Until a late hour in the night, Roger sat talking to Cacama and his
family. Although they had heard, from Bathalda, all that had
happened from the time of their leaving Tezcuco to their arrival at
Tlascala, he had to go over it again. Bathalda had told them that
Roger had found a former acquaintance in Malinche, who was all
powerful with the white leaders; and Amenche asked many questions
concerning her--how Roger had known her before, and for how long;
what she was like, and why he applied to her, instead of going
straight to the white general.
"You have heard me speak of her before," Roger said, in answer to
the first question. "I told you that I had learned your language
from a Mexican slave girl, who was one of my attendants during the
time I was at Tabasco. She was with me the whole time I was there,
and if it had not been for learning the language from her, and
conversing with her, I do not know how I should have got through
the time. I was sorry to leave her behind, and promised her that,
if ever I got rich enough here, I would send and purchase her
freedom."
"You seem to have taken a strange interest in a slave girl!"
Amenche said.
"It was natural that it should be so, Princess. I was little better
than a slave, myself. At any rate I was a prisoner, and naturally
took to the one person who was kind to me. We were companions and
friends, rather than master and attendant; and directly I heard
that she was with Cortez, and had gained great influence with him,
I naturally went to her."
"Is she very beautiful?"
"I used not to think her beautiful at all, when we were at Tabasco
together; but she has changed greatly during the months that have
passed since I saw her. Yes, I think she is certainly beautiful
now. But not so beautiful as others I have seen."
"But why did you go to her?" the girl again persisted.
"Because I cannot speak the language of the Spaniards; and it was
necessary, for my safety, for them to believe that I am one of
themselves, rescued from some Spanish ship cast, by a gale, on
their shores when I was a little lad. Had I gone to Cortez direct,
he would probably have guessed, from my dress and from my speaking
the language, that this was how I came to be here; but had I not
seen Malinche before I saw him, she would have recognized me, and
would no doubt have told Cortez that she had known me from the time
I was cast ashore, near Tabasco, somewhat over two years ago. He
would then have known that I could not be a Spaniard, for if so, I
could not in so short a time have lost my own language."
Cacama now interposed, and asked many questions about Tlascala and
its people.
"Some of the Tlascalan princes and caziques gave their daughters as
wives to the Spaniards, did they not?"
"Six of them did so," Roger replied. "The ladies were first
baptized into the Christian religion, and then married by the
priests to as many of the chief leaders of the Spaniards."
"And what did you think of that?" Cacama asked.
"I did not think much about it," Roger said; "for it was no
business of mine, but that of the ladies and their friends. It was
certainly a politic course, on the part both of Cortez and the
Tlascalans, and bound the alliance more closely together.
"But methinks that, upon such work as the Spaniards are engaged in,
a man were better without a wife, both for his sake and her own. A
man who goes into battle with no one but himself to think of may
take joy in the strife; for he knows that, if he falls, it makes no
very great matter to anyone. But if he has a wife hard by, who will
be left a widow if he is slain, it must be ever present to him
while he is fighting; and though he may not fight less stoutly, it
must cause him grievous anxiety, and take away the pleasure of
fighting."
"You have already told us that the white men are good husbands,"
the queen said.
"I do not know that they are in any way better, in that respect,
than your own people, Queen Maclutha. There are good and bad--men
who treat their wives well, and men who neglect them."
"But you told us that they only had one wife, each," she said; "and
that even kings are kept to this rule, as well as their humblest
subjects."
"That is so," Roger said. "One man one wife, whatever his rank.
There is no occasion for the palaces of our king to be as extensive
as those of Montezuma."
"And if these officers who have married here were to return home,
and leave their wives behind them, could they not marry again?"
"No," Roger said; "as the ladies have become Christians, and been
married according to the rites of the Church, they could not be
lawfully set aside."
"And you have no wife in England, Roger Hawkshaw?" Cacama asked.
Roger laughed merrily.
"Why, I was but a boy when I left home; and as far as marriage
goes, I am but a boy still. We consider it young enough, if we take
a wife at five and twenty; and I lack six years of that, yet."
"You are a man," Cacama said gravely. "You are a man in size and
strength, and a man in courage; as you well showed, the other day,
when you were attacked by numbers of our best soldiers. You are
thoughtful and prudent. Years go for nothing. You are a man, and
even in years you are not, according to our customs, too young to
marry.
