Page:Vol 1 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/592

472 other high personages. The sick were to be carried in hammocks and behind riders.

It is the evening of the 30th of June. Fiery copper has been the sky that day; the sun blood-red and moon-like, turning day to night, when night is so soon to be employed as day. As the hour approaches, a fog sets in, which thickens into mist and denser moisture until, to favor the Spaniards, providence turns it to a drizzling rain, thus to veil their movements, and make substantial the silence of the city, the lake, the distant wood; and thereupon all join fervently in the prayer of Father Olmedo and commend their lives to almighty God.

About midnight the order is given to march. Stealthily they creep down the temple square and