Page:Vol 2 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/648

628 merits of the case to know that Martin was convalescing from serious illness. "I have spoken the truth, and have nothing further to add," Martin said, as they stripped him and laid him on the rack. Being again urged to speak the truth, he replied, "It is spoken." The executioners then proceeded to bind with cords the fleshy parts of the arms, thighs, calves, and large toes, and gradually to tighten them all at once. "Speak the truth," they said. "It is spoken," was ever the reply. Six times they poured a quart of water down his throat, demanding each time a truthful declaration. With wonderful firmness the poor fellow held to his first position. "Kill me if you will, I can tell you nothing more." And the judges at last believed him, and allowed a little rest, intending to continue after the sufferer should have recovered sufficient strength. Strange that in any age men in the possession of common reason could hope by such means to arrive at the truth! But after all, in the affairs of men there is a happy compensation. Martin's mother is sold into slavery; Martin's father tortures the Indians; Martin himself enslaves and tortures ad libitum; Muñoz imprisons and tortures Martin; death and the devil seize and torture Muñoz.

It was not convenient to torture Martin further. Eighteen days afterwards he was sentenced to exile for life from all the Indies, and from within five leagues of the court of Spain, and to pay a fine of five hundred gold ducats. Others were exiled; some from New Spain, some from the city of Mexico, and all must pay money into the king's treasury.