We have reason to believe that you are acquainted with the hiding place of the gold of Montezuma, which was unlawfully stolen from us on the night of the noche triste.
Nay, we know that this is so, for you were seen to go with the canoes that were laden with it.

Choose now, apostate, between a shameful death and the revealing to us of the secret of this treasure.' For a moment I wavered.

On the one hand was the loss of honour with life and liberty and the hope of home, on the other a dreadful end.

Then I remembered my oath and Otomie, and what she would think of me living or dead, if I did this thing, and I wavered no more.
'I know nothing of the treasure, general,' I answered coldly.

'Send me to my death.' 'You mean that you will say nothing of it, traitor.