Page:The Mastering of Mexico.djvu/223

Rh When Montezuma heard the yachts were launched, he sent word to Cortes that he wanted to go hunting on an island where he had a game preserve. In that place no one but Montezuma, not even a cacique, dared hunt. Cortes answered that there were no objections to the monarch's going, but if his warriors and priests formed any plan of seizing him, his life would be in danger, and that he should go in our yachts or sloops, which were swifter and safer than canoes. This offer vastly pleased Montezuma and he went on board with a large suite, Cortes ordering four officers and two hundred of our troops to accompany him and watch narrowly the person of the monarch. That day there was a stiff breeze blowing and we were able to work the sails so well that the boats went flying across the lake. Royal huntsmen followed in canoes which, notwithstanding numbers of rowers, could not keep up with us but fell far behind. This greatly amused Montezuma and he said it showed great skill, our combining of the power of sails and oars. At the island Montezuma made vast slaughter of deer, hares and rabbits and returned quite contented. As we neared the city our officers ordered the cannon fired, and this gave the monarch new pleasure. Indeed we found him so open and frank that we had genuine pleasure in treating him with the respect in which he was held by his own people.