"Now, tell me--we have heard much of that bad business at
Cholula--tell me, do you think that there was treachery on the part
of the people, or was it a mere pretext of the Spaniards to fall
upon the inhabitants, and sack the town?"
"I am sure that treachery was intended," Roger said. "We learned it
from three people, a lady and two priests; and the Cholula nobles,
themselves, when taxed by Cortez with their intention to fall upon
us, admitted that the accusation was true. Besides, the whole
people were under arms and ready to attack, and poured out under
their leaders to the assault, the moment the first gun told that
their intentions were discovered. No, there is no doubt, whatever,
that a general destruction of the white men was intended; and
although the punishment inflicted was terrible, I cannot say that
it was not justified, under the circumstances.
"Moreover, we knew that there was a Mexican army, lying but a short
distance away, in readiness to enter the town and join in the
attack against us."
"It was a terrible error, as well as a crime on the part of the
emperor, if it be true that he was concerned in it," Cacama said.
"If so, he took no one here into his counsel, but acted wholly on
the advice of the priests."
"That is where the general considers the danger lies. He would
trust the caziques, for men of rank in whatever country are
faithful to their word, and do not pretend friendship when they
mean hostility. Were Montezuma guided by them, there would be no
fear of treachery; but as he has given himself to the priests, and
they can, by means of the oracles, persuade him to almost anything,
Cortez feels that the danger is great."
"Well now, we had better to rest," Cacama said, rising. "You are to
start with the first streak of light, so as to be back before the
sun is high, and it is long past midnight now.
"Cuitcatl, it would, I think, be well for you to accompany our
friend. A rumor may have got abroad that he is again our guest, and
those who longed for his blood, before, may long for it again. I
would not that he should cross the lake unattended."
"I was about to propose doing so," the young noble said. "I know
the priests, and can guess that, at present, a white victim is what
they most of all desire. Therefore, I will certainly accompany him
to Mexico."
Roger and his Mexican friend were taken across the lake in a canoe,
rowed by four strong men. It was one of the private canoes of the
palace, without the royal insignia; used for the conveyance of
messengers, and built for speed. She took them across to the
capital in a very short time and, entering one of the canals,
landed them close to the palace occupied by the Spaniards.
The sentry at the gate was surprised at the height of the young
Aztec chief who approached, and did not recognize him until he
spoke. Even then he would not let him pass, until he called an
officer.
"I have been absent by the order of the general," Roger said.
"I have no doubt it is all right," the officer replied, "but I must
take you to him."
Cortez had only just risen, for the hour was still very early, and
the sun was but now showing himself over the mountains to the east.
He was taking a cup of chocolate.
"That is all right," he said to the officer, as soon as he saw
Roger. "Sancho has been absent upon my orders."
He then called Malinche from an adjoining room.
"You are back earlier than I expected," he said, as soon as the
interpreter entered. "Have you any serious news?"
"No, General. Cacama is himself friendly. He is unaware of any
treacherous designs on the part of the emperor, but admits that the
situation is a critical one, and that it is possible the influence
of the priests may again induce Montezuma to take a hostile
action."
"Do you think we could count upon him as an ally?"
"I think not, sir; although I have not as yet sounded him. Cacama
has been very badly treated by Montezuma, and he by no means
approves of the emperor's conduct throughout this matter, but I
think that his patriotism would overcome his sense of private
wrong. I can tell you more farther on. Cacama has invited me to
stay with him, for the present, and I think I might be of more use
to you there than here."
"I think so, too," Cortez said; "and indeed, you have not yet
entered my band regularly, like the rest. It is right that you
should have freedom of action, especially as you are the only man
among us who knows anything of the Mexicans; for even Marina knows
nothing of this side of the mountains."
"Don't you think that you will run great risk in staying there
alone?" Marina asked, on her own account.
"Some danger, no doubt, Malinche; but I shall be on my guard, and
Cacama will take precautions for my safety. Even the priests would
not venture to seize me in his palace, and the Tezcucans are far
less bigoted than the people of this city."
"I do not think he will be in much greater danger there than he
would be here," Cortez said, when these remarks were translated to
him. "We are all in danger. We are sitting on a mine that may
explode any minute. The young fellow is sharp witted, and with his
knowledge of the language and the people can be trusted to take
care of himself.
