CHAPTER XXXI. PRELIMINARY CAMPAIGNS. March-May , 1521.

Presently the affair assumed the color of conspiracy, headed by Antonio de Villafañe, a common soldier from Zamora, who is claimed by Herrera to have had the active or passive sympathy of some three hundred malcontents, nearly one third of the army. The professed object was to secure a pliable leader who would consult the wishes of the soldiers, even those desirous of returning. Such a man, and withal of great influence and valor, was Verdugo, the brother-in-law of the all-powerful patron Velazquez, and him the conspirators chose as the new captain-general, unknown to himself, since he might prove too honorable to engage in plots against the commander. As a reward for his own efforts Villafañe claimed the position of alguacil mayor, while other friends and influential men of Narvaez were assured of the remaining offices, from alcalde mayor and maestre de campo downward, now held by the retainers of Cortés, as well as a share in the arms and other effects of the doomed number.⁴⁶ It was arranged that when Cortés was seated at table with his intimate friends, as Alvarado, Sandoval, Olid, and