Action of Xaltocan 305 Spaniards ford the Lake 306 Towns deserted as they advance 307 Beautiful Environs of Mexico 308 Cortés occupies Tacuba 308 The Allies fire the Town 310 Ambuscade of the Aztecs 311 Parley with the Enemy 312 Single Combats 313 Position of the Parties 314 Spaniards return to Tezcuco 314 Embassy from Chalco 316 Sandoval is detached to defend it 317 Takes Huaxtepec 318 Storms Jacapichtla 319 Puts the Garrison to the Sword 320 Countermarch on Chalco 321 Cortés’ Coolness with Sandoval 322 His Reconciliation 322 Arrival of Reinforcements 323 The Dominican Friar 324 CHAPTER III SECOND RECONNOITRING EXPEDITION--ENGAGEMENTS ON THE SIERRA--CAPTURE OF CUERNAVACA--BATTLES AT XOCHIMILCO--NARROW ESCAPE OF CORTÉS--HE ENTERS TACUBA Second reconnoitring Expedition 325 Preparations for the March 326 Spaniards enter the Sierra 326 Engagements in the Passes 327 Rocks rolled down by the Aztecs 327 Enemy routed 328 Spaniards bivouac in the Mulberry Grove 329 Storm the Cliffs 329 March through the Mountains 331 Arrive at Cuernavaca 332 Scenery in its Environs 332 Bold Passage of the Ravine 334 Capture of the City 335 Cortés recrosses the Sierra 336 Exquisite View of the Valley 336 Marches against Xochimilco 337 Narrow Escape of Cortés 339