_How the fat cazique and other chief men of the country come and
complain to Cortes, that a garrison of Mexicans had been thrown into
the strong fortress of Tzinpantzinco, committing great depredations;
and what further took place._
After the Mexican messengers had taken their leave, the fat cazique with
several other distinguished personages from among our allies called upon
Cortes, and begged of him to repair to a township called Tzinpantzinco,
two days' journey, or about from thirty-two to thirty-six miles from
Sempoalla; as a number of Mexican warriors had assembled there,
destroying their fields and plantations, falling upon their subjects,
and doing all manner of mischief. Cortes manifested great sympathy for
them, but scarcely knew what answer he should give, as he had promised
them every assistance. He, therefore, desired them to retire, until he
should have considered the matter a little.
After he had bethought himself for a short time, he turned smilingly
round to us who were standing near him and said: "Methinks, gentlemen,
we already pass here for great heroes; indeed, after what has happened
with the tax-gatherers these people must look upon us as gods, or a
species of beings like their idols. Now, I am of opinion it is best to
strengthen them in this notion; and that they may think that one single
man of us is sufficient to dislodge the Mexicans from the fortress of
Tzinpantzinco, we will send thither old Heredia of Biscay. The
malignancy of his features, his huge beard, his half-mangled
countenance, his squinting eyes and lame leg, constitute him the most
fitting person for this object, besides which he is a musketeer."
Cortes then sent for the man and said to him: "You must go with the
caziques to the river which flows about a mile from this spot. When you
have arrived there do as if you were thirsty, and wished to wash your
hands; then fire off your musket. This shall be a signal for me to send
some one after you, who will, in my name, desire you to return. All this
is done in order that the Indians may suppose us to be deities, and as
you have not one of the most pleasing countenances, I trust they will
take you by preference to be some idol."
Heredia, who had served many years in Italia, perfectly well knew how to
perform his part, and gladly undertook this matter. Cortes now ordered
the fat cazique, and the other chief Indians who were expecting succours
from us, into his presence again, saying to them: "I send this my
brother with you to drive the Mexicans out of the fortress, and to bring
those whom he does not kill prisoners to me."
When the caziques heard this they stood in utter amazement, not knowing
whether Cortes was in earnest; but finding he did not change
countenance, they began to convince themselves that this was really his
intention, and marched away in company of Heredia. When he had arrived
between the mountains he loaded his musket and shot it off in the air,
that it might be heard by every Indian in the district. The caziques
themselves sent notice to the different townships, that they had a teule
with them, and were marching to Tzinpantzinco in order to kill the
Mexicans there.
I have mentioned this laughable circumstance, that the reader may see
what artifices Cortes employed to throw dust into the eyes of the
Indians. Of course, when Heredia arrived at the river he was recalled;
the caziques returning with him, to whom Cortes said, he had formed a
different plan. His friendship for them was so great, that he would
accompany them himself with some of his brothers, in order to take a
survey of the country and the fortress. They had only to furnish four
hundred porters to convey the cannon, and to return to us next morning
early. All this was accordingly done, and as soon as daylight had broken
forth, we moved forward, four hundred in number, with fourteen horse and
a sufficient number of matchlocks and arquebuses.
On this occasion some of Diego Velasquez's adherents again began to
murmur, declaring that Cortes might proceed further with those who
wished to follow him; but as for themselves they were determined to
return to Cuba.
How this matter terminated we shall see in the following chapter.