Followed by some of his brave officers, who were mounted, he dashed into the midst of the troop which guarded the banner, and hurled the Mexican leader to the earth with a thrust of his lance. One of his attendants sprang from his horse, killed him, and seized the flag. At that same moment all the other flags were lowered, a panic seized them, they threw down their arms and took to flight. Thus a lucky thought saved the Spaniards and gave them a victory which was as glorious as it was profitable, for, when the booty was collected, its value nearly reimbursed them for the treasures they had left behind in Mexico, as most of the Mexicans, confident of victory, had bedecked themselves with their most costly ornaments. On the following day they reached the territory of the friendly Tlaxcalans. They dreaded lest they should find a change in their relations, but their fears were groundless. That noble and magnanimous people remained as faithful as if the Spanish power and fortunes had suffered no calamities. Among these people the Spaniards rested, recovering from their hardships and caring for their wounds. All devoted themselves to recreation save Cortes, notwithstanding he had striven and suffered more than any of them. He had no time to think of rest. He was engaged upon plans for the future and soon was delighted to find that good fortune had not yet abandoned him. Velasquez, the governor of Cuba, had so little doubt that Narvaez would succeed with the strong force entrusted to him that, without waiting for news, he sent him two more vessels loaded with supplies and munitions. As they were sailing past Vera Cruz the commanding officer there induced them to enter the harbor. He easily took possession of the vessels and just as easily persuaded the men to enter Cortes’ service. This was not all that fate turned to his advantage. Not long after this, three other vessels of unusual size, belonging to a fleet which the governor of Jamaica had fitted out for discoveries, appeared on the same coast. Their commander unfortunately took a course toward the northern provinces of the Mexican Empire, whose people were both poor and warlike. He was very inhospitably received and after a long series of misfortunes at last succeeded in reaching the harbor of Vera Cruz. His men were also induced to enter Cortes’ service. In this way Cortes received such accessions of men and material that his past losses were nearly made good. He felt strong enough now to resume his great plans for the conquest of the Mexican Empire. With his faithful allies, the Tlaxcalans and other Indian tribes which had united with him, he was now at the head of an army of ten thousand men. In the meantime the Emperor Cuitlahua had died suddenly of small-pox. After his death the electors were summoned to choose his successor. Their duty at this critical time was one of the most serious responsibility. The chief priests implored the blessing of their highest deity in the following appeal: