He was a soldier himself, and
partook in all the feelings of the soldier, his joys, his hopes, and his
disappointments. He was not raised by rank and education above
sympathy with the humblest of his followers. Every chord in their
bosoms vibrated with the same pulsations as his own, and the conviction
of this gave him a mastery over them. "Lead on," they shouted, as he
finished his brief but animating address, "lead on wherever you think
best. We will follow with good-will, and you shall see that we can do our
duty in the cause of God and the King!" 23 There was no longer
hesitation. All thoughts were now bent on the instant passage of the
Cordilleras.
Book 3
Chapter 4
Severe Passage Of The Andes--Embassies From Atahuallpa--
The Spaniards Reach Caxamalca--Embassy To The Inca--
Interview With The Inca--Despondency Of The Spaniards
1532
That night Pizarro held a council of his principal officers, and it was
determined that he should lead the advance, consisting of forty horse and
sixty foot, and reconnoitre the ground; while the rest of the company,
under his brother Hernando, should occupy their present position till they
received further orders.
At early dawn the Spanish general and his detachment were under arms,
and prepared to breast the difficulties of the sierra.
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