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304 was a mark of great favor. Cortés sought to decline for himself the favor, on the ground that he could not marry. Montezuma nevertheless insisted, and he yielded not unwillingly.

Assuming a serious tone, the latter now produced the letter from Villa Rica, and informed the emperor that he had received an account of the outrageous conduct of Quauhpopoca, resulting in the death of some of his men, and that he, the sovereign, had been accused of being the instigator. Montezuma gave an indignant denial, and Cortés hastened to assure him that he believed the charge to be false, but as commander of a party he had to account for the men to his king, and must ascertain the truth. In this Montezunma said he would aid him; and calling a trusted officer, he gave him a bracelet from his wrist bearing the imperial signet — a precious stone graven with his likeness — bidding him to bring Quauhpopoca and his accomplices, by force, if necessary. Cortés expressed himself pleased, but added that, in order to cover his responsibility as commnmander, and to convince his men