Were it not for that I would leave the city, join Amenche, and leave the Spaniards and Mexicans to fight out their quarrel as they might; but now, whichever won, the result would be fatal to me.

If the Mexicans were victorious, I, like all other whites, would be sacrificed to their gods.

If the Spaniards won, I should be executed as a traitor.

Therefore, there is nothing for me to do but to remain with the Spaniards, and share their fate, whatever it may be." The next morning silence reigned over the city.

Not a Mexican was to be seen anywhere near the palace, within which the Spaniards were virtually prisoners.