The difficulties of passage would be greater; but these would, it was thought, be counterbalanced by the advantage of being able to make at least a portion of their retreat unobserved.
It was determined that no time should be lost.

The Mexicans would doubtless be mourning over the body of Montezuma, and would be unprepared for such prompt action on the part of the Spaniards.
The first question was the disposal of the treasure.

The soldiers had, for the most part, converted their share of the gold into chains; which they wore round their necks.

But there was a vast amount in bars and ornaments, constituting the one-fifth which had been set aside for the crown, the one-fifth for Cortez himself, and the shares of his principal officers.
One of the strongest horses was laden with the richest portion of the crown treasure, but all the rest was abandoned.

The gold lay in great heaps.
"Take what you like of it!" Cortez said to his men, "but be careful not to overload yourselves.