The First Encounter
Roger was back in Mexico--the city upon the water where he had once been
taken as a captive, and where he was now received with the welcome of
its many thousands, and with the grateful friendship of its nobles and
king; and with him now he had his own countrymen, for of the thirty-four
who had been rescued from the prison at Tlascala, twenty-six had
survived, Sir Thomas being amongst the unfortunate ones who had been
killed by the fire of the Spaniards.
"We owe our lives to you, undoubtedly," said Philip, a couple of days
later, when the two stood on one of the tall towers looking down on the
city; "for had you not decided to stay in your prison unless we also
were rescued, these Mexicans would never have made the attempt. That we
have learned already, for Tamba speaks a few words of English, and I can
manage to understand a little of the Aztec language. We have been
talking matters over--I and Peter Tamworth and the others. All our
leaders are gone, and the few gentlemen adventurers left do not care to
lead, nor would we have them if they did. We wish you to take the
command of our party, and to make the best arrangements to get us back
to England. For the present we are pledged to carry out your wishes."
"And I am pledged to defend this city," said Roger, with emphasis, while
he flushed with pride at the honour which his old comrades were doing
him.
"I will take this post which you offer--for the present, at any rate;
for, you see, here in Mexico----"
"They speak of you as the god of air, we hear," smiled Philip. "I am not
surprised, for you are so tall and so big, and then you can fight. I
have also learned of the ruse played on the Spanish horsemen. It was
cleverly thought of. I do not wonder that you are the Mexicans' leader,
and it would be impossible for any of our party to oust you. The
Mexicans would kill them promptly. Tell me how you gained their liking."
"Gladly," answered Roger. "And do you let me know how the brigantine was
captured, and how she fared after I was left. And that brings me to the
tale of the disc. That Spaniard, Alvarez, turned out a rogue. He nearly
killed me, and he has the golden treasure now, I believe. I looked for
him in Tlascala, but did not see him."
"And I caught sight of him once only," answered Philip. "He kept away
from us, and I am told went off to some other city on the commandant's
service."
"We shall meet him again, never fear," said Roger, after a little while.
"But listen to my tale, Philip, and you will see that our expedition is
not yet hopelessly ruined. If we can defend Mexico successfully, and can
capture this Alvarez and the disc, we shall return to England with
riches sufficient to gratify every one."
They sat down on the edge of the tower and discussed the matter for a
long while, our hero telling of the promise made by the Mexicans that he
should be rewarded for his services, and should carry away as much as he
desired. Then he listened while Philip told of the adventures of the men
who remained aboard the brigantine, and of how they were captured.
"And now we come to the time when you are our leader, and we are to face
these Spaniards again," said Philip. "Tell us what we are to do, for you
have twenty-six men, all of whom can act as officers."
"Then let us seek out Peter Tamworth, and ask his advice," answered
Roger, thoughtfully. "He is a mariner of long experience, and he will be
able to tell us how to meet these brigantines, or perhaps even how to
make one for service on the lake."
They descended from the tower, and in due course came upon Peter,
looking wonderfully grand in his feathered cloak and native dress, for
all had been reclothed, their own dress being torn to ribbons.
"'Tis out of the question, this thought of building a brigantine for use
on the lake," he answered promptly. "You say that there is news that
Cortes is now on his way here, and that fighting has commenced. A
brigantine would take months to build, while something smaller would
take almost as long. But we could contrive something with rafts of light
material. Or better, my commandant, make stout boats by lashing some
four or five of these canoes together. They do not use sails, but there
is enough cotton here to make them; and a boat such as I describe
should cut fast through the water, and stand a chance if it came to
warfare. But the brigantines would knock her to pieces if she got in
their way. That is where their advantage will be felt. None of these
canoes will be able to stand against them."
"Then we will do what we can, and you shall take command on the water,"
said Roger. "We will go to Teotlili and the king and make our
arrangements. Then I will appoint one each of our men to the bands of
crossbow and lance-bearing soldiers, and let them carry on the training.
There will be ample weapons, for all the artificers in the city have
been at work."
By dint of strenuous labour Roger and his friends, with the able and
cordial assistance of the king and Teotlili, managed to get together
quite a respectable number of the Mexicans, and during the two days
which they had free to themselves, and the few which followed during
which Cortes and his allies marched down to the lake and visited
Tezcuco, were able to appoint each one of the English men-at-arms or
adventurers to the band. Then those who had already been trained in the
use of the new weapons were divided up, and set to work to instruct
their comrades. Meanwhile, Peter Tamworth had taken the matter of the
boats in hand, and ere a day had passed had constructed some twenty
broad canoes, lashing four of the native vessels side by side. Sails
were a matter of greater difficulty, and it took time to teach the
Mexicans to use them, for hitherto they had used the paddle alone.
