Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/591

Rh found in no other region upon that coast. When the Spaniards under Pizarro invaded that province in 1531, besides an abundance of gold and silver, they collected large quantities of this gem, some of them as large as pigeons' eggs. It is said that the rude soldiers, not knowing the value of this beautiful stone, broke them in pieces in order to test their value, as they had been informed by one of the missionary friars that the emerald was harder than steel and could not be broken, and by this means alone could their genuineness be proved.

Proceeding southward and penetrating the interior, the Spaniards seized the ruler of the realm. Not long after his capture the inca offered such a ransom as never prince or potentate dared promise before. "I will cover this floor with gold," said he to Pizarro, "if you will let me go." Then perceiving looks of incredulity, which seemed to treat his offer as the insane boast of an exasperated captive, "Nay," said he, "I will fill the room with gold as high as you can reach," and stepping to the wall he made a mark nine feet from the floor. "And if that is not enough, yonder room," he exclaimed, pointing to a smaller apartment adjoining, "that room shall be twice filled with silver if you will grant me my liberty." The gold was not to be melted down, but was to retain its fabricated form, and two months were allowed for the fulfilment of the agreement. Francisco Pizarro readily accepted the offer, gave a promise of release before a notary,