The Slave Sculptor — page 62: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

ra 64 THE SLAVE SCULPTOR. avowed purpose being to eondemn the sovereign in his course toward the detested invaders. Vigilant committees were appointed to watch the progress of the Spaniards, and to note the movements of Monte- xuma. Couriers were sent into the country in every direction, call- ing upon the people to gather in and around the capital, to be ready in case of need. 5 i ae It was a period of painful suspense to Cortez and his faithful fol- lowers; yet this matchless man of nerve was as calm and sessed as if walking the rounds of his own garden in Havana. He had already matured his plans — such plans as.only his daring soul would have conceived, and only his heart of iron and nerves of steel would execute. That plan embraced, in its consummation, the seiz- ure of the hospitable monarch. His idea was to march to the roy- al palace, and bear Montezuma back to the Spanish quarters by fair means if possible, by force if necessary, but, at any and at all haz- ards, to get possession of his person. Cortez found a shallow pretext for this remarkable movement, in the fact that two Spaniards had just been murdered in a neighbor- ing province, by order of the governor — Quauhpopoca, one of Mon- ea confidential pu ' a chosen band of his most trusty followers, the Spanish eral visited the imperial palace, and after a few eaaienalion w- marks with the sovereign, informed him of his suspicions that he was cognizant of the alleged murders. Montezuma was surprised at the accusation, yet managed to conceal his feelings. The Genera} insisted that the monarch should send and arrest the offenders, irre- spective of position, and have them brought to the capital for exam- ination. To this Montezuma consented, and dispatched an officer, empowered with a royal signet, which the sovereign took from his wrist. The messenger was authorized to command Quauhpopoca, and all implicated in the murders, to appear forthwith, at the imperi al court. He was also empowered to call upon the people to enlires the mandate if he met with opposition. When the officer had departed, Cortez assured Montezuma that his prompt action convinced him of his innocence in the ; but. that it was necessary that their great sovereign, across water, should also be convinced. Nothing would conduce so much to the es- tablishing of friendly feelings as to have the emperor occupy the fame palace with the Spaniards, until the examination of the gov- ernor was concluded and the matter settled, Montezuma listened to this proposition with perfect amazement, and replied: ‘‘ When was it ever known that a great prince like myself, voluntarily left his own palace to become a prisoner in the hands of strangers? *’ Cortez assured the indignant monarch, that he-should not go as a prisoner, but should meet with the most respectful treatment, and should continue to hold intercourse with and exercise power over his people as usual. =~ com/{cbooks.com