ABSTRACT
The person whom he selected was a Castilian hidalgo, named Panfilo de Narvaez. Narvaez glanced over it with a look of contempt, which was changed into one of stern displeasure as his envoy enlarged on the resources and formidable character of his rival, counselling him by all means to accept his proffers of amity. Martin Cortes instantly sent to the prisoners, ordered them to be released, and furnished them with horses to make their entrance into the capital,—a more creditable conveyance than the backs of famanes. Narvaez determined, also to establish a settlement on this unpromising spot; and he made the necessary arrangements to organize a municipality. Cortes, on learning the arrival of Narvaez, had despatched a messenger to his officer, to acquaint him with the fact and to arrest his further progress. Cortes had early seen the importance of securing this cavalier to his interests.
