Page:Vol 1 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/442

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322
DOUBLY REFINED DEALINGS.

They invited the Spaniards to enter, but would not allow the Mexican escort to cross the boundary. The guides warned Pizarro not to trust himself to what they termed a treacherous people, but after a brief hesitation he advanced and received a hearty reception. Aid was given to search for gold, of which seven hundred pesos' worth was obtained from several

rivers, most of it in rough grains.[1] On his return he brought two chiefs, who bore presents of gold from their chief cacique Cohuatlicamac, and tendered his allegiance on condition that the Aztecs should not be allowed to enter the country. Finding the inhabitants so friendly and the province rich in resources, Pizarro left four of his small party behind to establish cacao and maize plantations and to search for more gold.[2]

  1. 'En granos crespillos, porque dixeron los mineroa, que aquello era de mas duraderas minas como de nacimiento.' Id., 82.
  2. Bernal Diaz names them, 'Barriētos, y Heredia el viejo, y Escalona el