Meanwhile, the Indian allies of Cortes thick-
ened around the contest, as a flock of birds of
rapine over carrion, and darkened the outskirts of
the devoted city. They came in such multitudes,
that, as he himself says, there was no taking any
account of them. The proud Mexico, hitherto
unconscious of a conqueror, was penetrated by
the Spanish forces on all sides, till at length the
market-place was gained by the troops of Alva- Free com-
rado, and free communication was opened and tionbe-
maintained between his camp and that of Cortes, camps of

. . .11 Alvarado

It is curious to note the change m the language and Cones.
now addressed by the Mexicans to the Tlascalans
and the other Spanish allies. When the towns-
men saw these Indians burning and destroying
on all sides, they tauntingly bade them continue
doing so, as they would have to build up anew
what they were then destroying, if not for them
(the Mexicans), at least, for their own friends, the



104 C0BTE8 CONSTRUCTS A CATAPULT

Spaniards.* Cortes afterwards comments upon
this prophecy in a manner that is anything but
chivalrous or gentlemanly (indeed, conquerors on
their own account seldom are distinguished gen-
tlemen), f for he adds, "In this last respect it
pleased God that they turned out to be true pro-
phets, for they, the allies, are those who are com-
mencing to rebuild/'J

Cortes now possessed no less than seven-eighths

of the city, as he perceived on looking from a

great tower which adjoined the market-place.
