Roger the Bold: A Tale of the Conquest of Mexico Read online

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  ROGER THE BOLD

  _A TALE OF THE CONQUEST OF MEXICO_

  BY LT.-COLONEL F. S. BRERETON

  Author of "The Dragon of Pekin" "Tom Stapleton, the Boy Scout" &c.

  _ILLUSTRATED BY STANLEY L. WOOD_

  BLACKIE AND SON LIMITED LONDON GLASGOW AND BOMBAY

  "HE LEAPED UPON THE TOP OF THE BARRICADE"]

  CONTENTS

  CHAP. PAGE

  I. THE IMAGE OF THE SUN 9

  II. OFF TO THE TERRA FIRMA 24

  III. ROGER THE LIEUTENANT 41

  IV. THE ISLAND OF CUBA 61

  V. A VALUABLE CAPTURE 80

  VI. A STRANGER COMES ABOARD 102

  VII. THE HAND OF THE TRAITOR 121

  VIII. A CITY BY THE WATER 139

  IX. LED TO THE SACRIFICE 160

  X. ROGER AT BAY 179

  XI. NEWS OF FERNANDO CORTES 199

  XII. THE SPANIARDS LAY AN AMBUSH 218

  XIII. A SENTENCE OF DEATH 237

  XIV. ROGER IS TRUE TO HIS COMRADES 257

  XV. BACK TO MEXICO 274

  XVI. THE FIRST ENCOUNTER 294

  XVII. A FLEET OF BRIGANTINES 313

  XVIII. THE DEFENCE OF THE CAUSEWAYS 330

  XIX. ALVAREZ PROBES THE SECRET 347

  XX. A RACE FOR THE OCEAN 367

  ILLUSTRATIONS

  Facing Page

  HE LEAPED UPON THE TOP OF THE BARRICADE _Frontispiece_

  THE GOLDEN DISK 18

  ROGER SENT HIM ROLLING INTO THE UNDERWOOD 88

  THE BLADE FELL TRUE ON THE SOLDIER'S HEAD, DROPPING HIM LIKE A STONE 232

  THE REMAINDER WERE QUICKLY IN FULL FLIGHT 288

  THE SPANIARD WAS STAGGERED 368

  Map of Part of Mexico _in page_ 146

  Map showing Mexico City and Surroundings _in page_ 169

  ROGER THE BOLD

  CHAPTER I

  The Image of the Sun

  "Hi! Hi! Hi! Your attention, if it please you. Gentles and people, Ipray you lend your assistance to one who is in need of help, but whoseeks not for alms. But little is asked of you, and that can be done inthe space of a minute or more. 'Tis but to decipher a letter attached tothis plaque. 'Tis written in some foreign tongue--in Spanish, I shouldventure. A silver groat is offered to the one who will translate."

  The speaker, a short, large-nosed man of middle age, had taken his standupon an upturned barrel, for otherwise he would have been hidden amongstthe people who thronged that part of the city of London, and would havefound it impossible to attract their attention. But as it was, his headand shoulders reared themselves above the crowd, and he stood there theobserved of all observers. He was dressed in a manner which suggested acalling partly attached to the sea and partly to do with the professionof arms, and if there had been any doubt in the minds of those whowatched him, and listened to his harangue, his language, which wasplentifully mingled with coarse nautical expressions of that day, andhis weather-beaten and rugged features, would have assured them at oncethat he at least looked to ships and to the sea for his living. PeterTamworth was indeed a sailor, every inch of him, but he had beenschooled to other things, and had learned to use arms at times and inplaces where failure to protect himself would have led to direconsequences.

  He was a merry fellow, too, for he laughed and joked with the crowd, hiseyes rolling in a peculiar manner all his own. His nose was large, hugein fact, and of a colour which seemed to betoken a fondness for carousalwhen opportunity occurred. A stubbly beard grew at his chin, while theupper lip was clean shaven, or had been on the previous Sunday, it beingPeter's custom to indulge in a visit to the barber on that day if ithappened that he was in port. A pair of massive shoulders, into whichthe neck seemed to be far sunk, completed an appearance, so far as itcould be seen, which seemed to denote a stout fellow, fond of the goodthings to be found in this world, and not lacking in courage anddetermination when the time for blows arrived. A little later, when heleaped from the barrel and appeared in the open, it was seen that aragged pair of hose covered massive legs, which were unusually bowed,and should have belonged to a horseman rather than to one who followedthe calling of the sea.

