Page:The Mastering of Mexico.djvu/161

Rh they rejoiced, for we were both brave and good. At this account we were all astonished and said to one another, "Can what they tell us be true?" But at once our captain answered, "We do indeed come from the rising of the sun, and our master, the king, has purposely sent us to become your brothers. May God give us grace to save you from eternal death." To which we all answered, "Amen."

At last one morning we broke quarters and marched for Cholula, on guard and in best possible order, as whenever we thought attacks possible. But envoys from the caciques of Cholula met and bade us welcome to their territory, and within a short distance of the town the caciques, papas and a number of Indians came out to meet us. When we made our entry the people crowded the streets and housetops to gaze on us. And who can wonder? Never had they seen men like ourselves, nor any horses. We marched to our quarters, in which we found plenty of room, and to which they at once brought us abundance of good food. The city lay in a plain, a land bearing maize and vegetables and the maguey from which the people ferment a wine. And they also make a very good pottery of white, black and red clay, and supply all Mexico and its provinces.

They certainly meant well and honestly the splendid reception they gave us. All seemed in profound peace, and they furnished regular and plentiful