nd cities as soon as they were left by the French.

But neither was Maximilian idle. Agents of the Church party had finally
induced him to remain, and this party now came to his aid. General
Miramon, an able leader, commanded his army, which was recruited to the
strength of eight thousand men, most of them trained soldiers, though
nearly half of them were raw recruits.

With this force Maximilian advanced to Queretaro and made it his
head-quarters. Juarez had meanwhile advanced to Zacatecas and fixed his
residence there with his government about him. But the president and
cabinet came very near being taken captive at one fell swoop, for Miramon
suddenly advanced and captured Zacatecas by surprise, Juarez and his
government barely escaping.

What would have been the result if the whole Mexican government had been
taken prisoners it is not easy to say. Not unlikely, however, General
Escobedo would have done what he now did, which was to advance on
Queretaro and invest it with his army. Thus the empire of Maximilian was
limited to this one town, where it was besieged by an army of Mexican
patriots, while, with the exception of a few cities, the whole country
outside was free from imperial rule.

Soon the emperor and his army found themselves closely confined within the
walls of Queretaro. Skirmishes took place almost daily, in which both
sides fought with courage and resolution. Provisions grew scarce and
foraging parties were sent out, but after each attack the lines of the
besiegers became closer. The clergy had made liberal promises of forces
and funds, and General Marquez was sent to the city of Mexico to obtain
them. He managed to get through the lines of Escobedo, but he failed to
return, and nothing was ever seen by Maximilian of the promised aid. Such
forces and funds as Marquez obtained he used in attacking General Diaz,
who was advancing on Pueblo. Diaz besieged and took Pueblo, and then
turned on Marquez, whom he defeated so completely that he made his way
back to Mexico almost alone under cover of the night. It was the glory
gained by this act that later raised Diaz to the presidency, which he held
so brilliantly for so many years.

The hopes of Maximilian were dwindling to a shadow. For two months the
siege of Queretaro continued, steadily growing closer. During this trying
time Maximilian showed the best elements of his character. He was gentle
and cheerful in demeanor, and brave in action, not hesitating