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154 hope of conquering Mexico as this story of a house divided against itself. He had modern experience, as well as scriptural authority, for believing that in this condition of things Montezuma's power could be overthrown. But he was politic enough to conceal his design of conquest under the veil of religion. He explained at length and very earnestly that he had come to Mexico on

a missionary errand; he wished to set up among the people the true religion and to abolish human sacrifice. On his way to Cempoalla he had passed a temple where bloody human offerings had just been made, and the indignation of the soldiers over the dreadful sight thus presented was still burning; and had the general followed their advice, it is probable that these priestly butchers of the tribe would never have taken knife in hand again.

After enjoying Cempoallan hospitality for a few days the army took up the line of march to their new encampment, near the site of their proposed city. This was on