Itisaremarkablefact，whichhashithertoescapedthenoticeofthehistorian，thatLuquewasnottherealpartytothiscontract。Herepresentedanother，whoplacedinhishandsthefundsrequiredfortheundertaking。ThisappearsfromaninstrumentsignedbyLuquehimselfandcertifiedbeforethesamenotarythatpreparedtheoriginalcontract。
TheinstrumentdeclaresthatthewholesumoftwentythousandpesosadvancedfortheexpeditionwasfurnishedbytheLicentiateGaspardeEspinosa，thenatPanama；thatthevicaractedonlyashisagentandbyhisauthority；andthat，inconsequence，thesaidEspinosaandnootherwasentitledtoathirdofalltheprofitsandacquisitionsresultingfromtheconquestofPeru。Thisinstrument，attestedbythreepersons，oneofthemthesamewhohadwitnessedtheoriginalcontract，wasdatedonthe6thofAugust，1531。10TheLicentiateEspinosawasarespectablefunctionary，whohadfilledtheofficeofprincipalalcaldeinDarien，andsincetakenaconspicuouspartintheconquestandsettlementofTierraFirme。Heenjoyedmuchconsiderationforhispersonalcharacterandstation；anditisremarkablethatsolittleshouldbeknownofthemannerinwhichthecovenant，sosolemnlymade，wasexecutedinreferencetohim。AsinthecaseofColumbus，itisprobablethattheunexpectedmagnitudeoftheresultswassuchastopreventafaithfuladherencetotheoriginalstipulation；andyet，fromthesameconsideration，onecanhardlydoubtthatthetwentythousandpesosoftheboldspeculatormusthavebroughthimamagnificentreturn。NordidtheworthyvicarofPanama，asthehistorywillshowhereafter，gowithouthisreward。
Havingcompletedthesepreliminaryarrangements，thethreeassociateslostnotimeinmakingpreparationsforthevoyage。Twovesselswerepurchased，largerandeverywaybetterthanthoseemployedontheformeroccasion。Storeswerelaidin，asexperiencedictated，onalargerscalethanbefore，andproclamationwasmadeof"anexpeditiontoPeru。"ButthecallwasnotreadilyansweredbytheskepticalcitizensofPanama。Ofnearlytwohundredmenwhohadembarkedontheformercruise，notmorethanthreefourthsnowremained。11Thisdismalmortality，andtheemaciated，poverty-strickenaspectofthesurvivors，spokemoreeloquentlythanthebraggartpromisesandmagnificentprospectsheldoutbytheadventurers。Stillthereweremeninthecommunityofsuchdesperatecircumstances，thatanychangeseemedlikeachanceofbetteringtheircondition。Mostoftheformercompanyalso，strangetosay，feltmorepleasedtofollowuptheadventuretotheendthantoabandonit，astheysawthelightofabetterdaydawninguponthem。Fromthesesourcesthetwocaptainssucceededinmusteringaboutonehundredandsixtymen，makingaltogetheraveryinadequateforcefortheconquestofanempire。Afewhorseswerealsopurchased，andabettersupplyofammunitionandmilitarystoresthanbefore，thoughstillonaverylimitedscale。Consideringtheirfunds，theonlywayofaccountingforthismustbebythedifficultyofobtainingsuppliesatPanama，which，recentlyfounded，andontheremotecoastofthePacific，couldbeapproachedonlybycrossingtheruggedbarrierofmountains，whichmadethetransportationofbulkyarticlesextremelydifficult。Evensuchscantystockofmaterialsasitpossessedwasprobablylaidunderheavycontribution，atthepresentjuncture，bythegovernor'spreparationsforhisownexpeditiontothenorth。
Thusindifferentlyprovided，thetwocaptains，eachinhisownvessel，againtooktheirdeparturefromPanama，underthedirectionofBartholomewRuiz，asagaciousandresolutepilot，wellexperiencedinthenavigationoftheSouthernOcean。HewasanativeofMoguer，inAndalusia，thatlittlenurseryofnauticalenterprise，whichfurnishedsomanyseamenforthefirstvoyagesofColumbus。Withouttouchingattheinterveningpointsofthecoast，whichofferednoattractiontothevoyagers，theystoodfartherouttosea，steeringdirectfortheRiodeSanJuan，theutmostlimitreachedbyAlmagro。Theseasonwasbetterselectedthanontheformeroccasion，andtheywerebornealongbyfavorablebreezestotheplaceoftheirdestination，whichtheyreachedwithoutaccidentinafewdays。Enteringthemouthoftheriver，theysawthebankswelllinedwithIndianhabitations；andPizarro，disembarking，attheheadofapartyofsoldiers，succeededinsurprisingasmallvillageandcarryingoffaconsiderablebootyofgoldornamentsfoundinthedwellings，togetherwithafewofthenatives。12
Flushedwiththeirsuccess，thetwochiefswereconfidentthatthesightoftherichspoilsospeedilyobtainedcouldnotfalltodrawadventurerstotheirstandardinPanama；and，astheyfeltmorethaneverthenecessityofastrongerforcetocopewiththethickeningpopulationofthecountrywhichtheywerenowtopenetrate，itwasdecidedthatAlmagroshouldreturnwiththetreasureandbeatupforreinforcements，whilethepilotRuiz，intheothervessel，shouldreconnoitrethecountrytowardsthesouth，andobtainsuchinformationasmightdeterminetheirfuturemovements。Pizarro，withtherestoftheforce，wouldremainintheneighborhoodoftheriver，ashewasassuredbytheIndianprisoners，thatnotfarintheinteriorwasanopenreachofcountry，whereheandhismencouldfindcomfortablequarters。Thisarrangementwasinstantlyputinexecution。Wewillfirstaccompanytheintrepidpilotinhiscruisetowardsthesouth。
Coastingalongthegreatcontinent，withhiscanvasstillspreadtofavorablewinds，thefirstplaceatwhichRuizcastanchorwasoffthelittleislandofGallo，abouttwodegreesnorth。Theinhabitants，whowerenotnumerous，werepreparedtogivehimahostilereception，——fortidingsoftheinvadershadprecededthemalongthecountry，andevenreachedthisinsulatedspot。AstheobjectofRuizwastoexplore，notconquer，hedidnotcaretoentanglehimselfinhostilitieswiththenatives；so，changinghispurposeoflanding，heweighedanchor，andrandownthecoastasfaraswhatisnowcalledtheBayofSt。Matthew。Thecountry，which，asheadvanced，continuedtoexhibitevidenceofabettercultureaswellasofamoredensepopulationthanthepartshithertoseen，wascrowded，alongtheshores，withspectators，whogavenosignsoffearorhostility。Theystoodgazingonthevesselofthewhitemenasitglidedsmoothlyintothecrystalwatersofthebay，fancyingit，saysanoldwriter，somemysteriousbeingdescendedfromtheskies。
