Page:The Mastering of Mexico.djvu/239

Rh stayed behind in Vera Cruz, and the value of the horse of Cortes that had died, and the value of the mare of Sedeno which the Tlaxcalans had killed. Then for the two priests, the officers, and those who brought horses there must be double shares, and also for the musketeers and crossbowmen the same. So the nibbling went on till very little remained to each soldier as a share, and the share itself was such a trifle that many would not take it and it fell to Cortes. We could do nothing but hold our tongues. What would it have availed to ask justice? Some soldiers took their shares rated at one hundred dollars, and then made such a noise that Cortes secretly bribed them with presents and smooth speeches. A number had their purses so full that it was not long before trinkets and bars of gold were in open circulation; and heavy gambling began after Pedro Valenciano cut out and painted some playing cards from parchment, or drum skins. Many of the officers employed Montezuma's goldsmiths to work out for their wear heavy gold chains, and Cortes had made among other things a great dinner service of plate.

One single instance will show the feeling the unfair division of the gold roused in our men. Among us was a seaman named Cardenas, who had left in Spain, while he was out seeking their livelihood, a wife and children in great want. Cardenas had seen