"Sancho, if anything should happen to us, and you should hear that
we have been destroyed, I charge you to carry the news to the
coast, and to order in my name that all shall embark on board ship
and sail to Cuba. It would be useless to try to maintain a foothold
here. Spain would avenge it, and with ampler means than mine carry
out the conquest of this country."
A few minutes later, Roger, having said goodbye to Juan and Pedro,
and told them that he might be absent for some time, started to
Tezcuco. They had scarcely left the town, when a canoe with six
rowers issued from one of the canals and followed in their wake.
"See, they are after us!" Cuitcatl said, looking back. "Doubtless
the Spanish quarters are closely watched, to see who enter and
leave them; and the news that a tall young noble had entered was
carried at once to the authorities, and the boat was got in
readiness to follow when you left, and see who you were and where
you were going. However, they will not overhaul us. I bade the
officer in charge of the canoes last night to pick me out four of
his best men, and in so light a boat we shall travel as fast as
that behind us, although they have two extra hands."
"Yes, and they have four sitters," Roger said, looking back.
"No doubt they had orders to arrest you, and bring you back. They
did not reckon on our speed. The two extra men destroy their
chances of coming up to us, altogether.
"Row hard, men. I don't want that boat to overtake us."
The paddlers redoubled their exertions, and the light boat almost
flew along over the water. For a few minutes those in the canoe
behind also did their utmost; but it was plain that they were
falling behind, rather than gaining. Then one of the officials
stood up, and shouted an order for them to stop. They were some
distance behind, but the words could be plainly heard.
The Tezcucans looked scared as they heard the words, "In the name
of the Emperor."
"Never mind them," Cuitcatl said. "We are acting under the orders
of our king. Besides, we are so far away that they cannot be sure
their words are heard. If they have any complaint to make they can
make it to Cacama, and he will answer them."
The boat was soon out of hearing of its pursuer, who fell farther
and farther behind, and was a good mile away when they landed at
Tezcuco.
"Run the boat up and lay her by the side of the others," Cuitcatl
said to the rowers. "Then go at once to your homes, and say naught
to anyone about the journey you have made. The officials will find
out what they want to know as to whom we are, and will care nothing
as to who were the individual boatmen who rowed us. Still, it is as
well to keep silent.
"Of course, Roger," for the lad had asked him to drop the second
part of his name, "it will soon be known that you have returned
here. With such numbers of persons in the palace, it cannot be
hidden; besides, you are well known, by sight, to most people in
the town."
"I quite see that, Cuitcatl, and perceive no good in trying in any
way to conceal myself. These long legs of mine cannot be got rid
of, and tell their story too plainly. However, it makes no
difference. I shall be safe in the palace, and shall only go abroad
in the daytime. They will not venture to try to carry off, openly,
one known to be under Cacama's protection."
Cacama, on their return, agreed with Roger that it was of no use to
try to conceal his identity; and the lad, after washing the stains
from his face and hands, took his accustomed place at the banquet,
and was greeted by many of his former acquaintances.
After the meal Cacama told him that, having heard from Bathalda of
the wonderful shooting he had made with his great bow, he was
desirous of seeing it; and that by his orders the forester, who had
been sent for the evening before by Cuitcatl, had been directing
some of the artisans to manufacture a weapon of similar strength.
"We will go and see how it is getting on," he said.
Proceeding to the workshops attached to the palace, they found that
the bow was finished. It was constructed of a very tough, but
elastic, wood. Three slips of this had been placed together and
bound with sinews. Bathalda ran forward when he saw Roger, and
taking his hand carried it to his forehead. Roger shook the stout
fellow's hand, heartily.
"He is a brave fellow," he said to Cuitcatl, who had accompanied
them, "and fought manfully and well. Had he not guarded my back
during the fight, I should not be here to tell the tale, now."
"We have made the bow according to our instructions," the head of
the artisans said respectfully to the king; "but it does not seem
to us possible that anyone can use it. Three of us have tried
together to string it, but in vain."
"It is a good bow," Roger said, examining it.
"Do they shoot with weapons like that, over there?" Cacama asked,
nodding in the direction of Mexico.