  "Come, my masters," he called out again, holding the plaque above hishead, and drumming upon it with the handle of his dagger till it rangclearly and sweetly like a silver gong. "Here is the Image of the Sun,and in gold! Yes, gentles and people, I commend this plaque to yourcareful attention. 'Tis solid gold--the gold of the Indies, the goldwith which our Spanish cousins get rich and fatten."

  The words were sufficient to call the crowd hovering in thatneighbourhood more closely about him. They came running from theentrance to London Bridge, where many had been lolling, enjoying thesunshine, and watching the loading of the ships which lay on the mudbelow. They came, too, from the city, along old Watling Street, or fromLombard Street, from beneath the shadow of St. Paul's, then a finebuilding which dominated the city of London. For no fire had thenoccurred to destroy it, and no monument stood at the opening of thebridge to tell future Londoners of the danger that had once threatenedtheir capital. Indeed, though the streets about were narrow, there werewide spaces here and there, and trees and green fields were very closeat hand. Country people could be seen in the markets not far away, whilethe pavements supported a mixture of peaceful folk, of men at arms, orfriars in their robes, and of seamen from the adjacent river. A negrocould occasionally be seen, for Portugal had imported many to her shoresyears before, and some had drifted to England, or were employed on theships. Whoever they were, whatever their calling, the tale of gold fromthe Indies brought them running to the spot where stood Peter Tamworth.

  "Gold from the Spanish possessions across the sea," said one citymerchant to his friend as they listened. "They say that Ferdinand ofSpain rolls in riches, that his chairs are of gold, and that hisclothing is heavy with pearls and other jewels. And this fellow, thisrascal, tells us that he has some of the spoil. 'Tis not so easilygathered. These Spaniards jealously guard their discovery, for, were itotherwise, there are many who would take ship and try their own fortuneat discovery."

  "Many in high places, too," responded his friend, a wizened little man,who seemed to take the mention of so much gold as a personal affront."Riches, indeed, have these Spaniards, and it would be right and properif they could be divided."

  "Between ourselves, friend, no doubt," laughed the other. "That is acourse to which I give the warmest approval. And 'tis said that even theking's majesty would stoop to a portion, for his coffers are reportedlow."

  "And he bears but little love for Ferdinand and Spain. 'Tiswhispered"--he took his comrade by the sleeve and pull
ed him closer, soas to speak into his ear--"'tis whispered, and with some truth, by allaccounts, that his Majesty would fain divorce his queen from Aragon, andtake Anne Boleyn in her place. No doubt, if he would do that, he wouldalso agree to a division of the Indies. But listen to the rascal. Hepretends that the plaque is gold. Way there for his worship, the mostworthy governor of the honourable company of spectacle-makers."

  The pompous little fellow prodded those in front, and urged them to oneside, his comrade, a big, genial-looking man, following with a politebow, and muttered thanks as the people gave way; for the Londoncompanies were then at the summit of their power, and a governor was apersonage to be reckoned with.

  "Gold, I say! Solid gold of more than eighteen carats!" shouted Peter,unabashed by the presence of such a crowd. "An image of the sun,beautifully engraved, as all may see who care to approach, and bearing aplan, as it seems to me, on the reverse. There, gentles and his worshipthe governor, come closer and look. Here are roads carved upon the faceof the plaque, roads and houses, and a space all round, no doubt meantfor open country."

  "Or the sea, my fine fellow," said the governor, whose prominentposition in London had given him easy passage to the very foot of thebarrel. "Look for yourself. Here are rocks, and, as I live, these mustbe boats."

  His observation caused his friend to peer even more closely at the imagewhich Peter held. He dragged a pair of spectacles from an inner pocket,and, donning them, stared at the inscription.

  "They are boats," he said at length, "and this is the sea--or, rather,an inland lake. Moreover, I believe that the rascal tells the truth. Theplaque is of gold."

  "Then it must be worth a hundred pounds, more or less. There are somewho would give that for it, as a relic from the Indies--if, indeed, itcomes from that part."

  "While there are others, my masters, who would not part with it for morethan ten times that amount. 'Tis gold, of a surety," went on Peter."Solid gold; and it keeps a golden secret. It tells of a place in theIndies where are gems and riches. This tablet attached may give thelocality, and a ship with brave hearts aboard her might even hit uponthe spot."

  "But you cannot think of that! My friend, the cost of equipping a shipwould be greater than the value of this plaque," exclaimed the governor.