However, at the end of a week they were fairly proficient, and when at
length the enemy did come in touch, had some confidence in themselves.
It was an eventful day when Cortes marched down to Mexico, and took up
his position, and a still more exciting moment when his men advanced to
attack the forts which had been erected at the opening of the aqueducts.
"Let the men lie down behind the walls," said Roger, who was in command.
"They are to take no notice of the cannon, and are to stay quiet till I
give the order to rise. Even then those with the lance will remain where
they are, for it is my object to lure these Spaniards on till they are
at close quarters."
He took up a commanding post in the centre of one of the long walls
which had been constructed, and watched the enemy closely. There were
some three hundred Spaniards, and many thousands of their allies, and
they advanced across the open directly against the wall, dragging their
guns with them. Arriving within two hundred yards they halted, and after
a little while the guns opened fire, the shot screeching over the wall,
and falling into the lake behind. At the sound several Mexicans rose,
and would have retired.
"Tell them that they will be instantly executed if they show fear,"
called out Roger to Teotlili, who was a few paces away. "How can cannon
balls hurt when we have a thick wall to defend us? Bid them carry out my
order."
The Mexican noble turned and repeated the words in stern tones.
"We will set an example to any who may show fear," he said. "Consider
that you are fighting for home and children. Let no one say that we
were afraid of a noise."
The words seemed to hearten the men, and though the guns continued
firing for some little while, no one moved, no one was hit, and only a
few bricks were dashed from the wall. It was plain that there was
nothing to be done in this manner, and the Spanish commander gave an
order.
"We will advance against them," he said, in scornful tones. "They will
run when they see our swords. Let the men with sword and buckler march
on the right, and those with lances on the left. The men with the
crossbows can be on either flank."
They formed at once, and came forward at a smart pace, looking so
numerous, with thousands of the native allies swarming about them, that
the Mexicans again showed signs of losing heart. But Roger soon
reassured them. He leaped on to the wall, where all could see him, and
called to Teotlili--
"Let the crossbow-men prepare their weapons and creep up to the back of
the wall," he said; "and shout to those stationed in the canoes to come
close to the shore. When I call out, they are to fire into the enemy.
The men with the lances are to form up at either end of the wall, and
are to be ready to rush out on the Spaniards and their allies. Let all
follow my shout with another."
The order was promptly repeated, and Roger, looking down from his high
perch, saw that all was in readiness. The faces of the Mexicans now
showed eagerness and determination; for the sight of their leader
standing there with the Spanish shafts flying past him, gave them
courage. A little while ago they had found it hard to stand up to the
Spaniards, but now they had learned something. They had seen this youth
defy them and hoodwink their horsemen, and they argued that if he could
do that, then they also might hope for success. Therefore the men
silently crept to the back of the wall, while the lancers, each with one
of the English to command them, stole softly to either end, and waited
the moment for battle. It came sooner than they expected.
"Take them with a rush!" shouted the Spanish leader. "Now, charge down
on them!"
He and his men gave vent to a chorus of shouts, which was followed by
those of the natives, and by their curious shrill whistles. Then the
whole mass dashed forward impetuously, aiming for the wall which had
been erected across the approach to the aqueduct.
"Ready!" shouted Roger, and at the signal, some thousand voices took up
the shout, while the top of the wall was lined with the heads and
shoulders of the crossbow-men. Then numbers of canoes dashed from under
the aqueduct, and ferrying in close to the shore, came to a stop. At
once a cloud of shafts sang in the direction of the enemy, and some
score of their numbers fell to the ground. But it did not even cause the
Spaniards to hesitate, though many of the allies came to a sudden halt.
They repeated their shout, and dashed forward at an even greater pace,
their swords above their heads, and their bucklers ready before them to
keep off the shafts. The lancemen on the left, however, had little
protection, and a nod from Roger caused Teotlili to direct the aim of
the majority against them.
"Get the men with the lance ready," called out Roger, "and bid them dash
against the Spaniards with the same weapon while they are confused with
the loss caused by the crossbow-men. And, Philip!"
The young fellow who had been such a friend of his aboard the brigantine
ran up to his side, his sword, one taken from the enemy, over his
shoulder.
"I am here," he said, a glint in his eye showing that he also was ready
for the attack.
"You will take your own band of lancemen, and will wait till I raise my
hand, for the noise is too great for a shout to be heard at a distance.
When I signal, throw yourself on the flanks of the swordsmen. I shall
make a frontal attack at the same time. Now go."