"No," Roger said, "for the most part they use crossbows, and their
bows are much smaller than this. The English are the only people
who use bows like this. They are our national weapons, and outside
our island there are few, indeed, who can even bend them. As to the
stringing, it is knack rather than strength. See here," and taking
the bow, which was just his own height, he placed his knee against
it, bent it and slipped the string into the notch, with ease. Then
holding it at arms length, he drew it till the string touched his
ear.
"It is a great deal stiffer than that I made before, Bathalda; and
is about the strength of those we use at home. Now for the arrows."
These had been made by another set of men, and were an inch or two
over a yard in length, with copper tips.
While he was examining them Cacama had taken up the bow, but though
a strong and vigorous man for his race, he could bend it but a very
short distance.
"It is a wonderful weapon," he said, "and I should not have thought
that mortal man, whatever his color, could have used it. Now, let
us go down into the practice yard.
"Cuitcatl, do you fetch the queen and her ladies, to look on."
"I am no great marksman, Prince," Roger said. "I am perhaps
somewhat better than an average shot, but I have seen marksmen who
could do feats that I would not even attempt."
They descended to the piece of ground, where many of the young
nobles were engaged in shooting, and in practice with arms. Roger
had often been there before, but had carefully abstained from
taking any part in the mimic contests; for he knew that men who are
beaten sometimes feel malice, and he was anxious to keep on the
best terms with all. Cuitcatl had often urged him to try a bout
with himself, or others, with the sword; but this, too, he had
always declined, and his friend had supposed that he was aware his
skill was by no means equal to his strength. But now the Spaniards
had proved to the Mexicans the fighting powers of white men, Roger
had no longer any reasons for hanging back.
As soon as he was seen approaching with Cacama, the Mexicans
abandoned their sport, and gathered round. The story of the defeat
of a band of Montezuma's soldiers by the white man had been
whispered abroad, and Cuitcatl had mentioned to his friends what he
had heard, from Bathalda, of the mighty bow Roger had used; but
when they saw the weapon with which he was now provided, their
wonder was to a large extent mingled with incredulity. They passed
it from hand to hand, tried but in vain to bend it, and murmured
among themselves that the thing was impossible.
"What will you have for your mark," Cacama asked.
"One of these targets will do well enough," he said, pointing to
those at which the Mexicans had been shooting.
These were boards about five feet six in height, and some fourteen
inches in width, presenting the size of a man. They were painted
white and supported by a leg hinged behind them. The distance at
which the Mexicans had been shooting was about forty yards.
Roger stepped a hundred from one of them, and made a mark upon the
ground.
"An English archer would laugh at a target like that," he said to
Cacama, "but it is nigh three years since I practiced. I have seen
men who could with certainty, at this distance, hit a bird the size
of a pigeon sitting on the top of that target, twenty times in
succession, and think it by no means extraordinary shooting."
The queen and some of her ladies now appeared upon a terrace
looking down into the courtyard. Roger took the bow, fitted an
arrow to the string, and drew it to his ear--a murmur of
astonishment rising from the Aztecs. There was a pause for a
moment, and then the arrow sped. There was a sharp tap as it struck
the target, and stood quivering in it just in the center line about
four feet from the ground.
"The bow is an excellent one," Roger said, and quickly discharged
two more arrows, both of which struck within two or three inches of
the first. As it was the power of the bow, rather than his own
shooting, that Roger wished to exhibit, he now had the target
removed a hundred yards farther back, and others placed one on each
side of it. At this distance he discharged three more arrows,
shooting more carefully than before. All three struck the boards,
although at varying heights; and a shout of surprise arose from the
lookers on.
"How far will it carry?" Cacama asked.
"It might carry another hundred yards, but the aim cannot be
depended upon at over two hundred yards, even by good shots," Roger
said. "Of course, the longer ranges are useful for firing at a body
of men. I should say that large tree would be about the extreme
range. If you will send two men down to it, I will see whether I
can shoot as far. We should not see the arrow from here. Will you
tell them to stand one on each side of the tree, but well away from
it? There is no saying where the arrow may go, at this distance."
When two of the attendants had taken their places, twenty or thirty
yards from the tree, Roger drew the bow to the fullest and, giving
to the arrow the elevation he had been taught, as most suitable for
an extreme range, unloosed the string. The arrow, which was of dark
wood, glanced through the air. The eye could follow it only a short
distance. No sound was heard this time, but in a few seconds the
Mexicans were seen running towards the tree.
