Hostilities were resumed. The city was now so closely shut in that supplies were entirely cut off. This produced a dire famine, followed as usual by a pestilence, which swept away the poor natives in great numbers. Meanwhile the Spaniards daily approached nearer the city by the three causeways. In pursuance of Cortes’ new plans every advance was accompanied by preparations for a safe retreat to the mainland in case of necessity. By continuing this policy the city was reached on all three sides and the noble, brave Guatemozin at last fought the Spaniards upon a hand-breadth of land. The latter continued advancing, setting on fire the section of the city already captured, and maintaining their strongly intrenched position. The great marketplace was the objective point for all three divisions. Alvarado was the first to reach it. Cortes quickly followed at the head of the division led by Olid, driving the Mexicans before him at the point of the sword. Sandoval also joined them and the slaughter was terrible. Three-fourths of the city was now captured and almost reduced to ashes. Guatemozin had intrenched himself in the remaining part with the flower of his soldiers. The Spaniards were about to attack him, but Cortes, who was anxious to save further bloodshed, and flattered himself that Guatemozin could hold out no longer, stayed further hostilities and again made offers of peace. Seemingly the Emperor was ready to accept them and a short cessation of fighting followed without any expressed agreement. Meanwhile the two parties confronted each other, separated only by a trench. Absolute quiet prevailed on both sides. Guatemozin meanwhile put off the Spaniards from day to day with the assurance that he would personally appear and conduct negotiations. This was only a pretext to lull the Spaniards into security, and conceal his own purpose. Acting upon the entreaties of his nobles, he had decided to save himself from death or capture by flight to distant provinces of his Empire, there to raise a new army and make head against his enemies. The necessary preparations were all made. The Mexican nobles were ready to give up their lives for their loved Emperor. They had a great number of canoes in readiness and a bold attack was made upon the vessels while Guatemozin, the object of their tender solicitude, was being conveyed across the lake. Sandoval, who was in command of the vessels, vainly attempted to drive them back by firing his heavy cannon. They despised death and wounds and rowed about unterrified, seeking to come to a hand to hand struggle. [Illustration: _THE ENTRY OF CORTES INTO MEXICO CITY_]