  "I could not, worshipful sir; and I do not say that there are those whocontemplate it. Much will fall upon the translation of the writing. Asilver groat is offered to the one who will give us help."

  "A silver groat! You are safe in offering the sum," laughed thegovernor, "for I warrant that there are not two who speak that foreigntongue, unless it be the ambassador from Spain. Go, then, to him,rascal, and learn what he has to say. Mayhap he will give the meaning ofthe writing on the parchment attached."

  "Mayhap he would do even more, your worship, an it please you," answeredPeter, with a cunning smile, placing a finger against his enormous nose."Mayhap he would find a place for Peter Tamworth in the stocks, and holdthe plaque for himself, in the name of the King of Spain. Oh yes,worshipful sir, it would be wise to go to the ambassador!"

  There was a roar of laughter, in which all within hearing joined; foreven in those days, before the advent of Drake and his comrades, aSpanish treasure ship was a fair mark for any British vessel, a propercargo to prey upon. The wealth of the Indies had indeed been heard of,and the fame of the possessions--Hispaniola and Cuba held by the Crownof Spain--had spread far and wide. What wonder if the news of gold andgems attracted every one! In Spain itself, thousands were eager toventure their all in new voyages of discovery, and very many sailedannually from her shores, hoping to make their fortunes. But toforeigners the new possessions were forbidden; and so far no Englishmanhad dared to venture to the Spanish main. Perhaps for that very reasonthey hailed with all the more delight the news of a captured Spaniard,and listened to tales of the wealth aboard with wide-open eyes, whiletheir cupidity was aroused. Here was another tale, and before theirfaces was dangled a large plaque, full ten inches across, which had comefrom the Indies. No wonder that they were attracted, and stared at Peterwith unwonted interest.

  "The stocks would be a friendly place to find yourself in," suddenlysaid a man, who hitherto had stood silently looking at the plaque."Perhaps, were the ambassador from the court of Ferdinand to see thisgold, and learn from whence it came, a rope would encircle your neck,friend of the big nose."

  Peter Tamworth started and changed colour. He looked closely at thestranger, and was on the point of answering flippantly, when somethingcaused him to hold his tongue and doff his ragged cap. For the one whohad spoken bore an air of authority, and, moreover, was dressed in theheight of the fashion. Indeed, he had only just then alighted from agilded chair borne between two horses, for he had been passing acrossthe bridge and had been attracted by the gathering. That he was, infact, a person of no ordinary consequence was plainly evident, for theworshipful governor no sooner set eyes upon him than he dropped on oneknee.

  "My lord," he said, "the rascal jests only, and no doubt he is well ableto account to any one for the possession of the plaque. But see it foryourself, sir. It is of vast interest, and from the little that I knowI should judge has indeed come from the Indies. Back there, good people!Do not press closely upon his noble lordship."

  There was a stir in the crowd and, obedient to the request, they fellback a little, for the nobleman who had so suddenly appeared was wellknown to all. Indeed, he held a high place at the court of his Majesty,King Henry the Eighth, the reigning monarch. Very soon he was left in aclear space, so that one could inspect him. He was tall and very fair,and, as has been said, dressed in the finest clothing. But for all that,dandy though he undoubtedly was, he bore a martial air, which wasincreased by his manner of carrying his sword. He was calm, too, withthe coolness of one who is used to being the centre of large throngs.

  "A golden plaque from the Indies," he said, as he took the Image of theSun from Peter and rang it with his knuckle. "And I see on one side afinely graven image which surely represents the sun. On the reversethere is sketched a plan of some buildings."

  "Which appear to be built on bridges, with viaducts running from them,and water all round, may it please your lordship," interposed thegovernor.

  "And boats upon the water," added the stranger. "In fact, a city likethis London, only built in still water instead of beside a river. Andsurely there is something stranger still at this point."

  He placed his finger almost in the centre of the picture graven on thegold plaque, and held it there while he fumbled in his dress. Then hedrew out a glass, set in a fine gold frame, and held it above theengraving.

  "Birds and beasts," he said solemnly. "Then the people who dwell in thisstrange part keep animals for their pleasure, showing that they must becivilized to some degree. Come, rascal, what tale have you to tell inconnection with this relic? Have no fear, for though I am the Earl ofEssex, and have the king's ear, I am not the one to take spoil from anhonest sailor."

  He stood holding the plaque and inspecting it with increasing interestwhile Peter changed from one leg to the other, blowing hot and cold, andwearing a comical look of perplexity not unmingled with fear.