Withoutstayinglongenoughonthisfriendlycoasttoundeceivethesimplepeople，Ruiz，standingoffshore，struckoutintothedeepsea；buthehadnotsailedfarinthatdirection，whenhewassurprisedbythesightofavessel，seeminginthedistancelikeacaravelofconsiderablesize，traversedbyalargesailthatcarrieditsluggishlyoverthewaters。Theoldnavigatorwasnotalittleperplexedbythisphenomenon，ashewasconfidentnoEuropeanbarkcouldhavebeenbeforehimintheselatitudes，andnoIndiannation，yetdiscovered，noteventhecivilizedMexican，wasacquaintedwiththeuseofsailsinnavigation。Ashedrewnear，hefounditwasalargevessel，orratherraft，calledbalsabythenatives，consistingofanumberofhugetimbersofalight，porouswood，tightlylashedtogether，withafrailflooringofreedsraisedonthembywayofdeck。Twomastsorsturdypoles，erectedinthemiddleofthevessel，sustainedalargesquare-sailofcotton，whilearudekindofrudderandamovablekeel，madeofplankinsertedbetweenthelogs，enabledthemarinertogiveadirectiontothefloatingfabric，whichheldonitscoursewithouttheaidofoarorpaddle。13Thesimplearchitectureofthiscraftwassufficientforthepurposesofthenatives，andindeedhascontinuedtoanswerthemtothepresentday；forthebalsa，surmountedbysmallthatchedhutsorcabins，stillsuppliesthemostcommodiousmeansforthetransportationofpassengersandluggageonthestreamsandalongtheshoresofthispartoftheSouthAmericancontinent。
Oncomingalongside，RuizfoundseveralIndians，bothmenandwomen，onboard，somewithrichornamentsontheirpersons，besidesseveralarticleswroughtwithconsiderableskillingoldandsilver，whichtheywerecarryingforpurposesoftraffictothedifferentplacesalongthecoast。Butwhatmostattractedhisattentionwasthewoollenclothofwhichsomeoftheirdressesweremade。Itwasofafinetexture，delicatelyembroideredwithfiguresofbirdsandflowers，anddyedinbrilliantcolors。Healsoobservedintheboatapairofbalancesmadetoweighthepreciousmetals。14Hisastonishmentattheseproofsofingenuityandcivilization，somuchhigherthananythinghehadeverseeninthecountry，washeightenedbytheintelligencewhichhecollectedfromsomeoftheseIndians。TwoofthemhadcomefromTumbez，aPeruvianport，somedegreestothesouth；andtheygavehimtounderstand，thatintheirneighborhoodthefieldswerecoveredwithlargeflocksoftheanimalsfromwhichthewoolwasobtained，andthatgoldandsilverwerealmostascommonaswoodinthepalacesoftheirmonarch。TheSpaniardslistenedgreedilytoreportswhichharmonizedsowellwiththeirfonddesires。Thoughhalfdistrustingtheexaggeration，RuizresolvedtodetainsomeoftheIndians，includingthenativesofTumbez，thattheymightrepeatthewondroustaletohiscommander，andatthesametime，bylearningtheCastilian，mighthereafterserveasinterpreterswiththeircountrymen。Therestofthepartyhesufferedtoproceedwithoutfurtherinterruptionontheirvoyage。Thenholdingonhiscourse，theprudentpilot，withouttouchingatanyotherpointofthecoast，advancedasfarasthePuntadePasado，abouthalfadegreesouth，havingthegloryofbeingthefirstEuropeanwho，sailinginthisdirectiononthePacific，hadcrossedtheequinoctialline。Thiswasthelimit'ofhisdiscoveries；onreachingwhichhetackedabout，andstandingawaytothenorth，succeeded，afteranabsenceofseveralweeks，inregainingthespotwherehehadleftPizarroandhiscomrades。15
Itwashightime；forthespiritsofthatlittlebandhadbeensorelytriedbytheperilstheyhadencountered。Onthedepartureofhisvessels，Pizarromarchedintotheinterior，inthehopeoffindingthepleasantchampaigncountrywhichhadbeenpromisedhimbythenatives。Butateverysteptheforestsseemedtogrowdenseranddarker，andthetreestoweredtoaheightsuchashehadneverseen，eveninthesefruitfulregions，whereNatureworksonsogiganticascale。16Hillcontinuedtoriseabovehill，asheadvanced，rollingonward，asitwere，bysuccessivewavestojointhatcolossalbarrieroftheAndes，whosefrostysides，farawayabovetheclouds，spreadoutlikeacurtainofburnishedsilver，thatseemedtoconnecttheheavenswiththeearth。
Oncrossingthesewoodyeminences，theforlornadventurerswouldplungeintoravinesoffrightfuldepth，wheretheexhalationsofahumidsoilsteamedupamidsttheincenseofsweet-scentedflowers，whichshonethroughthedeepgloomsineveryconceivablevarietyofcolor。
Birds。especiallyoftheparrottribe，mockedthisfantasticvarietyofnaturewithtintsasbrilliantasthoseofthevegetableworld。Monkeyschatteredincrowdsabovetheirheads，andmadegrimaceslikethefiendishspiritsofthesesolitudes；whilehideousreptiles，engenderedintheslimydepthsofthepools，gatheredroundthefootstepsofthewanderers。Herewasseenthegiganticboa，coilinghisunwieldyfoldsaboutthetrees，soashardlytobedistinguishedfromtheirtrunks，tillhewasreadytodartuponhisprey；andalligatorslaybaskingonthebordersofthestreams，or，glidingunderthewaters，seizedtheirincautiousvictimbeforehewasawareoftheirapproach。17ManyoftheSpaniardsperishedmiserablyinthisway，andotherswerewaylaidbythenatives，whokeptajealouseyeontheirmovements，andavailedthemselvesofeveryopportunitytotakethematadvantage。FourteenofPizarro'smenwerecutoffatonceinacanoewhichhadstrandedonthebankofastream。18
Faminecameinadditiontoothertroubles，anditwaswithdifficultythattheyfoundthemeansofsustaininglifeonthescantyfareoftheforest，——
occasionallythepotato，asitgrewwithoutcultivation，orthewildcocoa-
nut，or，ontheshore，thesaltandbitterfruitofthemangrove；thoughtheshorewaslesstolerablethantheforest，fromtheswarmsofmosquitoswhichcompelledthewretchedadventurerstoburytheirbodiesuptotheirveryfacesinthesand。Inthisextremityofsuffering，theythoughtonlyofreturn；andallschemesofavariceandambition——exceptwithPizarroandafewdauntlessspirits——wereexchangedfortheonecravingdesiretoreturntoPanama。
ItwasatthiscrisisthatthepilotRuizreturnedwiththereportofhisbrilliantdiscoveries；and，notlongafter，Almagrosailedintoportwithhisvesselladenwithrefreshments，andaconsiderablereinforcementofvolunteers。Thevoyageofthatcommanderhadbeenprosperous。WhenhearrivedatPanama，hefoundthegovernmentinthehandsofDonPedrodelosRios；andhecametoanchorintheharbor，unwillingtotrusthimselfonshore，tillhehadobtainedfromFatherLuquesomeaccountofthedispositionsoftheexecutive。Theseweresufficientlyfavorable；
forthenewgovernorhadparticularinstructionsfullytocarryoutthearrangementsmadebyhispredecessorwiththeassociates。OnlearningAlmagro'sarrival，hecamedowntotheporttowelcomehim，professinghiswillingnesstoaffordeveryfacilityfortheexecutionofhisdesigns。
Fortunately，justbeforethisperiod，asmallbodyofmilitaryadventurershadcometoPanamafromthemothercountry，burningwithdesiretomaketheirfortunesintheNewWorld。Theycaughtmuchmoreeagerlythantheoldandwarycolonistsatthegoldenbaitheldouttothem；andwiththeiraddition，andthatofafewsupernumerarystragglerswhohungaboutthetown，Almagrofoundhimselfattheheadofareinforcementofatleasteightymen，withwhich，havinglaidinafreshsupplyofstores，heagainsetsailfortheRiodeSanJuan。
Thearrivalofthenewrecruitsalleagertofollowuptheexpedition，thecomfortablechangeintheircircumstancesproducedbyanamplesupplyofrefreshments，andtheglowingpicturesofthewealththatawaitedtheminthesouth，allhadtheireffectonthedejectedspiritsofPizarro'sfollowers。Theirlatetoilsandprivationswerespeedilyforgotten，and，withthebuoyantandvariablefeelingsincidenttoafreebooter'slife，theynowcalledaseagerlyontheircommandertogoforwardinthevoyage，astheyhadbeforecalledonhimtoabandonit。Availingthemselvesoftherenewedspiritofenterprise，thecaptainsembarkedonboardtheirvessels，and，undertheguidanceoftheveteranpilot，steeredinthesametrackhehadlatelypursued。
Butthefavorableseasonforasoutherncourse，whichintheselatitudeslastsbutafewmonthsintheyear，hadbeensufferedtoescape。Thebreezesblewsteadilytowardsthenorth，andastrongcurrent，notfarfromshore，setinthesamedirection。Thewindsfrequentlyroseintotempests，andtheunfortunatevoyagersweretossedabout，formanydays，intheboilingsurges，amidstthemostawfulstormsofthunderandlightning，until，atlength，theyfoundasecurehavenintheislandofGallo，alreadyvisitedbyRuiz。Astheywerenowtoostronginnumberstoapprehendanassault，thecrewslanded，and，experiencingnomolestationfromthenatives，theycontinuedontheislandforafortnight，refittingtheirdamagedvessels，andrecruitingthemselvesafterthefatiguesoftheocean。Then，resumingtheirvoyage，thecaptainsstoodtowardsthesouthuntiltheyreachedtheBayofSt。Matthew。Astheyadvancedalongthecoast，theywerestruck，asRuizhadbeenbefore，withtheevidencesofahighercivilizationconstantlyexhibitedinthegeneralaspectofthecountryanditsinhabitants。Thehandofcultivationwasvisibleineveryquarter。Thenaturalappearanceofthecoast，too，hadsomethinginitmoreinviting；for，insteadoftheeternallabyrinthofmangrove-trees，withtheircomplicatedrootssnarledintoformidablecoilsunderthewater，asiftowaylayandentanglethevoyager，thelowmarginoftheseawascoveredwithastatelygrowthofebony，andwithaspeciesofmahogany，andotherhardwoodsthattakethemostbrilliantandvariegatedpolish。Thesandal-wood，andmanybalsamictreesofunknownnames，scatteredtheirsweetodorsfarandwide，notinanatmospheretaintedwithvegetablecorruption，butonthepurebreezesoftheocean，bearinghealthaswellasfragranceontheirwings。Broadpatchesofcultivatedlandintervened，disclosinghill-sidescoveredwiththeyellowmaizeandthepotato，orcheckered，inthelowerlevels，withbloomingplantationsofcacao。19
Thevillagesbecamemorenumerous；and，asthevesselsrodeatanchorofftheportofTacamez，theSpaniardssawbeforethematownoftwothousandhousesormore，laidoutintostreets，withanumerouspopulationclusteringarounditinthesuburbs。20Themenandwomendisplayedmanyornamentsofgoldandpreciousstonesabouttheirpersons，whichmayseemstrange，consideringthatthePeruvianIncasclaimedamonopolyofjewelsforthemselvesandthenoblesonwhomtheycondescendedtobestowthem。But，althoughtheSpaniardshadnowreachedtheouterlimitsofthePeruvianempire，itwasnotPeru，butQuito，andthatportionofitbutrecentlybroughtunderthesceptreoftheIncas，wheretheancientusagesofthepeoplecouldhardlyhavebeeneffacedundertheoppressivesystemoftheAmericandespots。Theadjacentcountrywas，moreover，particularlyrichingold，which，collectedfromthewashingsofthestreams，stillformsoneofthestapleproductsofBarbacoas。Here，too，wasthefairRiverofEmeralds，socalledfromthequarriesofthebeautifulgemonitsborders，fromwhichtheIndianmonarchsenrichedtheirtreasury。21
TheSpaniardsgazedwithdelightontheseundeniableevidencesofwealth，andsawinthecarefulcultivationofthesoilacomfortableassurancethattheyhadatlengthreachedthelandwhichhadsolongbeenseeninbrilliant，thoughdistant，perspectivebeforethem。Buthereagaintheyweredoomedtobedisappointedbythewarlikespiritofthepeople，who，consciousoftheirownstrength，showednodispositiontoquailbeforetheinvaders。Onthecontrary，severaloftheircanoesshotout，loadedwithwarriors，who，displayingagoldmaskastheirensign，hoveredroundthevesselswithlooksofdefiance，and，whenpursued，easilytookshelterundertheleeoftheland。22
Amoreformidablebodymusteredalongtheshore，tothenumber，accordingtotheSpanishaccounts，ofatleasttenthousandwarriors，eager，apparently，tocometocloseactionwiththeinvaders。NorcouldPizarro，whohadlandedwithapartyofhismeninthehopeofaconferencewiththenatives，whollypreventhostilities；anditmighthavegonehardwiththeSpaniards，hotlypressedbytheirresoluteenemysosuperiorinnumbers，butforaludicrousaccidentreportedbythehistoriansashappeningtooneofthecavaliers。Thiswasafallfromhishorse，whichsoastonishedthebarbarians，whowerenotpreparedforthisdivisionofwhatseemedoneandthesamebeingintotwo，that，filledwithconsternation，theyfellback，andleftawayopenfortheChristianstoregaintheirvessels！23
Acouncilofwarwasnowcalled。ItwasevidentthattheforcesoftheSpaniardswereunequaltoacontestwithsonumerousandwell-
appointedabodyofnatives；and，eveniftheyshouldprevailhere，theycouldhavenohopeofstemmingthetorrentwhichmustriseagainstthemintheirprogress——forthecountrywasbecomingmoreandmorethicklysettled，andtownsandhamletsstartedintoviewateverynewheadlandwhichtheydoubled。Itwasbetter，intheopinionofsome，——thefaint-
hearted，-toabandontheenterpriseatonce，asbeyondtheirstrength。ButAlmagrotookadifferentviewoftheaffair。"Togohome，"hesaid，"withnothingdone，wouldberuin，aswellasdisgrace。TherewasscarcelyonebuthadleftcreditorsatPanama，wholookedforpaymenttothefruitsofthisexpedition。Togohomenowwouldbetodeliverthemselvesatonceintotheirhands。Itwouldbetogotoprison。Bettertoroamafreeman，thoughinthewilderness，thantolieboundwithfettersinthedungeonsofPanama。24Theonlycourseforthem，"heconcluded，"wastheonelatelypursued。PizarromightfindsomemorecommodiousplacewherehecouldremainwithpartoftheforcewhilehehimselfwentbackforrecruitstoPanama。Thestorytheyhadnowtotelloftherichesoftheland，astheyhadseenthemwiththeirowneyes，wouldputtheirexpeditioninaverydifferentlight，andcouldnotfailtodrawtotheirbannerasmanyvolunteersastheyneeded。"
Butthisrecommendation，howeverjudicious，wasnotaltogethertothetasteofthelattercommander，whodidnotrelishthepart，whichconstantlyfelltohim，ofremainingbehindintheswampsandforestsofthiswildcountry。"Itisallverywell，"hesaidtoAlmagro，"foryou，whopassyourtimepleasantlyenough，careeringtoandfroinyourvessel，orsnuglyshelteredinalandofplentyatPanama；butitisquiteanothermatterforthosewhostaybehindtodroopanddieofhungerinthewilderness。25TothisAlmagroretortedwithsomeheat，professinghisownwillingnesstotakechargeofthebravemenwhowouldremainwithhim，ifPizarrodeclinedit。Thecontroversyassumingamoreangryandmenacingtone，fromwordstheywouldhavesooncometoblows，asboth，layingtheirhandsontheirswords，werepreparingtorushoneachother，whenthetreasurerRibera，aidedbythepilotRuiz，succeededinpacifyingthem。Itrequiredbutlittleeffortonthepartofthesecoolercounsellorstoconvincethecavaliersofthefollyofaconductwhichmustatonceterminatetheexpeditioninamannerlittlecreditabletoitsprojectors。Areconciliationconsequentlytookplace，sufficient，atleastinoutwardshow，toallowthetwocommanderstoacttogetherinconcert。Almagro'splanwasthenadopted；anditonlyremainedtofindoutthemostsecureandconvenientspotforPizarro'squarters。
