Duero, it will be remembered, had greatly assisted Cortés in fitting out his expedition from Cuba; in fact, without his intervention Cortés would never have been appointed to the command. Láres was dead, and it was quite natural, after this lapse of time, that Duero should desire to look in on Mexico, and for that reason had joined the expedition of Narvaez. Yet his sympathies were wholly with his partner, and after a warm embrace he came at once to the subject of his ducats. Their interview was private and protracted, and appears to have been satisfactory, Cortés receiving on the one hand valuable information about Narvaez plans and position, and Duero, on the other, coming forth with weighted pockets, as an instalment of the larger sum to follow. According to Bernal Diaz it was arranged that Duero should receive valuable grants and offices if he persuaded the alguacil mayor and other leaders so to manage affairs that Narvaez should be captured or killed, and Cortés acknowledged captain-general over all the troops.[1] Whatever may have been the agreement, there is no doubt that Duero promised to promote his friend's schemes in the other camp.
Guevara and the other members of the commission were also loaded with presents, and confirmed as supporters of Cortés. As for Narvaez' proposition, he charged them to reply that he would listen to none
- ↑ Duero was to receive the share of treasures claimed, a command in the expedition equal to that of Cortés, and after the conquest a grant of towns similar to his own. As a further inducement, sufficient gold was given to load his two Cuban servants. On taking leave of the general, on pentecost morning, Duero asked: What has your worship to say, before I leave?" God be with you, was the reply, 'and see to it, Señor Duero, that it be done as arranged, or by my conscience [Cortés' favorite oath] I'll be in your camp within three days, with all my companions, and the first to receive the lance will be your worship, if I see aught contrary.' Bernal Diaz, Hist. Verdad., 94. Monjaras states that Duero and Leon warned Cortés against opposing Narvaez' army and commission. Cortés, Residencia, ii. 49.
expelled. Knowing Salvatierra to be a blusterer, Bermudez, the alguacil mayor, proposed that he should join the commission, but his intended victim, not caring to trust himself within the power of Cortés, pleaded sickness and a dislike to speak with a traitor. 'Señor Veedor,' chimed in Olmedo, ironically, "best it is to be prudent, and you may have him prisoner before long.' Hist. Verdad., 93.