  "Your answer?" demanded the earl. "And have no fear. Have I not saidthat I will harm you in no way? Nor will I allow any one to take thisplaque from you."

  "'Tis not that, noble sir," answered Peter at last, summoning courage tospeak, and doffing his cap again with becoming deference. "But there areears within hearing, and tongues wag in this city no doubt as fast asthey do elsewhere. May it please you to come closer that I may speak?"

  The earl at once stepped to the foot of the barrel, motioning thegovernor and his friend to do the same.

  "They shall also listen, if you will permit, my good fellow. For theyare interested, and can be trusted to keep the secret. Now, the tale."

  "'Tis short, and soon told, your lordship. I have but just returned upona galleon plying between this port and that of the northern isles. Wewent by the west coast route, an
d made our ports in the north withoutadventure. But on the return, when entering the channel, we fell in witha Frenchman--a galleon which sought to capture us. We endeavoured tosail away, for when you are ready to fight, it is sometimes well topretend that you desire to escape. So we crowded canvas upon our yards,while the master so manoeuvred our craft that we made but little way.Meanwhile we made ready for the encounter. Soon the Frenchman bore downupon us, and sought to take us by the board. But we had the wind, andluffing as she came, we raked her decks with shot from our small cannon.Then we closed with her, and lashed our rails to hers."

  "A fine manoeuvre. Now, with what result?"

  "They thought to take us easily, your lordship. But we were upon theirdecks and had cut them down while they were still amazed at the turn ofaffairs. Then we set to work to search her cargo, finding a few finevessels of gold and some feathered clothing which I have never seenbefore. It was in the form of cloaks, and all were stitched with pearlsand glittering stones. In all there was no great amount, so that whendivided there was left this plaque alone to my share."

  "But how, then, do you argue that it is from the Indies?" demanded theearl. "I grant that it would appear to have come from some such foreignpart. But you took it from a Frenchman--a legitimate act, seeing thatthe king's Majesty is now at war with France, and that this French shipwas the aggressor."

  "The tale was told us by one of the prisoners," answered Peter,recovering his jovial spirits, now that he learned that there was notrouble to be feared.

  "And he said? Come, hurry, my good fellow; I am in haste to be gone."

  "That he, with a comrade, had fallen in with a Spanish ship and hadsacked her. She contained little compared with others of which the taleshave reached us; but what there was was destined for the King of Spain.He said that it was a token sent by some of the king's lieutenants, toshow their Royal master what riches there were in the new countries towhich their good fortune had taken them."

  "And a right wealthy country it must be where maps are drawn upon goldplaques of such a thickness. What do you value the relic at, my goodfellow? If not at too vast a sum I will buy it of you."

  The earl turned the plaque over and over in his hands, looking at itwith vast interest, while Peter stared at him in perplexity. For theoffer of money was an alluring bait to this penurious sailor, who seldomhad more than a few pence to jingle in his pocket. But the tale of theIndies had aroused his cupidity. He had dreamed of gold and gems, and ofa huge fortune easily made since he had become the possessor of theplaque, and it was the thought of some greater wealth in the futurewhich caused him to decline the earl's offer.

  "I ask pardon for refusing to sell," he said humbly. "But we have notlearned the meaning of the words which are written on the parchment. Itmay mean that a clue will be given to more gold, more of those featheredand jewelled cloaks which we found aboard the Frenchman."

  "Then we must search for a Spaniard, though 'twill be hard to find onein this country at this time, save and except the ambassador, who, Ifear, bears us no great good will."

  The earl took one last look at the golden disk, and was about to turnaway, when there was an interruption. Cries were heard from the crowd,who stood staring at Peter and the gentlemen speaking with him, while acrossbow man could be seen pushing his way toward the barrel. He was ahuge fellow, standing some six feet four, and his height was increasedby the iron cap which was perched upon his head. More than that, as hedrew nearer it was seen that he was merely a youth--a youth of unusualsize and weight, upon whose jerkin were displayed the familiar arms ofthe house of Essex. Fresh-complexioned, and with dark-brown hair, thisyouthful crossbow man was a handsome fellow, and carried his many incheswell. But as he neared the earl he halted, took his bow from hisshoulder, and knelt on one knee.

  "The tale came to me that an interpreter in the language of Spain wasrequired, your grace," he said. "I pushed through the crowd to hear moreof what was wanted, and see if I could be of service, for it happensthat I was born in Spain, and speak the tongue as well as my own."

