The cool impudence of this demand, coming from the captain of a little band of outlaws hemmed in between hostile forces, gave rise to no small amusement in the enemy’s camp. Narvaez chose nevertheless to regard the matter seriously, receiving the message as an insolent defiance. He declared he
would no longer show forbearance toward the traitor; he set a price on the head of Cortés, announced the estate of his followers to be confiscated, and proclaimed open war against them.27
Immediately after despatching his ultimatum Cortés broke camp and followed his messengers at a quick march.28 At Rio de Canoas, or La Antigua, Velazquez came up with letters from Duero and others. They had probably been written under a preconcerted arrangement, for they were read to the leaders and discussed, the result being a unanimous resolution to advance. So forward they went, Cortés exclaiming, “Death to the ass or to him who drives it!”29
Crossing the swollen river with some difficulty,30 he hurried on to Rio Chachalacas, over a league from Cempoala, where camp was formed quietly and without fires.31 This sudden movement, coming immediately after Duero’s interview with Cortés, confirms the supposition that a plot had been concocted by them, which was to surprise Narvaez under advantageous circumstances arranged by confederates. There were to be no half-way measures; all must be staked on one cast.32
Calling his men round him, he made one of those stirring appeals in which he knew so well how to animate their spirit and touch their heart. He reviewed their right to the conquest, and their promises to hold the country for the king. “And now comes this emissary of Señor Velazquez,”