CHAPTER X.
INTRIGUES AGAINST CORTÉS.
1524.
Intrigues Disappointed Officials — Insinuations against Cortés — His Fourth Letter — The Silver Cannon — Convoy System — Deferred Contract with the Sovereign — Cortes under a Cloud — Prepares for the March to Honduras — Acting Governors Appointed — Machinations of Salazar — The Hypocrite and the Tool — Attempt to Oust the Treasurer — Subtle Duplicity — Zuazo Made Prisoner — Casas and Gonzalez Appear on the Scene.
Roused by the glowing reports of soldiers, the royal officials had come to Mexico full of high anticipations concerning the great treasures obtained from native princes, a small portion of which had sufficed to dazzle the court of Spain. They were disappointed, like most of the crowd, yet with the men of Velazquez they clung to their belief. Gold existed; but where? Directed by gossip, they looked upon Cortés as possessing countless coffers filled with the fabled wealth of Montezuma, and others filling with the constant stream of tributes and presents from cities and provinces. Such a man must be won; and straightway they began to fawn upon the captain-general. Though pompous with their own importance and power among the colonists, they readily sank all pride in bending to Crœsus. They were quite willing to hide from the crown and others the deposits, if they were but allowed a share for themselves; and this regardless of their duty as royal officials. They had not left comfortable homes in Castile to brave the dangers of the sea, and the hardships of a new settlement, only to swell
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