"Do not touch the arrow," Cacama shouted; and then, followed by the
crowd, for the numbers had greatly increased, as the news of what
was going on had spread through the palace, he walked forward to
the tree.
The massive stem was more than four feet in diameter, and within a
few inches of the center, and at a height of three feet from the
ground, the arrow was sticking. The Mexicans were silent with
astonishment, mingled with a certain amount of awe, for shooting
like this seemed to them to be supernatural.
"And you said you were not a good shot!" the king said.
"It was a pure accident," Roger asserted. "I might shoot twenty
arrows, and not hit the tree again. I had not the least idea that I
should do so. I only wished to show you how far a well-made bow
would send an arrow, when drawn by an Englishman."
Cacama ordered the arrow to be left in the tree, and a large stone
to be placed at the spot from which Roger had fired.
"They shall remain," he said, "as a memento of this shot. I will
introduce, among my people, the custom which you say prevails in
your country; and every child shall be bound to practice, daily,
with bows and arrows. I do not think that any of our race will ever
come to use such a weapon as that, but they may at least learn to
bend bows greatly stronger than those we are accustomed to use."
"They will doubtless do so," Roger said. "It is a matter of
practice, and of strengthening certain muscles of the right arm;
for a man far stronger than I am would be unable to bend that bow,
had he not been trained to its use from the earliest age.
"I should recommend, Prince, that you not only give the order you
have spoken of, but institute a monthly gathering, with prizes for
skill, and honors to the best marksmen. In this way all would take
an interest in the sport, and it would become as popular, among
your youth, as it is with us."
Again Roger's bow was passed round. It had seemed to bend so
easily, in his hands, that those who had not tried it before could
scarce credit its strength, until they had handled it; but even the
most powerful men found that they could only draw the arrow a few
inches.
As they walked towards the terrace, upon which the queen and her
ladies were standing, Cuitcatl said:
"I had intended to ask you, Roger, to try a bout of sword play with
some of us; but I will not do so now. After what we have seen of
the strength of your arm, I should be sorry, indeed, to stand up
against you, even with blunted weapons or with sticks; for there
would be no resisting a downright blow. The news came to us of the
terrible blows struck by the Spaniards, and how they clove through
sword, helmet, and head. I scarce credited them before, but now I
can well believe them to be true."
"Well, Maclutha," Cacama said; "what think you of what you have
seen? No wonder those who met with the white men, in battle, said
that they had supernatural strength; and that even the sturdy
Tlascalans could not resist them. We will have the bow hung up in
the armory, with a great gold chain; which shall be the reward of
the first man who can, like our friend, draw the arrow to the
head."
"It is wonderful," the queen said; "and it would be well indeed if,
as you say, the youth of Tezcuco could shoot like that."
Amenche said nothing, but her cheeks were flushed with excitement
and pleasure.
That evening, when Cacama was conversing alone with Roger, he said:
"My friend, you know that the Tlascalan caziques have given their
daughters as wives to some of the Spaniards. I was talking to you
of marriage, last night, and what you said about your age was
ridiculous. You are a man, and a warrior. I now offer you the hand
of my sister Amenche. She loves you, as Maclutha and I have seen
for some time. From what you said, I gather that your religion
would not regard the ceremony as binding, did she not accept your
God; but I do not think she would raise any objection on that
score, seeing, as we all do, that your God has proved more powerful
than ours."
Roger was struck with astonishment at the offer. He had regarded
marriage as a matter not to be thought of, for many years; and
until lately he would have said that, if he ever did marry, it
would be the little cousin who had, three years before, said
goodbye to him at Plymouth. But of late he had felt the charm of
this beautiful little princess; and since the night when she had
come down to say farewell to him, in the garden, and he had felt
her hand tremble in his, and had seen a tear glisten on her cheek
in the moonlight, he had thought a good deal of her.
The chances of his ever returning to England were comparatively
slight. Dangers of all kinds surrounded him. The Spaniards might be
attacked and massacred at any moment, and if so, he would probably
share their fate. If, however, he was married to this Mexican
princess, and a brother-in-law of the King of Tezcuco, he would be
regarded as one of the people. His position would be a high and
honorable one, and although his life would be far different from
that to which he had hitherto looked forward, it might be a very
happy one.
