Page:Vol 6 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/323

303 On the way to the Cerro Lopez overtook them, this time alone and still unsuspected. He entreated Maximilian to hide himself in a certain house, where his safety would be assured. "I do not hide," was his answer. He even refused to mount the horse which Lopez sent up soon after, saying that as his companions had to walk, so would he. During this slow progress they again came face to face with republican troops, which turned aside as they saw him, allowing the party to reach the Cerro.

Owing to the energy of Lopez, republican troops had been placed in the centre of the town; and now with daybreak the yet remaining unmelted bells joined in the triumph signals of the camps around. Yet the surrender passed not everywhere so smoothly as at the convent. Several bodies managed to fall in line for skirmishing, and the report of fire-arms could be heard in different parts. But taken in flank and rear, the isolated companies had to yield one after another to overwhelming numbers. Many thought the arrival of reinforcements from Marquez was the cause of the tumult and demonstration.

And now the besiegers concentrated round the Cerro de la Campana, upon which the batteries opened fire. "Oh for a friendly bullet!" exclaimed Maximilian as he beheld the darkening prospect. The absence of Miramon increased the anxiety; nor did it abate when news came that the latter had been overcome in an encounter and wounded. To hold the Cerro much longer was impossible. Turning to Mejía the emperor