Roger might have led an army before by the manner in which he spoke, and
by the sharpness with which he gave his orders. And those under his
command seemed to appreciate the fact that he was their leader and well
able to direct them, for they sprang to obey. Philip lifted his sword,
swung round, and ran off to his men. Meanwhile the babel of shouts had
increased, the men on the canoes screaming as if they wished to drown
the shouts and the whistles of the natives ashore. And no doubt these
same battle-cries helped to keep up their courage. They poured shafts
from their new weapons into the Spanish lance-bearers, and those behind
the wall coming to their aid, the enemy in this part of the field
suddenly halted, while men dropped from the ranks. Then they turned and
ran for their lives, a sight which roused the Mexicans to the highest
pitch of excitement. But still the Spaniards who were on the right, and
who bore sword and buckler, pressed on, though not at such a swift pace;
their ardour was already damped by the unexpected opposition met with.
Roger motioned to Teotlili. "Order all with the bow to pour their fire
into the swordsmen!" he shouted. Then he turned to where Philip waited
in expectation, and saw that he was ready.
"In a little while," he said to himself, though it was as much as he
could do to hold his hand. "The time for launching the flank attack has
not yet come. Ah, now the bolts begin to tell, for they are within fifty
yards! I will make the signal."
He stood to his full height, and lifted his arm. Then he leaped from the
wall, and ran to where another body of lancemen stood waiting further
orders, the same who had been instructed to throw themselves on to the
left flank of the enemy.
"Follow me!" he shouted, drawing his sword. "Lances up! Form into line!
Now forward!"
It was a formidable array which he led, and the natives who followed did
so with the utmost determination. They ran in a close body from behind
the wall, wheeled steadily, and then, with a great shout, threw
themselves against the flank of the swordsmen. At the same moment Philip
brought his command against the opposite side. Then indeed was the air
filled with shouts and shrieks. The Spaniards fought fiercely, cutting
at the heads of the lances. But there were more behind, and they were
forced to give way; but they could not turn, for to do so would be to
be run through instantly.
"Charge!" bellowed Roger, at the top of his voice. "Do not give them
time to rally, but press them."
Not one of the Aztecs understood his words, but all heard his shout; and
when they saw their young leader throw himself impetuously on the
Spaniards with his sword, they gathered together and rushed forward with
their lances. At the same time those who had been trained to follow in
rear of the men who held the lances dashed through the gaps in their
ranks, and fell upon the enemy furiously; indeed, never before had the
Spaniards met with such fierce opposition or such strenuous attack. On
former occasions their numerous allies had been able to help them, for
they had an unbounded faith in their masters, just as the Mexicans had
in Roger. But these new methods of warfare astounded and disheartened
them, and the shafts from the crossbows did the rest. They retreated
early in the encounter, leaving the Spaniards to themselves. Then the
lance-bearers amongst Cortes' men gave way, leaving only the swordsmen.
It was an opportunity, and Roger and his men took it.
"Coming!" shouted Philip, as he saw his friend dash out against the head
of the enemy. "Now, into their very centre!"
He flung his men on the flank of the swordsmen, and combining with
Roger's part, caused the Spaniards to stagger. A number fell, pierced by
the lances; then the remainder turned and attempted to flee. But the
active natives were on them promptly, and of the number who had
advanced at a run to the attack, only a few returned to their friends;
the rest were slain, and lay where they fell.
"Let the men retire!" said Roger to Teotlili, as his lancemen began to
gather together again, looking as if they would like to push on to the
camp of the enemy. "Tell them to get behind the wall again, and wait for
orders. These trained bands are too valuable to have their lives thrown
away."
Accordingly the Mexican noble whistled shrilly, and very soon all were
back behind the wall. But their feelings now were very different. They
had, for the very first time since they had met with the Spaniards,
defeated them in the open, and their jubilation was great.
"Truly the manoeuvre was well planned and most effective," said
Teotlili, as he came to Roger's side. "The king was looking at us as we
fought, and his messenger has just come with his thanks."
"Then tell him that we must fail next time," answered Roger, calmly.
"The enemy will bring up all their strength, and we shall be forced to
give way. But we can renew the conflict elsewhere. Let him keep that in
mind, and not show displeasure or disappointment if we are beaten. And,
Teotlili----"
"What next, my lord?"
"Make complete arrangements for the retirement of the men. Some must
take to the boats, while others can run by means of the aqueduct. All
the crossbow-men are to retire last, and are to harass the enemy as they
go. They can lie off in the canoes and fire from the water."
