rom Yxtacamaxtitlan. If we
get past that town without accident, we shall then have to cross
the Pass of Obispo, over the great range of mountains, and come
down near Naulinco. Once past that town our dangers will be over,
for there are few towns and villages in the Tierra Caliente. Our
great danger will lie in the pass. There are but two or three roads
across these mountains, and they will know that we must follow
them."

"Well, we must take our chance," Roger said. "So far we have met
with no difficulties, whatever, and provided we don't come across
too large a force, we ought to be able to manage to get through. I
noticed there were trees right through the pass I came over; and I
see the country ahead is thickly wooded. How far is the pass from
where we are now?"

"About thirty miles. It is where you see that cleft in the great
line of hills."

"Well, we can get near it before the moon sets, and will try to
pass through by daylight. It would be useless attempting to make
our way through the trees at night; and if we have to fight, I
would rather do so in the light. We will lie down now, for I own I
am completely tired out."

Chapter 11: Cortez.

The expedition, whose arrival had caused such excitement in Mexico,
was commanded by Hernando Cortez, a man who united in his person
all the gifts requisite for a great leader of men. He possessed a
handsome person, great strength and skill at arms, extraordinary
courage and daring, singular powers of conciliation and of bringing
others to his way of thinking, pleasing and courteous demeanor, a
careless and easy manner which concealed great sagacity and wisdom,
an inexhaustible flow of spirits, and an iron determination.

Born in Estremadura in 1485, of an ancient and respectable family,
he was--like many others who have distinguished themselves as great
soldiers--while at school and college remarkable rather for
mischievous freaks, and disregard of authority, than for love of
learning. At the age of seventeen he had exhausted his parents'
patience, and was on the point of starting with the expedition of
Ovando, the successor to Columbus, when he so injured himself by a
fall, incurred in one of his wild escapades, that he was unable to
sail with it. Two years later, however, he went out in a merchant
vessel to the Indies.

On reaching Hispaniola Ovando, who was governor of the island,
received him kindly, and gave him a grant of land and a number of
Indians t