( >9' ) 



Lares, negociated the appointment of Cortes to the Hation of captain 

 general. Alfo that they were to make an equal partition of all the 

 treafure that fhould be acquired by him. Duero now therefore feeing 

 Cortes fo wealthy, under colour to Narvaez of a treaty whereby to get 

 Cortes in his power, waited on the latter, in order to obtain from him 

 his fhare of the riches, for the third partner, De Lares, was fometime 

 dead. This Cortes not only acceded to, but . moreover promifcd him 

 equal command with himfelf, and an equal fhare of territory 

 when the conqueft of the country fhould be eflPedtedj fo that it was 

 agreed between them, together with Auguftin Bermudez, Alguazil 

 major of the army of Narvaez, and many others whom I will not now 

 name, to get rid of the command of Slarvaez altogether. Cortes to 

 confirm thefe, and bring over others, was more liberal than ever in his 

 prefents, with which he loaded the two Indians of Duero. On one of 

 thefe days of intercourfe, after they had been a confiderable time toge- 

 ther privately, and had dined, Duero having mounted his horfe, afked 

 Cortes if he had any commands for him ; to which Cortes replied, that 

 he wifhed to remind him not to deviate from what they had now fettled, 

 for that if he did, by his confcience, which w^s his ufual oath, he 

 would be in his quarters within three days, and that he fhould be the 

 very firft perfon at whom he would throw his lance ; and faying this, 

 he bid him farewell. Duero turned off laughing, and faid that he would 

 not fail. On his arrival at the quarters of Narvaez, he is faid to have 

 told him, that Cortes and all with him were ready to range themfelves 

 under his command, 



Cortes now fent for Juan Velafquez de Leon, a perfon of much 

 confideration, and who had always been his particular friend, though 

 a near relation of the governor of Cuba, and on his coming to him told 

 him, in that fmooth and perfuafive manner that he could put on when 

 ever he pleafed, *' Senior Velafquez de Leon, Duero has informed me, 



that Narvaez is anxious to fee you in his camp, and that it is report- 

 ** ed if you go thither I am an undone man. Now my worthy friend 



mount your grey mare, put on your fanfarona, (gold chain,) take with 

 " you all your valuables, and more ftill, which I will give you, and 



go 