  "And perhaps the silver groat was an attraction, my lad. Come, now, Isee you bear my arms, and are therefore in my service. Your name andage, and how comes it that one born in Spain is of such a height?"

  "I am English born, your grace," was the answer, as the young fellowdrew himself proudly to his full height. "There is no trace of Spanishblood in me, for my father and mother are both of this country. My nameis Roger de Luce, and I have been tall since I was ten years of age. Iam now just eighteen, if it please you."

  "A fine-grown lad, who has done well with English feeding. And son, Ihave little doubt, to my tried and trusted Raven de Luce, captain of thecrossbow men. How come you to speak this Spanish tongue?"

  The earl looked closely at the tall young fellow, noticing his frank andopen features, his unconscious air of determination and breeding, andthe stalwart frame, which belonged to a man of thirty rather than to ayouth of eighteen. Big men were not so often to be met with in thosedays, when London harboured only some two hundred thousand, and the earlsecretly congratulated himself upon having such a champion in his ranks.

  "Come," he said, "you are no commoner; that I can see with half an eye.Besides, I know your father to be fit for higher things than captain ofone of my bands. How did you acquire the language?"

  "I was born in Spain, your grace, when my father went in the suite ofyour uncle to the court of Ferdinand. My mother accompanied him, and wewere there, but for a visit home on two occasions, for eight years inall. There I learned to speak the tongue as well as our own, and I havesince kept it up with my father, for he thinks that the time may comewhen it may be of service to me."

  "And to others, thereby winning you reward. Let us hear you translate,and perhaps this worthy fellow here will let us see his silver groat."

  "Willingly. Here it is, Roger, and I may as well tell you now somethingof the reason for asking this service of you. Here is a golden plaque,sent to his Majesty of Spain, so it is said, from his lieutenants, whoare bent on discovery in the Indies. 'Twas captured from a Spanishgalleon by a Frenchman, whom we in turn despoiled. Here is the parchmentattached, and here the silver groat in payment of your services."

  All crowded about the tall youth now and listened intently, the earlshowing as much enthusiasm and eagerness as any one. Roger took theplaque and spread out the roll of parchment attached.

  "It was written a year ago," he said, "and this is the translation: 'Tohis most Catholic Majesty, King of Spain and of all the Spanishpossessions beyond the sea. The plaque forms part of an offering whichwe, your lieutenants in the Indies, humbly send you, praying for youracceptance. We are about to set out for this city of which report hasreached us. It lies on the Terra Firma to the due west of Cuba, andsomewhat south after making the northern cape of Yucatan. We have itfrom the natives that the city is called Mexico, and surpasses anythingever dreamed of in magnificence and wealth. The peoples who inhabit itand the cities lying about the lake engraved on the plaque, haveabundance of gold and stones, and their store of treasure is held in thecity of Mexico, in that portion beyond the central square where theanimals are shown. But the part is not named, for these Indians do notread nor write. They describe all that is seen or that happens by meansof pictures and engravings. But the treasure lies within a small radius,and shall be ours. We go to conquer for your sacred Majesty, tocolonize, and to bring the holy Catholic faith to theseheathen.--FERNANDO CORTES.'"

  "The last?" suddenly exclaimed the earl. "Whose was the signature?"

  "Fernando Cortes, governor of the Terra Firma."

  "Then there is truth in this plaque," said the earl, showing some traceof excitement. "I have heard of this valiant Fernando Cortes. He findsnew lands and new treasures for his king every year, it seems. Goodfellow, this plaque would interest his most noble Majesty. Trust it tomy charge, and I will give you a sealed receipt for it. Or better, comewith the relic to Greenwich to-morrow at noon, and bring the plaque withyou. You shal
l have audience of the king, and this Roger, who has doneus this service, shall be there, too, to meet you and translate. Suchtales as these, when truth is obviously behind them, must be borne tothe king's ears, for it is well that he should hear of these far-offlands, for mayhap he would care to have a finger in the pie which theKing of Spain is picking. To-morrow, then, at noon, at the door of thepalace at Greenwich."

  He beckoned to Roger to follow him, and at once turned to leave, theyoung crossbow man elbowing a way for him through the crowd to his chairor coach. A minute later the earl had entered, and the horses were inmotion, two men being at their heads. Roger fell in behind, his mindfull of the Indies and of the visit planned for the morrow.