although the troops deplored its loss, the meat proved acceptable, for roasted maize with a little fruit had been their only food for several days.30 Camp appears to have been formed for the night in a hamlet among the hills, the enemy being left on the opposite western slope of the range.
A serious encounter being apprehended the next day, additional crutches and hammocks were prepared for those of the wounded who had hitherto been carried on horseback, so as to leave the cavalry free in its movements.31
Before dawn on July 7th32 the march was resumed, in the hope of eluding the forces in the rear, little suspecting that this was but a wing of the main body now preparing to surround them. They had proceeded about a league, and were on the point of entering the large plain of Otumba,33 when the scouts came galloping back with the information that the whole field was filled with warriors in battle array.
The hearts of the Spaniards sank within them. They were hoping to escape an enemy such as this.34 Cortés ordered a halt, and with his captains talked over the situation. Retreat was out of the question, and to turn aside would be useless.
“We must charge upon this host,” said Cortés; “we must make our path through its very centre. Remember your dead comrades; remember your God; comport yourselves like Christian soldiers, and this idolatrous horde will melt before you like the morning mist.”
He thereupon issued the necessary instructions for charging and resisting, and for protecting the disabled. The horsemen were to ride with loose rein, lancing at the faces, so as to break the enemy’s lines, and open a path for the infantry, who were to follow and thrust their sidearms at the bowels of their assailants.35