He accordingly sent an invitation to two priests, who resided in the temple close to his quarters, to visit him.

When they came he received them most courteously, but informed them that, by the powers he possessed, he was perfectly aware that treachery was intended.

He bestowed upon them some very valuable presents, from the gifts he had received from Montezuma, and promised that none should be aware that he had received any information from them.

The rich bribes had their effect, and the priests confirmed the report Marina had heard.
They said that the emperor had, since their arrival, been in a state of vacillation, constantly consulting the oracles, and unable to make up his mind whether to fight them, or to receive them with honor.

He had, when he heard that they were going to Cholula, first issued orders that they should be well received; but since then the oracles had again been consulted, and had declared that Cholula would be the grave of the white men, for that the gods would assuredly lend their aid in destroying the enemies who had dared to violate the sanctity of the holy city.