“Heard’st thou when the drum was to be sounded?” asked De Oli, looking to the sun.
“At noon,” answered Marin.
“Three hours yet, as I judge. Short time, by Our Lady!”
The party was impatient. To their relief, Cortes at last came out, with his five chosen cavaliers, Sandoval, Alvarado, Leon, Avila, and Lugo. As he proceeded to the gate, all eyes turned to him, all hearts became confident,—so much of power over the weak is there in the look of one master spirit.
At the gate he waited for the Doña Marina.
“Are ye ready, gentlemen?”
“With thee, De Oli, I leave the command. At sight or sound of attack or combat, come quickly. Charge straight to the palace, lances in the lead. Bring our horses. Farewell. Christ and the Mother for us!” And with that, Cortes stepped into the street.
For a time the party proceeded silently.
“Is not this what the pagans call the beautiful street?” Sandoval asked.