CHAPTER II

CORTÉS RECONNOITRES THE CAPITAL--OCCUPIES TACUBA--SKIRMISHES WITH THE ENEMY--EXPEDITION OF SANDOVAL--ARRIVAL OF REINFORCEMENTS

Cortés reconnoitres the Capital 304

## Action of Xaltocan 305

Spaniards ford the Lake 306

Towns deserted as they advance 307

Beautiful Environs of Mexico 308

Cortés occupies Tacuba 308

The Allies fire the Town 310

Ambuscade of the Aztecs 311

Parley with the Enemy 312

Single Combats 313

Position of the Parties 314

Spaniards return to Tezcuco 314

Embassy from Chalco 316

Sandoval is detached to defend it 317

Takes Huaxtepec 318

Storms Jacapichtla 319

Puts the Garrison to the Sword 320

Countermarch on Chalco 321

Cortés’ Coolness with Sandoval 322

His Reconciliation 322

Arrival of Reinforcements 323

The Dominican Friar 324

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