Page:Vol 2 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/373

Rh back by missiles. When the army came in sight, however, the natives retreated toward the mountains, the cavalry pursuing and capturing a number. The torch was now applied to the deserted town, and detachments were sent to explore and conquer the neighboring districts. One band under Chirinos, sent to Teul, passed through an ancient city, with many large buildings similar to those found in Mexico by the first Spaniards, but returning to Nochistlan the accompanying natives burned the relics. Another successful expedition was made under Verdugo in the direction of Xalpan; within a few days the lords of that region appeared in the camp, tendering their submission, and delivering some Idols, which were immediately destroyed.

The people in Nochistlan, though fugitives, had not abandoned all thoughts of resistance; and when one day a body of about five hundred came to the deserted town in search of provisions, they attacked and killed a number of Aztecs and Tlascaltecs and pursued the remainder to their camp. Immediately some Spaniards, and later Guzman himself, mounted and went to.the rescue, but night having set in, the enemy retreated in safety to the peñol. Next morning, at the head of a division, Oñate started in search of the fugitives, and was followed a few hours later by Guzman. During the day various encounters took place; the enemy were in all cases put to flight, though several horses were wounded. The army remained here about a month, celebrating holy week ina small church hastily erected. Soon after easter, having previously taken possession in the name of the crown, the march was resumed, and after three or four days they reached