'Which will you select ?' I made no answer, for I had determined that I would speak no word and utter no cry, do what they might with me.
'Let me think, let me think,' went on de Garcia, smoothing his beard.
'Ah, I have it.

Here, slaves.' Now I will not renew my own agonies, or awake the horror of any who may chance to read what I have written by describing what befell me after this.

Suffice it to say that for two hours and more this devil, helped in his task by the Tlascalans, worked his wicked will upon me.

One by one torments were administered to me with a skill and ingenuity that cannot often have been surpassed, and when at times I fainted I was recovered by cold water being dashed upon me and spirits poured down my throat.

And yet, I say it with some pride, during those two dreadful hours I uttered no groan however great my sufferings, and spoke no word good or bad.
Nor was it only bodily pain that I must bear, for all this while my enemy mocked me with bitter words, which tormented my soul as his instruments and hot coals tormented my body.