Gómez de Tordoya, Gonzalo de los Nidos, Villacastin, and the other citizens and knights who had gathered together, considered what they should do that the result might turn out prosperous, and that his Majesty might be duly served. The licentiate de La Gama and Captain Castro, with others who had started with Pero Alvarez Holguin, said that as he had not yet entered the region he was making for, they determined, as good and loyal vassals and servants of his Majesty, to take a very decisive step. This was to write to Pero Alvarez that, as the Marquis was dead, and the murderers had got possession of the Realm and held it, he, being so good a servant of the king, should abandon the enterprise he had undertaken and join them with the men he had with him; and that they would recognize him as Captain-general, and raise the banner of his Majesty. He could then prevent the Chile party from doing any harm, and march to join the licentiate Vaca de Castro who, as they all knew, was coming as Judge of _residencia_. They urged Pero Alvarez not to refuse what they now proposed, because fortune appeared favourable, and in addition to honour and everlasting fame, he would acquire a great reward in the Realm. They added that he should know the city of Cuzco favoured Don Diego, and that Gabriel de Rojas was there as his Lieutenant. Having written this, and while they were all in a village of the Collao called _Ayavire_, Martín de Almendras arrived there, on his way from the town of La Plata. They agreed to send him to Pero Alvarez with the news, and Almendras promised to go with all diligence. He started in a litter, accompanied by many Indians, and travelled so fast that in one day and one night he covered 37 leagues. For Indians came in relays from all parts to carry the litter or hammock in which he made the journey. Travelling at this speed Almendras arrived at a village called _Chuquito_ where he found some soldiers of Pero Alvarez, left there to await news of whether the Marquis had dismissed him from the command or made any other provision to his detriment. His suspicion must have arisen from having had some conversations with the men of Chile at Lima, and he thought that if this came to the ears of the Marquis he would deprive him of his command. Those who were thus left were a knight, native of Cáceres, named Sancho Perero, a veteran in these Realms who had served his Majesty, and Hernando de Rivera, with two or three others. When Almendras arrived where they were, they asked him what was the news, and why he came in such a hurry. He answered very sadly that they would soon know, and then went to rest, to be ready to start again. Sancho Perero, and the others when they heard those words that "they would soon know what was coming," believed that the Marquis was sending a new order to Pero Alvarez countermanding the enterprise. So they determined to seize the despatch or letters that Almendras was carrying. They went straight