Severaldayswerepassedintouchingatdifferentpartsofthecoast，astheyretracedtheircourse；buteverywherethenativesappearedtohavecaughtthealarm，andassumedamenacing，andfromtheirnumbersaformidable，aspect。Themorenortherlyregion，withitsunwholesomefensandforests，wherenaturewagesawarevenmorerelentlessthanman，wasnottobethoughtof。Inthisperplexity，theydecidedonthelittleislandofGallo，asbeing，onthewhole，fromitsdistancefromtheshore，andfromthescantinessofitspopulation，themosteligiblespotforthemintheirforlornanddestitutecondition。26
Butnosoonerwastheresolutionofthetwocaptainsmadeknown，thanafeelingofdiscontentbrokeforthamongtheirfollowers，especiallythosewhoweretoremainwithPizarroontheisland，"What！"theyexclaimed，"weretheytobedraggedtothatobscurespottodiebyhunger？Thewholeexpeditionhadbeenacheatandafailure，frombeginningtoend。
Thegoldencountries，somuchvaunted，hadseemedtoflybeforethemastheyadvanced；andthelittlegoldtheyhadbeenfortunateenoughtogleanhadallbeensentbacktoPanamatoenticeotherfoolstofollowtheirexample。Whathadtheygotinreturnforalltheirsufferings？Theonlytreasurestheycouldboastweretheirbowsandarrows，andtheywerenowtobelefttodieonthisdrearyisland，withoutsomuchasaroodofconsecratedgroundtolaytheirbonesin！27
Inthisexasperatedstateoffeeling，severalofthesoldierswrotebacktotheirfriends，informingthemoftheirdeplorablecondition，andcomplainingofthecold-bloodedmannerinwhichtheyweretobesacrificedtotheobstinatecupidityoftheirleaders。Butthelatterwerewaryenoughtoanticipatethismovement，andAlmagrodefeateditbyseizingallthelettersinthevessels，andthuscuttingoffatoncethemeansofcommunicationwiththeirfriendsathome。Yetthisactofunscrupulousviolence，likemostothersimilaracts，fellshortofitspurpose；forasoldiernamedSarabiahadtheingenuitytoevadeitbyintroducingaletterintoaballofcotton，whichwastobetakentoPanamaasaspecimenoftheproductsofthecountry，andpresentedtothegovernor'slady。28
Theletter，whichwassignedbyseveralofthedisaffectedsoldierybesidesthewriter，paintedingloomycolorsthemiseriesoftheircondition，accusedthetwocommandersofbeingtheauthorsofthis，andcalledontheauthoritiesofPanamatointerferebysendingavesseltotakethemfromthedesolatespot，whilesomeofthemmightstillbefoundsurvivingthehorrorsoftheirconfinement。Theepistleconcludedwithastanza，inwhichthetwoleaderswerestigmatizedaspartnersinaslaughter-house；onebeingemployedtodriveinthecattlefortheothertobutcher。Theverses，whichhadacurrencyintheirdayamongthecoloniststowhichtheywerecertainlynotentitledbytheirpoeticalmerits，maybethusrenderedintocorrespondingdoggerel:
"Lookout，SenorGovernor，Forthedroverwhilehe'snear；
SincehegoeshometogetthesheepForthebutcherwhostayshere。"29
Book2
Chapter4
IndignationOfTheGovernor——SternResolutionOfPizarro-
ProsecutionOfTheVoyage——BrilliantAspectOfTumbez-
DiscoveriesAlongTheCoast——ReturnToPanama-
PizarroEmbarksForSpain1527——1528
NotlongafterAlmagro'sdeparture，Pizarrosentofftheremainingvessel，underthepretextofitsbeingputinrepairatPanama。Itprobablyrelievedhimofapartofhisfollowers，whosemutinousspiritmadethemanobstacleratherthanahelpinhisforlorncondition，andwithwhomhewasthemorewillingtopartfromthedifficultyoffindingsubsistenceonthebarrenspotwhichhenowoccupied。
GreatwasthedismayoccasionedbythereturnofAlmagroandhisfollowers，inthelittlecommunityofPanama；fortheletter，surreptitiouslyconveyedintheballofcotton，fellintothehandsforwhichitwasintended，andthecontentssoongotabroadwithusualquantityofexaggeration。Thehaggardanddejectedmienoftheadventurers，ofitself，toldatalesufficientlydisheartening，anditwassoongenerallybelievedthatthefewill-fatedsurvivorsoftheexpeditionweredetainedagainsttheirwillbyPizarro，toendtheirdayswiththeirdisappointedleaderonhisdesolateisland。
PedrodelosRios，thegovernor，wassomuchincensedattheresultoftheexpedition，andthewasteoflifeithadoccasionedtothecolony，thatheturnedadeafeartoalltheapplicationsofLuqueandAlmagroforfurthercountenanceintheaffair；hederidedtheirsanguineanticipationsofthefuture，andfinallyresolvedtosendanofficertotheisleofGallo，withorderstobringbackeverySpaniardwhomheshouldfindstilllivinginthatdrearyabode。Twovesselswereimmediatelydespatchedforthepurpose，andplacedunderchargeofacavaliernamedTafur，anativeofCordova。
MeanwhilePizarroandhisfollowerswereexperiencingallthemiserieswhichmighthavebeenexpectedfromthecharacterofthebarrenspotonwhichtheywereimprisoned。Theywere，indeed，relievedfromallapprehensionsofthenatives，sincethesehadquittedtheislandonitsoccupationbythewhitemen；buttheyhadtoendurethepainsofhungereveninagreaterdegreethantheyhadformerlyexperiencedinthewildwoodsoftheneighboringcontinent。Theirprincipalfoodwascrabsandsuchshell-fishastheycouldscantilypickupalongtheshores。Incessantstormsofthunderandlightning，foritwastherainyseason，sweptoverthedevotedisland，anddrenchedthemwithaperpetualflood。Thus，halfnaked，andpiningwithfamine，therewerefewinthatlittlecompanywhodidnotfeelthespiritofenterprisequenchedwithinthem，orwholookedforanyhappierterminationoftheirdifficultiesthanthataffordedbyareturntoPanama。TheappearanceofTafur，therefore，withhistwovessels，wellstoredwithprovisions，wasgreetedwithalltherapturethatthecrewofasinkingwreckmightfeelonthearrivalofsomeunexpectedsuccour；andtheonlythought，aftersatisfyingtheimmediatecravingsofhunger，wastoembarkandleavethedetestedisleforever。
ButbythesamevesselletterscametoPizarrofromhistwoconfederates，LuqueandAlmagro，beseechinghimnottodespairinhispresentextremity，buttoholdfasttohisoriginalpurpose。Toreturnunderthepresentcircumstanceswouldbetosealthefateoftheexpedition；andtheysolemnlyengaged，ifhewouldremainfirmathispost，tofurnishhiminashorttimewiththenecessarymeansforgoingforward。1
