thought of Mexico and of its
defence, and I give up all hope of the treasure, till I have made sure
of their fate, and, if the opportunity can be made, have contrived to
speak with them and rescue them. That is without doubt my first duty. I
owe it to the King of England, and I owe it to a leader who was always
kind, and to comrades who treated me well."
"And we honour you for the decision," said Teotlili. "Though it falls in
but sadly with our own desires, we recognise that man's first duty is
loyalty to his comrades and to his friends. Fidelity to the hand which
feeds him and gives him favours. These friends of my lord's must be his
first thought, and afterwards he can turn his mind to Mexico and her
people. We will rest now, and to-morrow, before the dawn breaks, we will
push on for the coast."
A little after midnight the party set out again, Roger feeling feverish
with anxiety. Their faces were turned to the sea, and they aimed for the
coast at a point a little north of Vera Cruz, where they hoped to gain
definite tidings of the Englishmen. Soon they were clambering up the
steep pass which led over the mountains, while the atmosphere gradually
became brisker and colder. Clouds enveloped them, and as the dawn broke
they marched in a thick, wet mist.
"It will last for an hour more," said Teotlili. "Then the sun will
dispel the clouds, and it will be clear day. Ere that we shall be at the
town of a friendly tribe, who live off the road."
An hour later, just as they were about to emerge from a gulley through
which the track lay, Roger thought he heard a shout behind him, while
the head of their tiny procession came to an abrupt halt.
"Some one is behind us, and the men think that others are in front,"
whispered Teotlili. "We will wait a few minutes, and then move on. I
have sent a scout forward."
They huddled on the track, drawing their feathered cloaks about them,
for the morning was a chill one. And as they waited the light steadily
increased, till a dull gleam in the east showed the rising sun. Roger
was just commenting upon its appearance, when there was a loud shout.
"Tueles!" called out the scout, who had been sent forward. "Spaniards!
They have us between them! Fly!"
"The enemy! Spaniards!" explained Teotlili. "Then we must go. Come, my
lord, follow me."
There was no time for further argument or explanation, for the voices of
the Spanish horsemen could be heard, while the stamping of their horses'
hoofs was very audible. Roger drew his sword, and set off after
Teotlili, Tamba leading the way. Then a figure suddenly dashed out of
the mist, and bore down upon him, lance in hand.
"Halt! Stand, or I run you through!"
The Spanish horseman took our hero for a native, and never imagined that
he would understand. But Roger knew the language, fortunately, and as
the man came to closer quarters, swung round and leapt suddenly aside.
His sword went up over his shoulder, and the blade fell true on the
soldier's head, dropping him like a stone. For an instant Roger thought
of leaping on the horse, but two other Spaniards put in an appearance.
He turned, therefore, and ran as fast as he was able, till a cry of
dismay escaped him. He found no ground for his feet, but plunged
headlong down the side of the mountain, crashing on to the rocks some
feet below. The fall stunned him for a little while, and when at length
he was able to understand and look about him, he saw Spaniards guarding
their prisoner, while his sword and crossbow had been removed, and his
hands lashed firmly together.
[Illustration: "THE BLADE FELL TRUE ON THE SOLDIER'S HEAD, DROPPING HIM
LIKE A STONE"]
"He has recovered. None but one of these dogs could have withstood such
a fall," said some one in authority, striding towards Roger and
surveying him. "Then we will march and get to safer quarters. Tie the
rascal to your stirrup-leather, Juan, and let us be moving. To horse,
mount, and away!"
Some fifty troopers obeyed the order. They swung themselves into their
saddles, while one of their number hastened to pass a noose round
Roger's hands, and attach it to his saddle. Then there was a sharp
order, and the cavalcade went at a trot down the pass, clattering their
way over the stones and broken ground, and bearing their captive to the
camp where dwelt Fernando Cortes. It was a terrible misfortune, and a
sad and sudden ending to our hero's rising fortunes.