The Defence of the Causeways
The siege of Mexico had commenced in earnest, for now that the fleet of
canoes had been scattered or sent to the bottom, the brigantines closed
in on the fair city which lay on the bosom of the lake, till the long,
straight causeway stretching north and south prevented further progress.
And there the cannon were turned upon the defenders who manned the wide
strip of masonry, while from the farther side of the breach other cannon
belched forth shot at them. But this was not all. At two other and
separate points the Spaniards had made an incursion on to the causeways,
all of which led to the city, so that three parties of Mexicans were
kept engaged, and their whole force posted on the main portion of the
viaduct was exposed to the flanking fire of the brigantines.
Cortes had shown again and again how astute he was. The reader will have
gathered already that he was a man of unusual determination, tenacious
of his purpose even to the verge of recklessness, for otherwise he would
have retired long ago. Indeed, there is little doubt that had he not
been there Mexico would have survived. And more than that. Had Cortes
been in the full favour of those in authority in Cuba and in Spain, the
need for some special effort would have been absent, and his
determination to subjugate these people probably less. However, during
the whole course of his operations before the city he showed unusual
forethought, and conducted the siege in a masterly manner. Indeed, the
conduct of this gallant Fernando Cortes from the very beginning marked
him out as a commander of unusual power and distinction; for who else
would have dared to defy the authorities, to capture those sent out to
take the command from him, and suborn their followers, and finally to
dictate formal letters to the Regent in Spain, as if he still held the
royal command to lead this expedition?
And now that the task of subjugating the people of Mexico faced him he
set about the work in a manner which showed the thoughtful, careful
leader; for the reader will remember that he had arranged for the
building of the brigantines months before, and had meanwhile spent his
time and his powers in bringing other native tribes under the sway of
Spain, and in gaining allies who would aid in the attack on Mexico. That
attack had commenced. Mexico was face to face with a formidable fleet on
the lake side, while three of her main causeways were occupied by the
mixed forces under Cortes' command.
"They fight fiercely and as if they were certain of defeating us," said
the king, as Roger came to his side, and the two stood watching the
combatants. "These Spaniards have sent their shot across the gap
continually, and our men are struck down. Meanwhile the enemy fill up
the gap so that they may cross."
"This is their first day at the work," answered our hero, "and therefore
the attackers are fresh and eager. But we will alter that. As for the
cannon-shot, the men must be told to build their barricade higher."
A few words from the king set the natives at work, and very soon such a
pile of bricks and _débris_ was thrown at the edge of the gap that the
Spanish shot buried themselves in the wall without doing harm. At the
same time their crossbow-men and their musketeers kept up a scathing
fire to which the Mexicans made reply.
"They will succeed in filling up the gap," said Roger, after he had
watched for a little while, "and we must fall back. But we have a dozen
more of the gaps to defend before we come to the city, and shall hope to
tire them out. Look! There come the brigantines. We shall have to beat a
retreat very soon."
He pointed out into the lake, and there came the brigantines, sailing in
toward the city proudly, as if conscious of their victory. They brought
to within a long bow-shot, and before coming to the piles which the
Mexicans had taken the trouble to drive in all directions close to the
causeway, thus showing that their spies had obtained information for
them. Then their guns opened, and a murderous discharge belched forth at
the defenders of the causeway. The shot crashed against the masonry, or
tore lanes through the unfortunate natives, killing and maiming huge
numbers. At the same moment the guns on the far side of the gap opened
upon the barricade, demolishing the upper parts.
"We must retire at once," said Roger. "We will recall the men to the
next wall and make better preparations. Come, let us be going. To remain
is to throw our lives away."
There was a shrill whistle, and the natives began to retire, crossing
the next gap by means of planks left for that purpose. Then they set to
work to raise their barricade with bricks, women and children bringing
the latter, while an attempt was made to obtain cover on the lake side.
"We must do something to drive off the brigantines," said Roger, as he
stood watching the men at work, and listened to the loud crashes in the
distance, the sounds made by the attackers as they filled in the gap.
"Come, Philip, or you Peter Tamworth, have you nothing to suggest? How
can we keep them at a safer distance? They take us in flank with their
fire, and while their ammunition lasts we are helpless. We must drive
them off or relinquish the causeway."
