before us, they took up a strong position on another rock. We now suffered terribly from lack of water. Not a single drop passed our parched lips the whole day, and our horses suffered equally. The few springs we came upon our Indian allies crowded into and turned into pools of mud. Half dead with thirst, we encamped for the night under some mulberry trees—where the enemy greeted us with a shower of arrows, lances and rocks.
Our combat with the foe on the neighboring hill next morning was short. While we were attempting to reach them they suddenly sued for peace. That we who were beneath might understand, the warriors stopped shooting arrows and hurling stones, and the women waved their cloaks and made signs with their hands to indicate that they were willing to make maize cakes for us. The fact was they had not a drop of water among their great number of men, women and children—themselves and their slaves. Upon seeing their signals, Cortes ordered that fighting should cease, and that they should send down five chiefs to conclude peace. The caciques came shortly, and with show of profound respect begged that we would forgive them. Cortes answered that they deserved death, but since they had sued for peace they must go to the other hill and call the chiefs there, who must likewise sue for peace; and if they refused we should surround them till they