ArayofhopewasenoughforthecourageousspiritofPizarro。Itdoesnotappearthathehimselfhadentertained，atanytime，thoughtsofreturning。Ifhehad，thesewordsofencouragemententirelybanishedthemfromhisbosom，andhepreparedtostandthefortuneofthecastonwhichhehadsodesperatelyventured。Heknew，however，thatsolicitationsorremonstranceswouldavaillittlewiththecompanionsofhisenterprise；andheprobablydidnotcaretowinoverthemoretimidspiritswho，byperpetuallylookingback，wouldonlybeaclogonhisfuturemovements。Heannouncedhisownpurpose，however，inalaconicbutdecidedmanner，characteristicofamanmoreaccustomedtoactthantotalk，andwellcalculatedtomakeanimpressiononhisroughfollowers。
Drawinghissword，hetracedalinewithitonthesandfromeasttowest。
Thenturningtowardsthesouth，"Friendandcomrades！"hesaid，"onthatsidearetoil，hunger，nakedness，thedrenchingstorm，desertion，anddeath；onthisside，easeandpleasure。ThereliesPeruwithitsriches；
here，Panama，anditspoverty。Choose，eachman，whatbestbecomesabraveCastilian。Formypart，Igotothesouth。"Sosaying，hesteppedacrosstheline。2HewasfollowedbythebravepilotRuiz；nextbyPedrodeCandia，acavalier，born，ashisnameimports，inoneoftheislesofGreece。Elevenotherssuccessivelycrossedtheline，thusintimatingtheirwillingnesstoabidethefortunesoftheirleader，forgoodorforevil。3
Fame，toquotetheenthusiasticlanguageofanancientchronicler，hascommemoratedthenamesofthislittleband，"whothus，inthefaceordifficultiesunexampledinhistory，withdeathratherthanrichesfortheirreward，preferreditalltoabandoningtheirhonor，andstoodfirmbytheirleaderasanexampleofloyaltytofutureages。"4
ButtheactexcitednosuchadmirationinthemindofTafur，wholookedonitasoneofgrossdisobediencetothecommandsofthegovernor，andaslittlebetterthanmadness，involvingthecertaindestructionofthepartiesengagedinit。Herefusedtogiveanysanctiontoithimselfbyleavingoneofhisvesselswiththeadventurerstoprosecutetheirvoyage，anditwaswithgreatdifficultythathecouldbepersuadedeventoallowthemapartofthestoreswhichhehadbroughtfortheirsupport。Thishadnoinfluenceontheirdetermination，andthelittleparty，biddingadieutotheirreturningcomrades，remainedunshakenintheirpurposeofabidingthefortunesoftheircommander。5
Thereissomethingstrikingtotheimaginationinthespectacleofthesefewbravespirits，thusconsecratingthemselvestoadaringenterprise，whichseemedasfarabovetheirstrengthasanyrecordedinthefabulousannalsofknight-errantry。Ahandfulofmen，withoutfood，withoutclothing，almostwithoutarms，withoutknowledgeofthelandtowhichtheywerebound，withoutvesseltotransportthem，werehereleftonalonelyrockintheoceanwiththeavowedpurposeofcarryingonacrusadeagainstapowerfulempire，stakingtheirlivesonitssuccess。
Whatisthereinthelegendsofchivalrythatsurpassesit？ThiswasthecrisisofPizarro'sfate。Therearemomentsinthelivesofmen，which，astheyareseizedorneglected，decidetheirfuturedestiny。6HadPizarrofalteredfromhisstrongpurpose，andyieldedtotheoccasion，nowsotemptinglypresented，forextricatinghimselfandhisbrokenbandfromtheirdesperateposition，hisnamewouldhavebeenburiedwithhisfortunes，andtheconquestofPeruwouldhavebeenleftforotherandmoresuccessfuladventurers。Buthisconstancywasequaltotheoccasion，andhisconducthereprovedhimcompetenttotheperilousposthehadassumed，andinspiredotherswithaconfidenceinhimwhichwasthebestassuranceofsuccess。
InthevesselthatborebackTafurandthosewhosecededfromtheexpeditionthepilotRuizwasalsopermittedtoreturn，inordertocooperatewithLuqueandAlmagrointheirapplicationforfurthersuccour。
Notlongafterthedepartureoftheships，itwasdecidedbyPizarrotoabandonhispresentquarters，whichhadlittletorecommendthem，andwhich，hereflected，mightnowbeexposedtoannoyancefromtheoriginalinhabitants，shouldtheytakecourageandreturn，onlearningthediminishednumberofthewhitemen。TheSpaniards，therefore，byhisorders，constructedarudeboatorraft，onwhichtheysucceededintransportingthemselvestothelittleislandofGorgona，twenty-fiveleaguestothenorthoftheirpresentresidence。Itlayaboutfiveleaguesfromthecontinent，andwasuninhabited。IthadsomeadvantagesovertheisleofGallo；foritstoodhigherabovethesea，andwaspartiallycoveredwithwood，whichaffordedsheltertoaspeciesofpheasant，andthehareorrabbitofthecountry，sothattheSpaniards，withtheircross-
bows，wereenabledtoprocureatolerablesupplyofgame。Coolstreamsthatissuedfromthelivingrockfurnishedabundanceofwater，thoughthedrenchingrainsthatfell，withoutintermission，lefttheminnodangerofperishingbythirst。Fromthisannoyancetheyfoundsomeprotectionintherudehutswhichtheyconstructed；thoughhere，asintheirformerresidence，theysufferedfromthenolessintolerableannoyanceofvenomousinsects，whichmultipliedandswarmedintheexhalationsoftherankandstimulatedsoil。InthisdrearyabodePizarroomittednomeansbywhichtosustainthedroopingspiritsofhismen。Morningprayersweredulysaid，andtheeveninghymntotheVirginwasregularlychanted；thefestivalsofthechurchwerecarefullycommemorated，andeverymeanstakenbytheircommandertogiveakindofreligiouscharactertohisenterprise，andtoinspirehisroughfollowerswithaconfidenceintheprotectionofHeaven，thatmightsupportthemintheirperilouscircumstances。7
Intheseuncomfortablequarters，theirchiefemploymentwastokeepwatchonthemelancholyocean，thattheymighthailthefirstsignaloftheanticipatedsuccour。Butmanyatediousmonthpassedaway，andnosignofitappeared。Allaroundwasthesamewidewasteofwaters，excepttotheeastward，wherethefrozencrestoftheAndes，touchedwiththeardentsunoftheequator，glowedlikearidgeoffirealongthewholeextentofthegreatcontinent。Everyspeckinthedistanthorizonwascarefullynoticed，andthedriftingtimberormassesofsea-weed，heavingtoandfroonthebosomofthewaters，wasconvertedbytheirimaginationsintothepromisedvessel；till，sinkingundersuccessivedisappointments，hopegraduallygavewaytodoubt，anddoubtsettledintodespair。8
MeanwhilethevesselofTafurhadreachedtheportofPanama。ThetidingswhichshebroughtoftheinflexibleobstinacyofPizarroandhisfollowersfilledthegovernorwithindignation。Hecouldlookonitinnootherlightthanasanactofsuicide，andsteadilyrefusedtosendfurtherassistancetomenwhowereobstinatelybentontheirowndestruction。
YetLuqueandAlmagroweretruetotheirengagements。Theyrepresentedtothegovernor，that，iftheconductoftheircomradewasrash，itwasatleastintheserviceoftheCrown，andinprosecutingthegreatworkofdiscovery。Rioshadbeeninstructed，onhistakingthegovernment，toaidPizarrointheenterprise；andtodeserthimnowwouldbetothrowawaytheremainingchanceofsuccess，andtoincurtheresponsibilityofhisdeathandthatofthebravemenwhoadheredtohim。Theseremonstrances，atlength，sofaroperatedonthemindofthatfunctionary，thathereluctantlyconsentedthatavesselshouldbesenttotheislandofGorgona，butwithnomorehandsthanwerenecessarytoworkher，andwithpositiveinstructionstoPizarrotoreturninsixmonthsandreporthimselfatPanama，whatevermightbethefutureresultsofhisexpedition。