This, in fact, was obvious to all, for the brigantines had matters in
their own hands. There was nothing to keep them from the outer face of
the causeway save the piles which had been driven there, and those could
only be placed in the shallower parts, for long timber was not
obtainable. Consequently the ships which the crafty Cortes had caused to
be built could sail along the causeway ahead of his troops who were
attacking it, and could take the Mexicans in flank and in rear. No one
could stand there against their shot. No wonder that the king of Mexico
and Teotlili looked at Roger in dismay, and that the latter stood to his
full height, looking back along the causeway with a frown on his
sunburned face.
"If they were in the ocean----" commenced Peter, shuffling from one leg
to the other, for the presence of royalty always unsettled him, and he
was beginning to have a huge respect for Roger.
"The brigantines, you mean? But they are here, in the lake. What then?"
"If they were at sea, I should try a plan to turn them out," said Peter,
somewhat abashed. "They would fly if there was fire, and, master Roger,
there might be fire here. We could float a canoe, one of the big ones,
down upon them, and that would send them running."
"And they are close enough to be taken before they could get clear,"
burst in Philip. "In the confusion some might become entangled, and
then----"
"We would send our canoes against them," exclaimed Roger. "'Tis a grand
idea, and we will see what can be done. I will speak to Teotlili."
"We have resin here in abundance," said the latter, when the question
was put to him, "and there are other inflammable matters. The plan may
well be tried, and may succeed at first. But they will not be caught
twice. Later on the houses will protect us."
He went off at once to make arrangements, and his men worked with such
energy that when the Spaniards had contrived to fill in the far gap, and
were preparing to advance again, a couple of craft composed of three
canoes lashed together, lay in recesses beneath the causeway, their
boards piled high with resin and other matters.
"And now comes the question of who is to take command," said Roger.
"These natives are so terrified at the sound of the cannon that they
will hardly fill the post. I will gladly take one canoe."
"And I a second," burst in Philip. "But you should not go, Roger, if you
will forgive my saying so. You are the commander here. The king and all
look to you, and already you have had one narrow escape. You are too
valuable to the defence, and should protect your life as long as
possible. I will go for one."
"And by your leave I will sail the second," exclaimed Peter, all aglow
at the prospect. "There is little to do. We must push out, and pole
along gently. Then, as we get to close quarters, we will fire the mass
and leap overboard."
"Then it shall be arranged as you say. I will stay behind and will lead
the attack. It is already getting dusk, and perhaps, if we delay a
little, you will be able to get out to the brigantines without being
seen. If that is the case we may do them some damage. I will have men
armed with the crossbow in canoes, ready to take advantage of the
confusion. Go to your places and prepare. I will send to you when the
moment comes."
He dismissed them with a nod, and went to the barricade erected on the
causeway. Like that at the last gap, it consisted of sun-dried bricks,
and was so thick that it offered an effective resistance to the
cannon-shot of the enemy. On its landward side there was a gaping chasm
where the causeway had been entirely removed, and this the enemy now
proceeded to fill, just as they had done in the case of the other one.
Thanks to the huge amount of native labour which their allies provided,
there was no difficulty about the matter, and for material there was
the stone and bricks from the houses and forts built at the extreme land
end of the viaduct. Already the Spanish allies had levelled these, and
now they came in their thousands, each carrying a boulder, a beam, or
some dozen bricks, which they threw into the gap. While they worked, the
soldiers kept up a furious fire against the barricade beyond, while
their crossbow-men sent shafts humming through the air. Then the
brigantines hove up the stone anchors which each had cast, and poling
higher up, dropped anchor in a position which gave them a clear and
close range.
"Let the crossbow-men alone stand behind the barricade and pick off the
enemy and hamper the work of filling in the ditch," cried Roger, calling
Teotlili's attention. "The others are to throw themselves on their
faces, and in that way they will escape the shot from the brigantines."
The warning came none too soon, for hardly had he spoken, and the
natives obeyed the command of the noble, than the ships opened fire, and
a hail of small shot and cannon-balls struck the side of the causeway
and plunged over it. Some struck the protection of bricks thrown up on
that side, and dashed the bricks over on to the defenders. But none were
seriously hurt, while all escaped the bullets. A shout of derision
arose, the Mexicans whistling and screaming aloud with delight.
