ABSTRACT
ALL those I have mentioned being assembled in the quarters of Don Diego, Juan de Herrada said “Look ye, Sirs! that if we show determination and contrive to kill the Marquis, we avenge the death of the Adelantado and secure the reward that our services done to the King 104in this land merit, and if we do not go forward with our intention, our heads will be set on the gallows which stand in the plaza. But let each one choose the course he prefers in this business.” They all answered in conformity with his wishes, and so they all went forth from the place where they were assembled, armed with coats of mail, breastplates, halberds, two cross-bows, and one arquebus, shouting in loud voices: “Long live the King! Death to tyrants! ” García de Alvarado, with those I have mentioned, went out by another street on horseback to support them. Those of Chile took their way to the house of the Marquis along the city streets towards the plaza. Only nineteen in number they passed through more than a thousand people, and although these heard the shouts of the murderers, by some secret judgment of God, they did not interfere. They merely said, “Oh, they go to murder either the Marquis or Picado.” The conspirators reached the plaza still shouting, “Long live the King! Death to tyrants! ” Sometimes the name of Almagro was heard. So, without opposition, they came to the house of the Marquis. It was strong, and to reach the apartments where he was, it was necessary to cross two court-yards. In one there were narrow doorways, with doors so strong that if one man shot the bolts, it would take more than two hundred to force them. Besides these there was another door where the Marquis was, which persons in his company could easily defend against any who might come to assail him. But no attention was paid to these things and there were no precautions taken.
