Young Diego made a final effort to escape his fate. A faithful young page bought two horses, and he intended to take refuge with the Inca. But the scheme was betrayed, and he was more strictly guarded. This misfortune is much to be regretted. Inca Manco would have received the able young soldier with hospitality and kindness. He would have thrown in his lot with the Incas and, as their very efficient General, would probably have repulsed the force sent against Tupac Amaru, and thus prevented the disgraceful scene, for which the Viceroy Toledo was responsible, in the plaza of Cuzco.
Young Don Diego de Almagro met his death with the calmness and dignity of a Christian knight, and the courage of an Indian Chief. He should have been spared. The political reason for the execution of his father—that he was a source of danger owing to the still unbroken strength of his party—did not exist in the case of the son. The Almagro party had been annihilated. The lad should have been sent to Panamá or to Spain.
It is a very sad story, and most interesting as a proof of the ability and courage of the first distinguished half-caste.
[145] Chaves, and he was not among the assassins.
[146] Muñoz Coll. It is printed in Spanish by Prescott, in an appendix at the end of vol. ii of his work.
[147] Diego Méndez and seven others took refuge with the Inca, who showed them great kindness. In return they murdered their host and tried to escape, but were promptly seized and put to death by the Inca's servants. The murder took place in 1545. The design of these villains was to obtain a pardon for having borne arms with Don Diego, by disposing of the Inca.
[148] César was at the Rio de la Plata before he went to Cartagena.
[149] He, at the request of all the principal Spaniards in Peru, took up their cause against the New Laws, and, when it suited their interests, they basely deserted him.
[150] Now Chicuana. But the modern place is far from the old site.
[151] Western?