"'Tis the first time that they have escaped so easily," said Teotlili.
"My lord is full of methods to circumvent the enemy. A little while ago
we stood bunched close together and waited death. These cruel guns slew
us by tens and twenties, and cut deep lines in our ranks. We were
robbed of our strength, and could not move hand or foot to escape; but
now we are learning. It is possible to avoid death, and to save our
lives for better work. Ah! the crash of the explosion is stunning. Even
now I start and feel that I must fall."
"After all there is little more than the noise to alarm one," said Roger
with a smile, showing wonderful coolness, which did not escape the
Mexican noble. "Of course a ball might come and kill one while one
crouched; but the wall makes their aim difficult, while those in front
can do nothing. That was close, Teotlili. A little to the right and it
would have mattered little to you or to me how the siege went."
"It would always matter," was the stern answer. "Even were I killed I
think that I should still trouble. I could never sleep the long sleep
knowing that these strange men were killing and hunting my countrymen.
The place and the people are dear to me, my lord. I live for them only."
"And you would die for them cheerfully?" asked Roger.
"Surely I would. I would gladly suffer death on the swords of these men
so that my king might escape. But listen, Roger. Should it happen that
our king is slain, you will take the post? Promise me that? All are
willing that you should succeed him, for without a leader we should be
easily defeated. Promise me?"
The noble turned to Roger and looked him eagerly in the face, while
Roger watched the brigantines. He their king! He, a simple crossbow-man
but a few weeks ago, to be asked to accept such a post! It was beyond
belief! Then he reflected on the faith which these simple people had in
him, and thought of the times.
"I will act as king till the siege is raised, or till we are defeated,"
he answered; "that is, if the present king be killed, which God forbid.
Till then I will remain as your cacique, and will lead the fighting men.
But we must look to the defence. It gets dusk. A little while and our
fire canoes may be of service."
He crept to the barricade, and looked across at the Spaniards. They were
still maintaining a fierce fire with their guns, though they had
withdrawn the weapons to a safer distance; for the crossbow-men on the
Mexican side had already made a vast impression, and had taught the
enemy the advisability of using discretion. As for their own musketeers
and crossbow-men, they had retired altogether. Only the native allies
came within range, carrying their burdens, and amongst their ranks the
Mexican shafts created havoc.
"But we do not stop them," reflected Roger; "there are so many of them
that the death of a few hundred seems not to matter. The gap will soon
be filled; by then it will be dusk."
He waited eagerly, noting that the gap was now practically bridged
across, though there still remained a strip close under the barricade
which the allies had not yet reached.
"Have planks ready at hand," he said, suddenly turning to Teotlili, who
was ever at his elbow. "Ah, Tamba, take charge of one and be ready. When
I give the signal, leap the barricade and place the beam in position.
Then let all the spearmen and those who have swords follow me. We will
teach these invaders a lesson."
It was anxious work waiting there, with the guns of the brigantine
playing on the causeway, and their shot swishing overhead. But Roger
would not be hurried. The ditch on the far side was not yet filled, and
it was still too light. Ten minutes would make a difference, he told
himself, and though his inclination was to shout now without further
delay, and throw his men on the enemy, he held back, showing thereby the
qualities possessed by few leaders. He waited till the time had actually
arrived. Then his messenger flew to Philip and to Peter, and very soon
two dark objects, each propelled by a couple of long poles wielded by
the Englishmen and by a single native helper, emerged from the causeway
from one of the numerous archways, and went swiftly towards the
brigantines. At first their sudden presence caused no comment from the
enemy; for all through the contest canoes had darted from the recesses,
and efforts had been made, sometimes with success, to pull down the
native allies from the farther side of the gap with the hooks which were
attached to poles. It was therefore not until the larger craft had shot
out from the causeway and moved some little way towards the brigantines
that the attention of the Spaniards was attracted to them. Then there
was a shout.
"Some of the natives seeking death," shouted one of the captains,
derisively. "Leave them to the muskets or to our pikes; or better, heave
a stone into them as they come alongside."
