gold which they have been carrying on, because we have great prospects before as of acquiring much wealth.  I have now proclaimed the regulations which you have demanded; and we shall see in future how the soldiers will be able to procure food.”  Soon afterwards we found that all the Mexicans had quitted our neighbourhood without taking leave, which we learned in the sequel had been done by orders from Montezuma, who had resolved to allow of no farther intercourse between us and his empire.  This sovereign was extremely bigotted to the idolatrous worship, established in his dominions, sacrificing boys every day to his false gods, that they might direct his proceedings.  The priests accordingly pretended, that the gods had prohibited the reception of the cross into Mexico, and had forbidden any farther intercourse with the Spaniards.  This gave occasion to the removal of Quitlalpitoc and his attendants, on which we deemed it necessary to prepare against approaching hostilities, all our remaining provisions being removed to the ships for security, and the utmost vigilance enjoined in the camp in case of any sudden attack.

While in this state of uncertainty and alarm, I and another soldier happened one day to be standing on guard on the sands at some distance from the camp, when we observed five natives approaching towards us.  As they were so few, we did not choose to occasion any unnecessary alarm, and allowed them to draw near.  They saluted us in a friendly manner, and desired by signs to be conducted to our general.  Leaving my comrade at the outpost, I attended them to the camp, being then young and active, though now old and worn down with fatigues.  These Indians were very different in their appearance from the Mexicans, and spoke a different language called the Totanaquean.  They wore large rings of stone painted blue in their ears, and had some fine leaves of gold depending from their lips.  When I presented them before Cortes, they saluted him with great reverence, giving the title of Lopelucio, which signifies lord in their language.  But as their language was not understood by any of our interpreters, Donna Marina asked in Mexican if any of them could speak that tongue, on which two of them said they did.  They now delivered their message in the Mexican language, saying, That their lord, who was chief of the city of Chempoalla, had sent them to congratulate us on our arrival, and would be proud to serve such valiant men as he was told we were, and would have waited upon us sooner, but had not dared to approach the camp from dread of the people of Culchua, who were with us.  Cortes was much pleased to discover by this embassy, that Montezuma had enemies in the country, who bore his yoke with impatience; he treated these people therefore with much kindness, and dismissed them with presents, desiring them to return thanks to their chief for his courtesy, and that he would pay him an amicable visit as soon as possible.