CHAPTER IX

THE SECOND ENTRADA OF PADRE AVENDANO

Orders of the Governor Departure of Avendano The same route followed as before; Batcab is reached Chuntuci The hardships of the journey Approaching the Itzas Tan Xuluc Mul; temples on a great height Chakan Itza The Chakan Itzas Treatment of the natives The Padres please other Indians by means of little gifts The Padres renew their march Nich Indians arrive from Tayasal Bravery of Avendano The landing at Tayasal; the idol At the temple The Padres read the letters The curiosity of the Itzas A baptism performed Other Caciques arrive The Caciques in war paint Avendano makes inquiries as to their manner of reckoning time Avendano explains the prophecies Objection of Covoh Discussion with Canek and others Friendliness of Canek Demonstrations against Canek Leniency promised by the Padres Avendano takes steps to protect the Itzas from further molestation The letter of counsel Before leaving Tayasal, Avendano shames Covoh The hatred of the Chakan Itzas for the Padres increases Canek helps the Padres to escape Paredes' stupidity; the plot of the Chakan Itzas The Chakan Itzas are foiled by God The departure of the Padres from Tayasal Avendano goes eastward to Yalain Trouble with soldiers The Padres suffer hardships and lose their way Hard travel in the wilderness for fifteen days Miracle of the bent branch An uncomfortable night Great want of food The situation grows still worse They find some miraculous honey Two Padres go ahead A desperate situation They find some edible thistles Some hills are reached Deserted buildings False hopes; further hardships They face starvation A sign from our Lady of the Apparition They climb some high hills Avendano left alone The miracle of the sapote Rescued What had happened to the Indians whom Avendano sent off The messenger from Tayasal Reasons for Avendano's distrust

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