Cortes acknowledged the justness of their claim, and requested them to despatch two of the principal men from among them to take charge of their respective share, and, if I am not mistaken, he added that it had been deposited for safe keeping in Tlascalla: at least, they immediately after sent two of their numbers there to take possession of it, of whom Juan de Alcantara the elder was one. We shall, however, soon see what became of Alcantara with all the gold; how quickly the wheel of fortune turned against us, and trouble and sorrow followed peace and joy; for we received intelligence that all Mexico had risen up in arms, that Alvarado was besieged in his quarters, and that the Mexicans were attempting to set fire to the new fortifications at every point.
It will break y^e course of co[=m]unitie, as may be showed by many reasons. That is but said, and I say againe, it will best foster comunion, as may be showed by many reasons.
“At last we are alone. My Elinor, you do not yet know all my happiness.
Seven of our men had already been killed, many were wounded, and immediate assistance was required. Colonel Brandon loves Marianne.
He has told me so himself.”