CORTEZ RETURNS TO TEZCOCO AND IS REINFORCED. 61 



Accordingly, he did not delay a day in that city, but, gathering his 

 soldiers as soon as they were refreshed, he departed for Tezcoco 

 by the northern journey around the lakes. His way was again 

 beset with difficulties. The season of rain and storm in those lofty 

 regions had just set in. The road was flooded, and the soldiers 

 were forced to plough through mud in drenched garments. But 

 as they approached their destination, Sandoval came forth to meet 

 them, with companions who had freshly arrived from the West 

 Indies ; and, besides, he bore the cheering news that the brigan- 

 tines were ready to be launched for the last blow at the heart of 

 the empire. 