He sat in silence for two or three minutes after Cacama had ceased
speaking, and then said:
"Forgive me, Prince, for not responding, at once, to an offer so
far above my deserts, and of the honor of which I am most deeply
sensible. There could be no greater happiness, for a man, than to
be the husband of one so fair, and in every way charming, as the
Princess Amenche; but your offer came upon me altogether as a
surprise. As I have told you, I have hitherto regarded myself as
still a lad, and marriage as an event not to be thought of for
years; but as you do not regard my youth as an objection, there is
no reason why I should do so.
"It is of the future that I rather think. It seems to me, now, that
I could be content to settle down for life here, with so charming a
wife; but I cannot say that I might always be of that mind. The
love of country is strong in every man, and the time might come
when, if opportunity offered, I might long to return home to
England."
"That I have talked over with the queen, and with Amenche,
herself," Cacama said. "My sister naturally would be sorry to leave
her own country, but if the time came that you should wish to
return home, she would not hesitate to make the sacrifice, and to
accompany you. A Mexican woman, when she loves, is ready to give up
everything."
For a moment Roger turned the matter rapidly over in his mind, and
saw that, even were he disposed to refuse Amenche's hand, which
indeed he was not, it would be almost impossible for him to do so.
It would be a deep offense to this friendly prince. It would be a
cruel blow to the girl, who had confessed her devotion for him. As
to Dorothy, she would have deemed him dead years ago; and should he
ever return, he would find that she had long since been married;
for the daughters of the wealthy merchant, Diggory Beggs, would not
want for suitors.
He held out his hand to the prince.
"I accept most gratefully your offer, Cacama, and promise that, so
far as in me lies, I will do my best to render your sister happy,
and to prove myself worthy of her choice."
"I am heartily glad," the prince said warmly. "I love my sister,
and I have watched you closely. I believe you to be worthy of her,
and I am sure that in you I shall find, not only a friend and a
brother, but a wise counselor and a valiant leader of my troops;
and that, with your advice, I shall be able to advance my people in
the arts of peace as well as war, and perhaps to win back my
father's possessions.
"As to the question of religion, of which you spoke, there is
indeed no difficulty. My grandfather, the great Nezahualcoyotl, the
wisest and most powerful of our monarchs, did not believe in the
Aztec gods. He built a great temple which he dedicated to the
Unknown God. Here he worshiped, himself, and did his utmost to
induce his subjects to abandon the cruel worship of the Aztec gods.
He forbade all sacrifices, even of animals, and permitted only
flowers and sweet-scented perfumes to be offered up on the altars.
When, after his death, the Aztec power increased, and that of
Tezcuco diminished, the people again embraced the cruel faith of
the Aztecs. Neither my father nor myself have been strong enough to
set ourselves against the priests; but he, as well as I, believed
that my grandfather was right, and that the Unknown God is the
ruler of the world. My sister has of course, been educated by the
priests; but she knows my father's opinions, and my own. She has a
horror of the human sacrifices, and believes that there must be a
greater and better God than those who are said to delight in blood.
So you need not fear that she will make any difficulty as to
accepting what you tell her of the white man's God.
"Now I will fetch her in to you. I think it will be better to allow
a short time to pass, and to see how matters go in Mexico, before
announcing to others your approaching marriage. If any misfortune
should happen to the Spaniards, I should at once publish the news,
and have the ceremony performed without loss of time; proclaiming
to the people that, although white, you are not of the same race as
the Spaniards. If matters go on well, Montezuma himself will
doubtless be present at his niece's marriage; and I shall, of
course, invite Malinzin and all his officers."
The prince left the room, and in a few minutes returned with his
wife, the latter leading Amenche by the hand.
"My friend, Roger Hawkshaw," the young king said, gravely; "I
hereby promise to bestow upon you the hand of my sister Amenche.
May you find in her a good, loving, and obedient wife."
"I, on my part," Roger said, taking the girl's hand, which the
queen held out to him, "promise to be a true and loving husband to
her."
The girl, who had not raised her eyes since she entered the room,
looked up at the tall figure with an expression of perfect
confidence.
"I will be true and obedient," she said softly; "and will love you
all my life."
