180 INCIDENTS OF TRAVEL. 



movements of the Utatlans ; and on examining the 

 houses, the Spaniards discovered that there were no 

 preparations of provisions to regale them, as had been 

 promised, but everywhere was a quantity of light dry 

 fuel and other combustibles. Alvarado called his offi- 

 cers together, and laid before them their perilous situa- 

 tion, and the immediate necessity of withdrawing from 

 the place ; and pretending to the king and his ca- 

 ciques that their horses were better in the open fields, 

 the troops were collected, and without any appearance 

 of alarm, marched in good order to the plain. The 

 king, with pretended courtesy, accompanied them, and 

 Alvarado, taking advantage of the opportunity, made 

 him prisoner, and after trial and proof of his treachery, 

 hung him on the spot. But neither the death of Te- 

 cum nor the ignominious execution of his son could 

 quell the fierce spirit of the Quiches. A new ebullition 

 of animosity and rage broke forth. A general attack 

 was made upon the Spaniards ; but Spanish bravery and 

 discipline increased with danger ; and after a dreadful 

 havoc by the artillery and horses, the Indians aban- 

 doned a field covered with their dead, and Utatlan, the 

 capital, with the whole kingdom of Quiche, fell into 

 the hands of Alvarado and the Spaniards. 



As we stood on the ruined fortress of Resguardo, the 

 great plain, consecrated by the last struggle of a brave 

 people, lay before us grand and beautiful, its blood- 

 stains all washed out, and smiling with fertility, but per- 

 fectly desolate. Our guide leaning on his sword in the 

 area beneath was the only person in sight. But very 

 soon Bobon introduced a stranger, who came stumbling 

 along under a red silk umbrella, talking to Bobon and 

 looking up at us. We recognised him as the cura, and 

 descended to meet him. He laughed to see us grope 



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