But an immense
amount had been already realized, and it would have been a still greater
one, the Inca might allege, but for the impatience of the Spaniards. At
all events, it was a magnificent ransom, such as was never paid by prince
or potentate before.
These considerations Atahuallpa urged on several of the cavaliers, and
especially on Hernando de Soto, who was on terms of more familiarity
with him than Pizarro. De Soto reported Atahuallpa's demands to his
leader; but the latter evaded a direct reply. He did not disclose the dark
purposes over which his mind was brooding.12 Not long afterward he
caused the notary to prepare an instrument, in which he fully acquitted
the Inca of further obligation in respect to the ransom. This he
commanded to be publicly proclaimed in the camp, while at the same
time he openly declared that the safety of the Spaniards required, that the
Inca should be detained in confinement until they were strengthened by
additional reinforcements.13
Meanwhile the old rumors of a meditated attack by the natives began to
be current among the soldiers. They were repeated from one to another,
gaining something by every repetition. An immense army, it was
reported, was mustering at Quito, the land of Atahuallpa's birth, and
thirty thousand Caribs were on their way to support it.
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