Page:Vol 2 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/460

440 was probably the invention of some more ingenious brain. Tying a hungry dog to the tongue of a large bell suspended from the limb of a tree, they placed food above the animal, but out of reach. Then they made a sally, which was but a feint, in order to reconnoitre the enemy's camp, and draw them off from their pathway of escape. All being ready they crept stealthily forth under cover of the night, leaving the dog to ring deception regarding their watchful presence. Thus some hours were gained, and when the enemy discovered the trick and a number pursued, they dared not openly attack.

Reaching the town of Silan, in the territory of the Cheles, a friendly people, they remained in that neighborhood for several months, and thence made their way to Salamanca, where they arrived some time in 1532, and were soon afterward rejoined by Ávila and all that was left of his command.

Once more Montejo displays his unfitness for