Page:The Mastering of Mexico.djvu/33

Rh way down to their knees. To each we gave a string of green glass beads, and also bacon and cassava bread to eat, and after they had minutely examined our vessel the chief told us by signs that he would now return to his canoe, but would bring more canoes the next day and take us ashore.

Early next day twelve canoes did come to us. By every suggestion of friendliness the chief signified to our captain that we should go ashore, and should come to his town, where he would give us plenty of whatever we wanted to eat. The town, we could see, was a sizable place about six miles inland, and when our captain consulted us about this friendly invitation, we resolved to lower our boats, take with us our smallest ship, and so proceed in company with the twelve canoes.

In this manner we came safely to shore, but when the cacique saw us landed, and showing no intention of going to his town, he again signed to our captain for us to follow him, making at the same time demonstrations of good-will. A second time we consulted whether we should follow or not, and most of us were of the opinion that we should, but should take every precaution.

In close order, with our arms ready for action, we began our march, the cacique coming on with crowds of Indians who had trooped down to the shore. But suddenly the chief raised his voice and