Squadron off the Coast 83 Stratagem of Cortés 85 Arrangement at Villa Rica 86 Spaniards begin their March 87 Climb the Cordilleras 88 Wild Mountain Scenery 89 Immense Heaps of human Skulls 93 Transactions with the Natives 94 Accounts of Montezuma’s Power 95 Moderation of Father Olmedo 97 Indian Dwellings 99 Cortés determines his Route 100 Embassy to Tlascala 101 Remarkable Fortification 102 Arrival in Tlascala 103 CHAPTER II REPUBLIC OF TLASCALA--ITS INSTITUTIONS--EARLY HISTORY--DISCUSSIONS IN THE SENATE--DESPERATE BATTLES The Tlascalans 104 Their Migrations 105 Their Government 106 Public Games 107 Order of Knighthood 108 Internal Resources 108 Their Civilization 109 Struggles with the Aztecs 110 Means of Defence 111 Sufferings of the Tlascalans 112 Their hardy Character 113 Debates in the Senate 114 Spaniards advance 115 Desperate Onslaught 116 Retreat of the Indians 117 Bivouac of the Spaniards 118 The Army resumes its March 119 Immense Host of Barbarians 120 Bloody Conflict in the Pass 121 Enemy give Ground 122 Spaniards clear the Pass 123 Cessation of Hostilities 124 Results of the Conflict 125 Troops encamp for the Night 126 CHAPTER III