"What if they are dangerous? I've seen and had to fly from simpler craft
before," answered an old seaman, with a growl. "What if they're filled
with things that will take fire? What if these craft are fire-craft sent
to destroy us?"
The suggestion caused the captain to open his mouth, and he went along
the deck at a run to where the gunners stood.
"Train your pieces on them," he shouted in his excitement. "They are
fire-ships, and we shall be burned. Stop them with a shot. Come! Move
aside and let me take the task in hand."
They threw themselves on the cannon, while the alarm spread to the other
vessels. Meanwhile Philip and Peter poled for their lives, sending the
craft swiftly across the water. And as they poled Roger and the
defenders watched them eagerly.
"They have not yet noticed the commotion on the far side of the gap," he
said to Teotlili. "But they will see that there is something wrong soon,
and then----"
"They see now, my lord. Listen to their shouts. And they are turning
their guns away from us to the canoes. Will they hit them?"
"More likely to strike friend than foe," was the reassuring answer. "Ah!
That shot would have sunk a single canoe with the wash it caused. Philip
is lighting up."
It was still sufficiently light to enable those on the causeway to see
what was passing, and Roger distinctly noticed Philip stand erect, and
lift his pole into the canoe. Then there was a glow from the smouldering
match he carried, followed by a burst of smoke, and then by a leaping
flame which seemed to spread all over the craft. No! Not all over, for
there was Philip at the stern, surrounded by flame, it seemed, and still
poling towards the enemy. As for Peter, a shot fired from the nearest
brigantine had struck the water within a foot of him, and as Roger had
said, had well-nigh swamped his frail boat. However, he was unhurt, and
following Philip's example, struck his match and then poled the flaming
craft towards the brigantines. Fierce shouts resounded on every side,
while aboard the brigantines there was the utmost confusion. Men raced
up and down the decks, while the crews were called to the anchors. Some
endeavoured to handle the pieces. But none were fashioned to be rapidly
depressed, and so it happened that not a single shot struck the
fire-craft. Nor did those who held the muskets help in the matter, for
they too were taken with a panic. They threw down their weapons and
helped at the anchor, or seized the long poles and endeavoured to push
the vessel away into the lake.
Thud! The canoe in which stood Philip struck the side of the nearest
brigantine, and Roger saw the young Englishman coolly grapple the rail
with the hook with which his pole was armed. Then he beckoned to the
native, and handing him the pole, drew his sword. In another moment he
had sprung aboard, and the last that Roger saw of him he was slashing
furiously at the enemy, while the native, clinging to the fire-craft
till he was scorched, kept it close to the enemy's vessel till it had
caught fire. Then he called loudly to Philip, and waiting till the
latter had leaped into the water, disappeared in the same himself. Peter
had equal luck, and showed the same pluck and determination. Indeed,
within five minutes two of the brigantines were in flames from end to
end, for they were constructed of a highly inflammable wood, while
their crews were plunging overboard in frantic alarm. As for the
others, they cut away from their anchorage and poled into deep water,
their crews aghast at the boldness and the success of the Mexicans. On
the far side of the gap the Spaniards could hardly believe their eyes.
They stared at the blazing vessels, forgetting their own particular
portion of the conflict. It was an opportunity, and Roger seized upon
it.
"The plank, Tamba," he shouted. "Now follow, every one, and sweep them
from the causeway."
He leaped upon the top of the barricade, his tall figure standing out
finely against the glare of the blazing vessels. Then, as Tamba placed
the plank in position, he ran across it, and threw himself alone upon
the Spaniards.
"Ah! A sortie! The dog of an English giant!" shouted their leader, who
happened to be nearest. "Rally men! To the gap! Hold the causeway!"
His sword leaped to the front, and he made a thrust at Roger, which
might well have transfixed him. But Roger had not experienced all this
fighting for nothing. He put the thrust aside with a swift movement, and
returned the blow with a terrific cut which fell full upon the
Spaniard's helmet. There was the noise of rending steel, the Spaniard
gasped and let his sword fall with a clatter. Then he pitched forward on
to the causeway, and happening to tumble into a portion of the gap which
had been only partially filled, and which sloped steeply, he slid, an
inert mass, down the slope, and disappeared in the lake.
"Rally! Rally! Men of Mexico. Your leader is here. Forward, and drive
the enemy! Forward, till we reach their camp!"
It was Teotlili who took up the shout, and voiced it to the pitch of his
lungs. Not that the Mexicans needed encouragement, for their excitement
was great, and their spirits raised to the utmost pitch by the success
of the fire-ships. They shouted lustily, and then, to the accompaniment
of shouts and shrill whistles came over the barricade like a swarm of
bees, and hurled themselves against the Spaniards. And now numbers and
the suddenness of the sortie told in their favour; for whereas formerly
those armed with the native sword had been practically helpless in the
face of the Spanish swordsmen, now the rush carried all before the
Mexicans. The Spaniards broke and fled, Roger and his men in hot
pursuit.
"To their camp! To their camp!" he shouted. Then seeing Teotlili, he
urged his way toward him, the Mexicans making a path at once.
"The guns and the ammunition," he said. "Tell off men to take them into
the city. They will be useful. We must have them."
He went on at a run till he and his men were in the camp, which had been
formed close to the edge of the causeway. But here the enemy rallied,
while a strong force came to their aid. It was time to retire, and Roger
whistled. Then he waved his arm.
"Back to the barricade," he shouted. "Run! Run!"
The retirement was carried out swiftly, so swiftly, in fact, that the
Spaniards were dumfounded. They were preparing to hold their camp and
administer punishment, when suddenly the attackers disappeared as
quickly as they had come, carrying with them two cannon and a small
supply of ammunition.
"'Tis the English dog's leading," said Cortes, with a growl, as he
looked out at the lake and watched the blazing vessels. "Well is it for
us that I had a fleet constructed. This man must be slain. Would that I
had hanged him that very night instead of keeping him till the morrow.
And that led to the freedom of all his friends. They say these
Englishmen are dogged fighters, who battle with their heads as well as
with their arms. We shall see, we shall see. But if I catch them----!"
No doubt he would have hanged them at once, and there was much cause for
his vexation. Indeed, when the tale of the sortie was completed, and his
losses known, the leader of the invaders ground his teeth with anger.
"But it will not occur again," he said to himself. "There will be no
more fire-ships, and no more sorties. I will double the guards, while
the brigantines will never anchor. Thus they will be able to slip away
on the instant."
Roger and the Mexicans had indeed retrieved their defeat of the morning,
and had caused great loss to the enemy; for they had destroyed three of
the brigantines, and had killed many of the Spanish soldiers and
sailors, a loss which Fernando Cortes could not easily replace. But it
could not always be so, as they discovered in the course of the next few
weeks; for the besiegers attacked in three separate parties every day,
and the causeways rang with the sound of strife. Gaps which had been
diligently constructed were filled in one by one, while, finding that
the enemy repaired their losses and remade the gaps during the night,
there being ample labour, Cortes caused his men to camp on the ground
they had won, till that portion of the causeways which had fallen to the
three parties presented a curious scene. Tiny huts were constructed
along them, where the enemy lived.
By now another enemy was attacking the besieged. Starvation stared them
in the face, for the brigantines prevented a fresh supply of provisions
from being brought to the city. The water in the tanks was very low, and
pestilence, the accompaniment of every siege and every campaign, stalked
through the city. Men and women and children died by the score, till
there were none to bury them. But still the gallant resistance was
continued.
"Not till the city is in ruins and the last man slain shall we give
way," said Teotlili. "In these matters the priests rule the king, and
that is their decision. If it were not so, I should say the same. What
sort of life awaits us if we are beaten and live? Slavery, and torture.
Yes, Tamba has told me the tale of Cuba, and that is what will happen
here. These foolish native allies who have gone over to the Spaniards
are but helping in their own ruin, for they, too, will be trampled
underfoot. They will be hewers of wood and drawers of water to these men
who attack us. We will die at our posts. That is our last word."
The decision was, in fact, adhered to firmly, though, as the siege
closed in and want and pestilence did its work, Cortes endeavoured time
and again to alter it, and to induce the Mexicans to capitulate.
Nothing but defeat of the last man would end the struggle, and therefore
he set his parties to their task again. A huge effort was made to
complete the junction of the three divisions, and we shall see how
Cortes fared, and how the Mexicans struggled to prevent the junction.