Havingthussecuredthesanctionoftheexecutive，thetwoassociateslostnotimeinfittingoutasmallvesselwithstoresandasupplyofarmsandammunition，anddespatchedittotheisland。Theunfortunatetenantsofthislittlewilderness，whohadnowoccupieditforsevenmonths，9hardlydaredtotrusttheirsenseswhentheydescriedthewhitesailsofthefriendlybarkcomingoverthewaters。Andalthough，whenthevesselanchoredofftheshore，Pizarrowasdisappointedtofindthatitbroughtnoadditionalrecruitsfortheenterprise，yethegreeteditwithjoy，asaffordingthemeansofsolvingthegreatproblemoftheexistenceoftherichsouthernempire，andofthusopeningthewayforitsfutureconquest。
Twoofhismenweresoill，thatitwasdeterminedtoleavetheminthecareofsomeofthefriendlyIndianswhohadcontinuedwithhimthroughthewholeofhissojourn，andtocallforthemonhisreturn。TakingwithhimtherestofhishardyfollowersandthenativesofTumbez，heembarked，and，speedilyweighinganchor，badeadieutothe"Hell，"asitwascalledbytheSpaniards，whichhadbeenthesceneofsomuchsufferingandsuchundauntedresolution。10
Everyheartwasnowelatedwithhope，astheyfoundthemselvesoncemoreonthewaters，undertheguidanceofthegoodpilotRuiz，who，obeyingthedirectionsoftheIndians，proposedtosteerforthelandofTumbez，whichwouldbringthematonceintothegoldenempireoftheIncas，——theElDorado，ofwhichtheyhadbeensolonginpursuit。
PassingbythedrearyisleofGallo，whichtheyhadsuchgoodcausetoremember，theystoodfartherouttoseauntiltheymadepointTacumez，nearwhichtheyhadlandedontheirpreviousvoyage。Theydidnottouchatanypartofthecoast，butsteadilyheldontheirway，thoughconsiderablyimpededbythecurrents，aswellasbythewind，whichblewwithlittlevariationfromthesouth。Fortunately，thewindwaslight，and，astheweatherwasfavorable，theirvoyage，thoughslow，wasnotuncomfortable。Inafewdays，theycameinsightofPointPasado，thelimitofthepilot'sformernavigation；and，crossingtheline，thelittlebarkentereduponthoseunknownseaswhichhadneverbeenploughedbyEuropeankeelbefore。Thecoast，theyobserved，graduallydeclinedfromitsformerboldandruggedcharacter，gentlyslopingtowardstheshore，andspreadingoutintosandyplains，relievedhereandtherebypatchesofuncommonrichnessandbeauty；whilethewhitecottagesofthenativesglisteningalongthemarginofthesea，andthesmokethatroseamongthedistanthills，intimatedtheincreasingpopulationofthecountry。
Atlength，afterthelapseoftwentydaysfromtheirdeparturefromtheisland，theadventurousvesselroundedthepointofSt。Helena，andglidedsmoothlyintothewatersofthebeautifulgulfofGuayaquil。Thecountrywasherestuddedalongtheshorewithtownsandvillages，thoughthemightychainoftheCordilleras，sweepingupabruptlyfromthecoast，leftbutanarrowstripofemeraldverdure，throughwhichnumerousrivulets，spreadingfertilityaroundthem，woundtheirwayintothesea。
Thevoyagerswerenowabreastofsomeofthemoststupendousheightsofthismagnificentrange；Chimborazo，withitsbroadroundsummit，toweringlikethedomeoftheAndes，andCotopaxi，withitsdazzlingconeofsilverywhite，thatknowsnochangeexceptfromtheactionofitsownvolcanicfires；forthismountainisthemostterribleoftheAmericanvolcanoes，andwasinformidableactivityatnogreatdistancefromtheperiodofournarrative。Wellpleasedwiththesignsofcivilizationthatopenedonthemateveryleagueoftheirprogress，theSpaniards，atlength，cametoanchor，offtheislandofSantaClara，lyingattheentranceofthebayofTumbez。11
Theplacewasuninhabited，butwasrecognizedbytheIndiansonboard，asoccasionallyresortedtobythewarlikepeopleoftheneighboringisleofPuna，forpurposesofsacrificeandworship。TheSpaniardsfoundonthespotafewbitsofgoldrudelywroughtintovariousshapes，andprobablydesignedasofferingstotheIndiandeity。Theirheartswerecheered，asthenativesassuredthemtheywouldseeabundanceofthesamepreciousmetalintheirowncityofTumbez。
Thefollowingmorningtheystoodacrossthebayforthisplace。Astheydrewnear，theybeheldatownofconsiderablesize，withmanyofthebuildingsapparentlyofstoneandplaster，situatedinthebosomofafruitfulmeadow，whichseemedtohavebeenredeemedfromthesterilityofthesurroundingcountrybycarefulandminuteirrigation。Whenatsomedistancefromshore，Pizarrosawstandingtowardshimseverallargebalsas，whichwerefoundtobefilledwithwarriorsgoingonanexpeditionagainsttheislandofPuna。RunningalongsideoftheIndianflotilla，heinvitedsomeofthechiefstocomeonboardofhisvessel。
ThePeruviansgazedwithwonderoneveryobjectwhichmettheireyes，andespeciallyontheirowncountrymen，whomtheyhadlittleexpectedtomeetthere。Thelatterinformedtheminwhatmannertheyhadfallenintothehandsofthestrangers，whomtheydescribedasawonderfulraceofbeings，thathadcomethitherfornoharm，butsolelytobemadeacquaintedwiththecountryanditsinhabitants。ThisaccountwasconfirmedbytheSpanishcommander，whopersuadedtheIndianstoreturnintheirbalsasandreportwhattheyhadlearnedtotheirtownsmen，requestingthematthesametimetoprovidehisvesselwithrefreshments，asitwashisdesiretoenterintoafriendlyintercoursewiththenatives。
ThepeopleofTumbezweregatheredalongtheshore，andweregazingwithunutterableamazementonthefloatingcastle，which，nowhavingdroppedanchor，rodelazilyatitsmooringsintheirbay。Theyeagerlylistenedtotheaccountsoftheircountrymen，andinstantlyreportedtheaffairtothecuracaorrulerofthedistrict，who，conceivingthatthestrangersmustbebeingsofasuperiororder，preparedatoncetocomplywiththeirrequest。Itwasnotlongbeforeseveralbalsaswereseensteeringforthevesselladenwithbananas，plantains，yuca，Indiancorn，sweetpotatoes，pine-apples，cocoa-nuts，andotherrichproductsofthebountifulvaleofTumbez。Gameandfish，also，wereadded，withanumberofllamas，ofwhichPizarrohadseentherudedrawingsbelongingtoBalboa，butofwhichtillnowhehadmetwithnolivingspecimen。Heexaminedthiscuriousanimal，thePeruviansheep，——or，astheSpaniardscalledit，the"littlecamel"oftheIndians，——withmuchinterest，greatlyadmiringthemixtureofwoolandhairwhichsuppliedthenativeswiththematerialsfortheirfabrics。
AtthattimetherehappenedtobeatTumbezanIncanoble，ororejon，——
