Page:Vol 2 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/82

62 religious ceremonies at the temple in the town, a pyramidal structure some sixty steps high, dedicated to Piltzinteolli, the 'child god,' to whom sacrifice was offered in simple fruit and flowers. The army was lodged in the palace and its gardens, and welcomed by as many women as there were Spaniards. This thoughtful consideration on the part of the queen was not appreciated, for Francisco, after beholding the women, sent them back, and enjoined his men to observe good conduct. Assisted by a young neophyte from Father Gante's school, he thereupon sought to convert the queen, who professed great interest. Whether she was actually converted is not clear, but she certainly tendered an offer of allegiance.

Francisco Cortés did not find so much gold as he had expected, and although the provinces of Centizpac and Acaponeta, to the north of Tololotlan River, were reported rich, he resolved to return along the coast. After two days' march southward, he came upon an army of some twenty thousand warriors drawn up in battle-array, their bows adorned with little flags of cotton of different colors, though chiefly purple, a dye obtained from a shell-fish left by the retiring tide on the rocks. This appearance caused the Spaniards to name the locality Valle de Banderas.