stand that the Spaniards were friendly and would call on their master the next day.
Cortez landed on Good Friday, April 21, 1519. With the help of their Cuban slaves and the natives the army were soon sheltered in booths and tents, while a great cross of wood was raised in the centre of the camp. The people, determined to see all that was going on, began to put up huts for themselves, brought beds, provisions and cooking-utensils, and prepared to stay while the great show lasted. Many a dainty dish cooked in native style found its way into the Spanish camp from the ovens and the kettles of these thrifty Indian dames. Yet Cortez ordered that a strict watch should be kept against Indian treachery—a precaution which the lawless character of many of his own men rendered necessary.
Teuthile did not wait for the promised visit from Cortez. He was a representative of the Aztec council—probably one of their collectors of tribute—and he knew that it was his duty to look well after these strangers. He came into the camp the next morning with a number of attendants, some of whom were porters laden with provisions and other gifts for the visitors. He paid his respects to Cortez by burning incense before him, and little straws which had been touched with his own blood. In return for the rich ornaments in gold and silver and feather-work which he received, Cortez gave a robe of silk, a glittering necklace of glass, curious beads, scissors, mirrors and articles made of iron and wool—materials of which the Mexicans knew nothing.
So far it had not been necessary to use words, but now there might have been awkward pauses but for a conversation which was observed between one of the deputy's attendants and Marina, an Indian girl who had been given,