forso，asIhavealreadynoticed，menofhisrankwerecalledbytheSpaniards，fromthehugeornamentsofgoldattachedtotheirears。Heexpressedgreatcuriositytoseethewonderfulstrangers，andhad，accordingly，comeoutwiththebalsasforthepurpose。Itwaseasytoperceivefromthesuperiorqualityofhisdress，aswellasfromthedeferencepaidtohimbytheothers，thathewasapersonofconsideration，andPizarroreceivedhimwithmarkeddistinction。Heshowedhimthedifferentpartsoftheship，explainingtohimtheusesofwhateverengagedhisattention，andansweringhisnumerousqueries，aswellashecould，bymeansoftheIndianinterpreters。ThePeruvianchiefwasespeciallydesirousofknowingwhenceandwhyPizarroandhisfollowershadcometotheseshores。TheSpanishcaptainreplied，thathewasthevassalofagreatprince，thegreatestandmostpowerfulintheworld，andthathehadcometothiscountrytoasserthismaster'slawfulsupremacyoverit。Hehadfurthercometorescuetheinhabitantsfromthedarknessofunbeliefinwhichtheywerenowwandering。Theyworshippedanevilspirit，whowouldsinktheirsoulsintoeverlastingperdition；andhewouldgivethemtheknowledgeofthetrueandonlyGod，JesusChrist，sincetobelieveinhimwaseternalsalvation。12
TheIndianprincelistenedwithdeepattentionandapparentwonder；butanswerednothing。Itmaybe，thatneitherhenorhisinterpretershadanyverydistinctideasofthedoctrinesthusabruptlyrevealedtothem。ItmaybethathedidnotbelievetherewasanyotherpotentateonearthgreaterthantheInca；none，atleast，whohadabetterrighttoruleoverhisdominions。AnditisverypossiblehewasnotdisposedtoadmitthatthegreatluminarywhomheworshippedwasinferiortotheGodoftheSpaniards。Butwhatevermayhavepassedintheuntutoredmindofthebarbarian，hedidnotgiveventtoit，butmaintainedadiscreetsilence，withoutanyattempttocontrovertortoconvincehisChristianantagonist。
Heremainedonboardthevesseltillthehourofdinner，ofwhichhepartookwiththeSpaniards，expressinghissatisfactionatthestrangedishes，andespeciallypleasedwiththewine，whichhepronouncedfarsuperiortothefermentedliquorsofhisowncountry。Ontakingleave，hecourteouslypressedtheSpaniardstovisitTumbez，andPizarrodismissedhimwiththepresent，amongotherthings，ofanironhatchet，whichhadgreatlyexcitedhisadmiration；fortheuseofiron，aswehaveseen，wasaslittleknowntothePeruviansastotheMexicans。
Onthedayfollowing，theSpanishcaptainsentoneofhisownmen，namedAlonsodeMolina，onshore，accompaniedbyanegrowhohadcomeinthevesselfromPanama，togetherwithapresentforthecuracaofsomeswineandpoultry，neitherofwhichwereindigenoustotheNewWorld。Towardseveninghisemissaryreturnedwithafreshsupplyoffruitsandvegetables，thatthefriendlypeoplesenttothevessel。Molinahadawondroustaletotell。Onlanding，hewassurroundedbythenatives，whoexpressedthegreatestastonishmentathisdress，hisfaircomplexion，andhislongbeard。Thewomen，especially，manifestedgreatcuriosityinrespecttohim，andMolinaseemedtobeentirelywonbytheircharmsandcaptivatingmanners。Heprobablyintimatedhissatisfactionbyhisdemeanor，sincetheyurgedhimtostayamongthem，promisinginthatcasetoprovidehimwithabeautifulwife。
Theirsurprisewasequallygreatatthecomplexionofhissablecompanion。Theycouldnotbelieveitwasnatural，andtriedtorubofftheimaginarydyewiththeirhands。AstheAfricanboreallthiswithcharacteristicgood-humor，displayingatthesametimehisrowsofivoryteeth，theywereprodigiouslydelighted。13Theanimalswerenolessabovetheircomprehension；and，whenthecockcrew，thesimplepeopleclappedtheirhands，andinquiredwhathewassaying。14Theirintellectsweresobewilderedbysightssonovel，thattheyseemedincapableofdistinguishingbetweenmanandbrute。
Molinawasthenescortedtotheresidenceofthecuraca，whomhefoundlivinginmuchstate，withportersstationedathisdoors，andwithaquantityofgoldandsilvervessels，fromwhichhewasserved。HewasthentakentodifferentpartsoftheIndiancity，sawafortressbuiltofroughstone，and，thoughlow，spreadingoveralargeextentofground。15
Nearthiswasatemple；andtheSpaniard'sdescriptionofitsdecorations。
blazingwithgoldandsilver，seemedsoextravagant，thatPizarro，distrustinghiswholeaccount，resolvedtosendamorediscreetandtrustworthyemissaryonthefollowingday。16
ThepersonselectedwasPedrodeCandia，theGreekcavaliermentionedasoneofthefirstwhointimatedhisintentiontosharethefortunesofhiscommander。Hewassentonshore，dressedincompletemailasbecameagoodknight，withhisswordbyhisside，andhisarquebuseonhisshoulder。TheIndianswereevenmoredazzledbyhisappearancethanbyMolina's，asthesunfellbrightlyonhispolishedarmour，andglancedfromhismilitaryweapons。Theyhadheardmuchoftheformidablearquebusefromtheirtownsmenwhohadcomeinthevessel，andtheybesoughtCandia"toletitspeaktothem。"Heaccordinglysetupawoodenboardasatarget，and，takingdeliberateaim，firedoffthemusket。Theflashofthepowderandthestartlingreportofthepiece，astheboard，struckbytheball，wasshiveredintosplinters，filledthenativeswithdismay。Somefellontheground，coveringtheirfaceswiththeirhands，andothersapproachedthecavalierwithfeelingsofawe，whichweregraduallydispelledbytheassurancetheyreceivedfromthesmilingexpressionofhiscountenance。17
TheythenshowedhimthesamehospitableattentionswhichtheyhadpaidtoMolina；andhisdescriptionofthemarvelsoftheplace，onhisreturn，fellnothingshortofhispredecessor's。Thefortress，whichwassurroundedbyatriplerowofwall，wasstronglygarrisoned。Thetemplehedescribedasliterallytapestriedwithplatesofgoldandsilver。
AdjoiningthisstructurewasasortofconventappropriatedtotheInca'sdestinedbrides，whomanifestedgreatcuriositytoseehim。Whetherthiswasgratifiedisnotclear；butCandiadescribedthegardensoftheconvent，whichheentered，asglowingwithimitationsoffruitsandvegetablesallinpuregoldandsilver！18Hehadseenanumberofartisansatwork，whosesolebusinessseemedtobetofurnishthesegorgeousdecorationsforthereligioushouses。
Thereportsofthecavaliermayhavebeensomewhatover-colored。19Itwasnaturalthatmencomingfromthedrearywilderness，inwhichtheyhadbeenburiedthelastsixmonths，shouldhavebeenvividlyimpressedbythetokensofcivilizationwhichmetthemonthePeruviancoast。ButTumbezwasafavoritecityofthePeruvianprinces。Itwasthemostimportantplaceonthenorthernbordersoftheempire，contiguoustotherecentacquisitionofQuito。ThegreatTupacYupanquihadestablishedastrongfortressthere，andpeopleditwithacolonyofmitimaes。Thetemple，andthehouseoccupiedbytheVirginsoftheSun，hadbeenerectedbyHuaynaCapac，andwereliberallyendowedbythatInca，afterthesumptuousfashionofthereligiousestablishmentsofPeru。Thetownwaswellsuppliedwithwaterbynumerousaqueducts，andthefruitfulvalleyinwhichitwasembosomed，andtheoceanwhichbatheditsshores，suppliedamplemeansofsubsistencetoaconsiderablepopulation。ButthecupidityoftheSpaniards，aftertheConquest，wasnotstowindespoilingtheplaceofitsglories；andthesiteofitsproudtowersandtemples，inlessthanhalfacenturyafterthatfatalperiod，wastobetracedonlybythehugemassofruinsthatencumberedtheground。20