"What do you do next, in your country?" Cacama asked, with a smile.
"This is how an engagement is sealed, with us," Roger said; and
drawing the girl up to him, he stooped and kissed her lips.
Three days later, as Roger was sitting with Cuitcatl, an attendant
entered and said that the king wished to see them, immediately.
They hastened to the royal apartment. Cacama was walking up and
down, with an angry frown upon his face; while the queen and
princess were sitting on the couch, pale and agitated.
"Strange news has come from Mexico," Cacama said. "The white men
have seized Montezuma, and are holding him prisoner in their
quarters. Did anyone ever hear of such an outrage? Mexico is in a
state of consternation, but at present none know what to do."
"It seems incredible," Roger exclaimed. "Are you sure of your
news?"
"Quite certain," the prince replied.
The news was indeed true. Cortez had found his position unbearable.
He believed that the attack upon the Spaniards, on the coast, as
well as the meditated treachery at Cholula, were the outcome of the
emperor's orders. His native allies had heard rumors, in the town,
that the bridges across the canals were all to be raised; in which
case the Spaniards would be prisoners in their palace. He was in
the Mexican capital, but he had as yet effected nothing towards the
conquest of the country. At any moment he might hear of the landing
of an expedition from Cuba, that his authority was revoked, and
that another was to reap the benefit of all he had done.
He therefore called a council of his most trusted officers, and
discussed the situation with them. All agreed that some step must,
at once, be taken. Some were in favor of starting that night, and
making their way out of the city before a sufficient force could be
collected to oppose their retreat; while others were of opinion
that it were better to retire openly, with the consent of
Montezuma, whose conduct since they had reached the city appeared
to be most friendly.
Cortez pointed out that both these methods would be retreats, and
the whole country would probably rise against them. Moreover, even
if they reached the coast, they would have sacrificed all they had
won by their valor and sufferings. He proposed a measure which
astonished even his boldest companions; namely, that they should go
to the royal palace, and bring the emperor--by persuasion if
possible, by force if necessary--to their quarters, and there hold
him as a hostage for their safety.
The proposal was agreed to, and on the following morning Cortez
asked for an interview with the emperor, which was at once granted.
He proceeded to the palace with his principal officers, ordering
the soldiers to follow in groups of twos and threes, so as not to
attract particular attention.
Montezuma began to converse with his usual courtesy, but Cortez
roughly cut him short, and charged him with being the author of the
attack upon the garrison at the port. Montezuma indignantly denied
this, and said that he would send at once, and arrest the author of
the attack. Cortez replied that it was necessary, for their safety,
that Montezuma should come and reside among them.
The emperor was thunderstruck at the proposal; but the soldiers
crowded in, loud and threatening words were used, and Montezuma, in
fear of his life, gave way. Had he possessed any of the courage
with which he was credited, in his youth, he would have called his
guards and nobles around him, and died fighting. Having once given
in, he assumed the air of having done so voluntarily, and ordered
his litter to be brought.
In the meantime his attendants, and the nobles who had been
present, had spread the news through the city. The Mexicans,
catching up their arms, ran to the rescue of their monarch; but the
Spaniards closed round the litter and, had a blow been struck, the
emperor would doubtless have been murdered. Montezuma exhorted the
people to be tranquil, assuring them that he was going willingly;
and the Mexicans, accustomed to implicit obedience, and fearing
that harm would come to the emperor if a struggle began, drew back
and allowed the Spaniards to pass; and Montezuma was conveyed, a
prisoner, into the palace occupied by the Spaniards.
The act was one of almost unparalleled boldness; but as performed
upon a monarch who was the host of his assailants, and with whom
they were previously on the most friendly relations, it was an act
of treachery, and reflects dishonor upon the fame of Cortez. At the
same time, the position occupied by the Spaniards was so strange,
and even desperate, as to palliate, though it cannot excuse, such a
course of action.
There is no reason to believe that Montezuma intended to act
treacherously. But he was under the domination of the priests, and
had he again changed his mind, as he had already several times
done, nothing could have saved the Spaniards from absolute
destruction. No honorable man would have acted as Cortez did; but
Cortez was a rough soldier, and moreover, firmly held the doctrine,
at that time and long afterwards held by the Spaniards in their
dealing with those of other religions, that faith need not be kept
with heretics and heathen.