authorized to offer himself as mediator between the two generals, and with a supply of gold for bribes he went over to the camp of Narvaez. There he met a most cordial reception. Gently the commander remonstrated at his adherence to a traitor who had so deeply injured his relatives. “He is no traitor,” replied Velazquez warmly, “there has been no treason either acted or intended.” He would not listen to any overtures, even when coupled with the promise of a command second only to that of Narvaez. “I have sworn loyalty to Cortés,” he said, “and I will remain true.” Nevertheless, that he might not appear ungracious, he promised to use his efforts toward the recognition of Narvaez’ supremacy. A review of the troops was held to impress him with the superiority of the forces with which he might soon have to contend.
A courtier in manner, and with a fine presence, Velazquez quickly won his way among the captains and staff; nor did he fail to improve the opportunity by presenting his general’s cause in the most attractive light. No little weight was given to his words by the heavy gold chain which fell in several coils upon his breast.22
Cortés affirms that the proposal for an interview with Narvaez had been accepted, and that he was preparing to attend it when the warning came that advantage would be taken of the meeting to seize or kill him.23 If treachery was intended, it is more likely
to have originated with Cortés, who was by no means scrupulous, as we have seen, while Narvaez appears to have borne the reputation of a man of honor.24 It is still more probable that Cortés invented the warning in order to be free before his followers, and before Narvaez, to carry out a more momentous project, which, with the increased knowledge of affairs in the enemy’s camp, and with the growth there of his party, had begun to unfold in his mind.