Page:Mexico (1829) Volumes 1 and 2.djvu/212

174 MEXICO. been four whole days without eating, and upwards of two years without tasting bread ; and he says, himself, that he devoured the tortillas before the cravings of his appetite would allow him to reflect upon the singularity of finding them on this solitary spot, where he had never before seen any trace of a human being. He was at a loss to determine whether they had been left there by friend or foe ; but feel- ing sure that whoever had left them intended to return, he concealed himself near the place, in order to observe his mo- tions, and to take his own measures accordingly. Within a short time the Indian returned, and Victoria, who recognized him, abruptly started from his concealment, to welcome his faithful follower ; but the man, terrified at seeing a phantom covered with hair, emaciated, and clothed only with an old cotton wrapper, advancing upon him with a sword in his hand, from amongst the bushes, took to flight ; and it was only on hearing himself repeatedly called by his name, that he recovered his composure sufficiently to recog- nize his old general. He was afffected beyond measure at the state in which he found him, and conducted him instantly to his village, where Victoria was received with the greatest en- thusiasm. The report of his re-appearance spread, like light- ning, through the Province, where it was not credited at first, so firmly was every one convinced of his death ; but as soon as it was known that Guadalupe Victoria was indeed in ex- istence, all the old Insurgents rallied around him. In an incredibly short time, he induced the whole Province, with the exception of the fortified towns, to declare for Independ- ence, and then set out to join Itiirbide, who was, at that time, preparing for the siege of Mexico. He was received with great apparent cordiality ; but his independent spirit was too little in unison with Iturbides projects, for this good understanding to continue long. Victoria had fought for a liberal form of government, and not merely for a change of masters; and Iturbide, unable to gain him over, drove him