wn, to make room for that of the Virgin carrying the
infant Saviour.

Cortes now learned that the capital of the Mexican Empire was on the
mountain plains nearly seventy leagues inland; and that the ruler was
the great and powerful Montezuma.

It was on the morning of Good Friday that Cortes landed on the site of
Vera Cruz, which after the conquest of Mexico speedily grew into a
flourishing seaport, becoming the commercial capital of New Spain. A
friendly conference took place between Cortes and Teuhtlile, an Aztec
chief, who asked from what country the strangers had come and why they
had come.

"I am a servant," replied Cortes, "of a mighty monarch beyond the seas,
who rules over an immense empire, having kings and princes for his
vassals. Since my master has heard of the greatness of the Mexican
Emperor he has desired me to enter into communication with him, and has
sent me as envoy to wait upon Montezuma with a present in token of
good-will, and with a message which I must deliver in person. When can
I be admitted to your sovereign's presence?"

The Aztec chief replied with an air of dignity: "How is it that you have
been here only two days, and demand to see the Emperor? If there is
another monarch as powerful as Montezuma, I have no doubt my master will
be happy to interchange courtesies."

The slaves of Teuhtlile presented to Cortes

ten loads of fine cotton, several mantles of that curious
feather-work whose rich and delicate dyes might vie with the most
beautiful painting, and a wicker basket filled with ornaments of
wrought gold, all calculated to inspire the Spaniards with high
ideas of the wealth and mechanical ingenuity of the Mexicans.

Having duly expressed his thanks, Cortes then laid before the Aztec
chief the presents intended for Montezuma. These were "an armchair
richly carved and painted; a crimson cap bearing a gold medal emblazoned
with St. George and the Dragon; collars, bracelets, and other ornaments
of cut-glass, which, in a country where glass was unknown, might claim
to have the value of real gems."

During the interview Teuhtlile had been curiously observing a shining
gilt helmet worn by a soldier, and said that it was exactly like that of
Quetzalcoatl. "Who is he?" asked Cortes. "Quetzalcoatl is the god about
whom the Aztecs have the prophecy that he will come back to them across
the sea." Cortes promised to send the helmet to Montezuma, and expressed
a wis