The Mexicans made the most of the lull in the fighting, and whilst the
Spaniards gathered in their camp, discussing the unexpected turn of
events, Roger and his friends perfected their arrangements for
retirement, for it was clear to all that prolonged resistance could not
be offered. And, indeed, they soon had cause to congratulate themselves
on their caution; for Cortes was roused by the failure of his attack,
and within an hour he sent his complete force against the wall, some
seven hundred Spaniards attacking with unparalleled fury. Roger and his
command resisted with determination, and held the wall till it was
obvious that further delay would be disastrous. Then Teotlili put his
fingers to his lips and sounded a shrill whistle.
"That is the signal," he said, "and the men with the lances are even now
retiring by the aqueduct. We will give them a little while, and then the
others can go."
"But we must beat the enemy back before they move!" exclaimed Roger.
"For otherwise they would be in our ranks before we were clear. Let them
collect here, and we will dash out at them with a hundred lances."
Again the prudence of their young English leader helped the Mexicans,
and when the call came for a hundred of the lancemen to stay, a thousand
eagerly offered their services. However, Teotlili soon picked out a
chosen band, while the others retired swiftly, and without being seen.
Then the crossbow-men were ordered to increase their fire, till the
attackers were confused.
"Now we will charge," said Roger, placing himself at the head of the
men. "Once we have met them, let every one turn and run as you give the
signal."
Half an hour later the whole command was back in Mexico, very few men
having been lost, while the Spaniards had had numbers killed or wounded,
and their native allies had suffered heavily. Then for an hour the
crossbow-men kept up a stinging fire, while the enemy destroyed the
landward end of the aqueduct.
"It is a misfortune which cannot be helped," said Teotlili, as he
watched the process of destruction, "and it would have been better for
us had the people taken your advice, and sent all the women and children
away to the hills. But the times are strange ones. We of Mexico have
many enemies, and it is likely that our womenkind might fall amongst
those who are unfriendly. Still, their presence here adds to the mouths
to be filled, and to the numbers requiring water. For that we must rely
upon the large storage tanks which we have constructed. And now, my
lord, what arrangements shall be made with regard to the brigantines?"
They went in search of Peter Tamworth, while their look-outs posted on
the summit of every temple sent them word of the movements of the enemy.
And very soon they learned that the brigantines were afloat in the lake,
and were to be expected very soon.
"Then, we will send out a fleet to meet them," said Roger, with
decision. "I grant that our chances are not very great, but it happens
that there is very little wind, and in a light breeze our small canoes
can paddle faster than one of these Spanish vessels, while our new craft
can sail with them, at least, if they cannot outstrip them. We will try
what huge numbers and a fierce attack will do."
"And meanwhile I will communicate the news which has just reached me,"
said Teotlili. "Our scouts and spies have obtained full information of
the movements of the enemy, and of their method of attack. He is a
crafty man, this Malinché, and he is closing a huge net about us.
Already he has marched his men completely round the lake, and now he has
divided them into three divisions."
"An arrangement which we have foreseen," Roger reminded him. "We are
prepared for combined attack from three or more quarters, and for one
from the lake side itself."
"Then these are the commanders and their positions, the information
being reliable. Pedro de Alvarado will go to Tlacuba, which lies close
to the post which we have just defended, and is at the end of the
shorter causeway. He commands thirty horsemen, some twenty with crossbow
or musket, and twenty thousand native allies. In addition, he will have
one hundred and fifty soldiers armed with sword and buckler.
"Cristoval de Olid has a force of like proportions, except that he will
command more of the allies, and he will take post at Cuyoacan, a town at
the entrance of a second short causeway, and one which runs to the main
causeway outside the city.
"Gonzalo de Sandoval will take charge of the third force, and will have
as many as thirty thousand allies, and Spaniards equal in numbers to the
other commanders, only fifty of his swordsmen will be picked soldiers,
who are to act as a bodyguard to Malinché when he joins the troops. But
we shall see, my lord. It may be that a bodyguard even will be unable to
protect them. This third force will go to Iztapalapa, and march on to
the main causeway, where they will fight their way, with the object of
coming to the junction of the smaller causeway and there meeting their
friends under De Olid. They will be supported by the brigantines, which
will have all the sailors aboard, as well as fighting men, and will be
commanded by Malinché himself."
"Then we must make a special effort against them," said Roger. "As to
the junction being formed, that is a matter which we must put a stop to.
We must do all that we can to delay the advance, and, if possible, we
must lure the attacking divisions on singly, so as to destroy them one
by one."
