CHAPTER IV

VOYAGE TO COZUMEL--CONVERSION OF THE NATIVES--JERONIMO DE AGUILAR--ARMY ARRIVES AT TABASCO--GREAT BATTLE WITH THE INDIANS--CHRISTIANITY INTRODUCED

Disastrous Voyage to Cozumel 332 Humane Policy of Cortés 333 Cross found in the Island 334 Religious Zeal of the Spaniards 335 Attempts at Conversion 336 Overthrow of the Idols 338 Jerónimo de Aguilar 339 His Adventures 340 Employed as an Interpreter 342 Fleet arrives at Tabasco 342 Hostile Reception 343 Fierce Defiance of the Natives 344 Desperate Conflict 345 Effect of the Fire-arms 345 Cortés takes Tabasco 346 Ambush of the Indians 348 The Country in Arms 348 Preparations for Battle 349 March on the Enemy 350

Joins Battle with the Indians 351 Doubtful Struggle 352 Terror at the War-horse 352 Victory of the Spaniards 354 Number of Slain 355 Treaty with the Natives 356 Conversion of the Heathen 357 Catholic Communion 357 Spaniards embark for Mexico 358

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