TheSpaniardswerenearlymadwithjoy，saysanoldwriter，atreceivingthesebrillianttidingsofthePeruviancity。Alltheirfonddreamswerenowtoberealized，andtheyhadatlengthreachedtherealmwhichhadsolongflittedinvisionarysplendorbeforethem。PizarroexpressedhisgratitudetoHeavenforhavingcrownedhislaborswithsogloriousaresult；buthebitterlylamentedthehardfatewhich，bydeprivinghimofhisfollowers，deniedhim，atsuchamoment，themeansofavailinghimselfofhissuccess。Yethehadnocauseforlamentation；andthedevoutCatholicsawinthisverycircumstanceaprovidentialinterpositionwhichpreventedtheattemptatconquest，whilesuchattemptswouldhavebeenpremature。Peruwasnotyettornasunderbythedissensionsofrivalcandidatesforthethrone；and，unitedandstrongunderthesceptreofawarlikemonarch，shemightwellhavebiddefiancetoalltheforcesthatPizarrocouldmuster。"ItwasmanifestlytheworkofHeaven，"exclaimsadevoutsonoftheChurch，"thatthenativesofthecountryshouldhavereceivedhiminsokindandlovingaspirit，asbestfittedtofacilitatetheconquest；foritwastheLord'shandwhichledhimandhisfollowerstothisremoteregionfortheextensionoftheholyfaith，andforthesalvationofsouls。"21
Havingnowcollectedalltheinformationessentialtohisobject，Pizarro，aftertakingleaveofthenativesofTumbez，andpromisingaspeedyreturn，weighedanchor，andagainturnedhisprowtowardsthesouth。
Stillkeepingasnearaspossibletothecoast，thatnoplaceofimportancemightescapehisobservation，hepassedCapeBlanco，and，aftersailingaboutadegreeandahalf，madetheportofPayta。Theinhabitants，whohadnoticeofhisapproach，cameoutintheirbalsastogetsightofthewonderfulstrangers，bringingwiththemstoresoffruits，fish，andvegetables，withthesamehospitablespiritshownbytheircountrymenatTumbez。
Afterstayinghereashorttime，andinterchangingpresentsoftriflingvaluewiththenatives，Pizarrocontinuedhiscruise；and，sailingbythesandyplainsofSechuraforanextentofnearahundredmiles，hedoubledthePuntadeAguja，andsweptdownthecoastasitfellofftowardstheeast，stillcarriedforwardbylightandsomewhatvariablebreezes。Theweathernowbecameunfavorable，andthevoyagersencounteredasuccessionofheavygales，whichdrovethemsomedistanceouttosea，andtossedthemaboutformanydays。ButtheydidnotlosesightofthemightyrangesoftheAndes，which，astheyproceededtowardsthesouth，werestillseen，atnearlythesamedistancefromtheshore，rollingonwards，peakafterpeak，withtheirstupendoussurgesofice，likesomevastocean，thathadbeensuddenlyarrestedandfrozenupinthemidstofitswildandtumultuouscareer。Withthislandmarkalwaysinview，thenavigatorhadlittleneedofstarorcompasstoguidehisbarkonhercourse。
Assoonasthetempesthadsubsided，Pizarrostoodinagainforthecontinent，touchingattheprincipalpointsashecoastedalong。
Everywherehewasreceivedwiththesamespiritofgeneroushospitality；
thenativescomingoutintheirbalsastowelcomehim，ladenwiththeirlittlecargoesoffruitsandvegetables，ofallthelusciousvarietiesthatgrowinthetierracaliente。Allwereeagertohaveaglimpseofthestrangers，the"ChildrenoftheSun，"astheSpaniardsbeganalreadytobecalled，fromtheirfaircomplexions，brilliantarmour，andthethunderboltswhichtheyboreintheirhands。22Themostfavorablereports，too，hadprecededthem，oftheurbanityandgentlenessoftheirmanners，thusunlockingtheheartsofthesimplenatives，anddisposingthemtoconfidenceandkindness。Theiron-heartedsoldierhadnotyetdisclosedthedarkersideofhischaracter。Hewastooweaktodoso。
ThehourofConquesthadnotyetcome。
IneveryplacePizarroreceivedthesameaccountsofapowerfulmonarchwhoruledovertheland，andheldhiscourtonthemountainplainsoftheinterior，wherehiscapitalwasdepictedasblazingwithgoldandsilver，anddisplayingalltheprofusionofanOrientalsatrap。TheSpaniards，exceptatTumbez，seemtohavemetwithlittleofthepreciousmetalsamongthenativesonthecoast。Morethanonewriterassertsthattheydidnotcovetthem，or，atleast，byPizarro'sorders，affectednottodoso。
Hewouldnothavethembetraytheirappetiteforgold，andactuallyrefusedgiftswhentheywereproffered！23Itismoreprobablethattheysawlittledisplayofwealth，exceptintheembellishmentsofthetemplesandothersacredbuildings，whichtheydidnotdaretoviolate。Thepreciousmetals，reservedfortheusesofreligionandforpersonsofhighdegree，werenotlikelytoaboundintheremotetownsandhamletsonthecoast。
YettheSpaniardsmetwithsufficientevidenceofgeneralcivilizationandpowertoconvincethemthattherewasmuchfoundationforthereportsofthenatives。Repeatedlytheysawstructuresofstoneandplaster，andoccasionallyshowingarchitecturalskillintheexecution，ifnoteleganceofdesign。Wherevertheycastanchor，theybeheldgreenpatchesofcultivatedcountryredeemedfromthesterilityofnature，andbloomingwiththevariegatedvegetationofthetropics；whilearefinedsystemofirrigation，bymeansofaqueductsandcanals，seemedtobespreadlikeanet-workoverthesurfaceofthecountry，makingeventhedeserttoblossomastherose。AtmanyplaceswheretheylandedtheysawthegreatroadoftheIncaswhichtraversedthesea-coast，often，indeed，lostinthevolatilesands，wherenoroadcouldbemaintained，butrisingintoabroadandsubstantialcauseway，asitemergedonafirmersoil。Suchaprovisionforinternalcommunicationwasinitselfnoslightmonumentofpowerandcivilization。
Stillbeatingtothesouth，PizarropassedthesiteofthefutureflourishingcityofTruxillo，foundedbyhimselfsomeyearslater，andpressedontillherodeofftheportofSanta。Itstoodonthebanksofabroadandbeautifulstream；butthesurroundingcountrywassoexceedinglyaridthatitwasfrequentlyselectedasaburial-placebythePeruvians，whofoundthesoilmostfavorableforthepreservationoftheirmummies。Sonumerous，indeed，weretheIndianguacas，thattheplacemightratherbecalledtheabodeofthedeadthanoftheliving。24
Havingreachedthispoint，abouttheninthdegreeofsouthernlatitude，Pizarro'sfollowersbesoughthimnottoprosecutethevoyagefarther。
Enoughandmorethanenoughhadbeendone，theysaid，toprovetheexistenceandactualpositionofthegreatIndianempireofwhichtheyhadsolongbeeninsearch。Yet，withtheirslenderforce，theyhadnopowertoprofitbythediscovery。Allthatremained，therefore，wastoreturnandreportthesuccessoftheirenterprisetothegovernoratPanama。Pizarroacquiescedinthereasonablenessofthisdemand。Hehadnowpenetratedninedegreesfartherthananyformernavigatorinthesesouthernseas，and，insteadoftheblightwhich，uptothishour，hadseemedtohangoverhisfortunes，hecouldnowreturnintriumphtohiscountrymen。Withouthesitation，therefore，hepreparedtoretracehiscourse，andstoodagaintowardsthenorth。