The plans of the Spaniards needed a large amount of consideration on the
part of the Mexicans, and Roger and the king, with Teotlili and other
nobles, spent many hours in discussing the means of defence. That Cortes
had made clever arrangements for the siege and taking of the city could
not be denied, and his first action had shown his astuteness; for he had
cut off the water supply, well knowing that the resistance of the
Mexicans depended largely on this. Then, too, his decision to assail the
city from three separate points at one and the same time was a wise one,
for thereby he engaged every one of the defenders, and none could rest.
This in itself was a serious matter, for though the Mexican numbers were
huge, their whole force would be compelled to remain alert, if not
actually engaged, ready to reinforce any part specially threatened. The
troops under Cortes, on the other hand, were even more numerous, and
some could rest while their comrades were fighting; for the causeways
gave limited space, and it was impossible for all to come to close
quarters with the enemy.
As to the points from which his attacks were to be launched, they were
undoubtedly the best under the circumstances, though, had he wished, he
could have selected a fourth, thereby launching his men along each end
of the main causeway, and by each one of the branches which led into it.
But he was too astute to block up the path of retreat. He recognised
that even with all his allies he had an enormous host to contend with,
and that all were filled with desperation and determination. His spies
had told him that, and also that amongst the allies who had come into
the city there were some who, like those outside, might in time waver.
It would be wise policy to give them a free outlet to escape, and
thereby reduce the numbers of the defenders. And to further this
solution he took care to send messages to these friends of the Mexicans,
offering every inducement to cause them to waver in their allegiance.
His arrangements made, as Teotlili had correctly reported, Cortes no
sooner saw the aqueduct destroyed, than he sent his divisions to their
posts, and caused the brigantines to be floated. A glance at the plan of
Mexico will show the camps of the Spaniards, and the reader will be able
to see the construction of the causeways. One running directly from
shore to shore, through the heart of the city, while a second--that by
which Pedro de Alvarado was to force an entrance--cut out from the
shore to what might be described as the back of Mexico. For this fine
city was situated at one end of the lake, within easy distance of the
shore to which the causeways connected it, while its face might be said
to look out to the vast expanse of salt lake on which the brigantines
had just been floated. And these latter could attack this side alone and
the long causeway running through the heart of the city, for the latter
presented a barrier through which only canoes could pass. There were
three other causeways or viaducts, one of which De Olid was to march by,
while the other two were small and insignificant, and ran from the
north-western shore.
A few words will describe the preparations of the defenders, many
carried out at the suggestion of Roger. Numerous breaches had been
constructed along the causeways, planks being left for the use of the
Mexicans. Then barricades had been built of sun-dried bricks at the back
of these breaches, and crossbow shafts piled there, with an ample supply
of lances and other weapons. Canoes lay on either side, ready to hamper
the attackers in every possible manner, while all carried long poles
with hooks at the end.
It must not be imagined that the Mexicans allowed each party to fight
independent of the others, for to have done so would have led to early
disaster; but, as Cortes had anticipated, they held a huge force in
reserve, and their operations were directed from the central and tallest
tower of all from the summit of which all the causeways, the lake, and,
in fact, the whole fighting arena, could be seen. Thus prepared, with a
store of water and of food, and with arrangements made whereby fresh
provisions were brought in from the northern shore by canoe or by the
open causeway every day, the Mexicans, with their gallant young king and
Roger at their head, looked for the coming of the enemy, and
particularly for the sailing of the fleet of brigantines. Nor had they
long to wait, for by now the canal which Cortes had caused to be dug at
Tezcuco was completed and joined to the lake, and very soon the
brigantines were floating on the surface of the vast basin, at the far
corner of which was situated the city of Mexico. Then the report came
that their masts were erected, and soon they were steering down the
lake, propelled by a light breeze.
"There is a stir in the camps of the enemy also," said Teotlili,
receiving a message from one of the look-outs. "Our men are prepared on
the causeways, and we are expecting attack."
"Then we will set out in the canoes as soon as the brigantines are
within a few leagues," answered Roger. "I will go now to the port and
prepare to sail."
An hour later he, with Philip to keep him company, set foot on one of
the bulky craft constructed of several canoes, and put off from Mexico.
They were followed by Peter and a host of the Mexicans, some in the
larger craft which were propelled by sails, and more in the single
canoes urged by means of paddles. The whole fleet steered from the city
towards the enemy, and met them some three leagues away, where they lay,
the brigantines swaying to and fro, their canvas flapping idly, for
there was now no wind at all.
"Nothing could be more favourable," exclaimed Roger. "We will attack at
once, and before they get a breeze to help them."
The cotton sheets which were hoisted aboard the larger craft were
lowered, and paddles seized. Then the fleet of canoes dashed forward,
forty or more making for each brigantine.