CHAPTER XVIII
The Defence of the Causeways
The siege of Mexico had commenced in earnest, for now that the fleet ofcanoes had been scattered or sent to the bottom, the brigantines closedin on the fair city which lay on the bosom of the lake, till the long,straight causeway stretching north and south prevented further progress.And there the cannon were turned upon the defenders who manned the widestrip of masonry, while from the farther side of the breach other cannonbelched forth shot at them. But this was not all. At two other andseparate points the Spaniards had made an incursion on to the causeways,all of which led to the city, so that three parties of Mexicans werekept engaged, and their whole force posted on the main portion of theviaduct was exposed to the flanking fire of the brigantines.
Cortes had shown again and again how astute he was. The reader will havegathered already that he was a man of unusual determination, tenaciousof his purpose even to the verge of recklessness, for otherwise he wouldhave retired long ago. Indeed, there is little doubt that had he notbeen there Mexico would have survived. And more than that. Had Cortesbeen in the full favour of those in authority in Cuba and in Spain, theneed for some special effort would have been absent, and hisdetermination to subjugate these people probably less. However, duringthe whole course of his operations before the city he showed unusualforethought, and conducted the siege in a masterly manner. Indeed, theconduct of this gallant Fernando Cortes from the very beginning markedhim out as a commander of unusual power and distinction; for who elsewould have dared to defy the authorities, to capture those sent out totake the command from him, and suborn their followers, and finally todictate formal letters to the Regent in Spain, as if he still held theroyal command to lead this expedition?
And now that the task of subjugating the people of Mexico faced him heset about the work in a manner which showed the thoughtful, carefulleader; for the reader will remember that he had arranged for thebuilding of the brigantines months before, and had meanwhile spent histime and his powers in bringing other native tribes under the sway ofSpain, and in gaining allies who would aid in the attack on Mexico. Thatattack had commenced. Mexico was face to face with a formidable fleet onthe lake side, while three of her main causeways were occupied by themixed forces under Cortes' command.
"They fight fiercely and as if they were certain of defeating us," saidthe king, as Roger came to his side, and the two stood watching thecombatants. "These Spaniards have sent their shot across the gapcontinually, and our men are struck down. Meanwhile the enemy fill upthe gap so that they may cross."
"This is their first day at the work," answered our hero, "and thereforethe attackers are fresh and eager. But we will alter that. As for thecannon-shot, the men must be told to build their barricade higher."
A few words from the king set the natives at work, and very soon such apile of bricks and _debris_ was thrown at the edge of the gap that theSpanish shot buried themselves in the wall without doing harm. At thesame time their crossbow-men and their musketeers kept up a scathingfire to which the Mexicans made reply.
"They will succeed in filling up the gap," said Roger, after he hadwatched for a little while, "and we must fall back. But we have a dozenmore of the gaps to defend before we come to the city, and shall hope totire them out. Look! There come the brigantines. We shall have to beat aretreat very soon."
He pointed out into the lake, and there came the brigantines, sailing intoward the city proudly, as if conscious of their victory. They broughtto within a long bow-shot, and before coming to the piles which theMexicans had taken the trouble to drive in all directions close to thecauseway, thus showing that their spies had obtained information forthem. Then their guns opened, and a murderous discharge belched forth atthe defenders of the causeway. The shot crashed against the masonry, ortore lanes through the unfortunate natives, killing and maiming hugenumbers. At the same moment the guns on the far side of the gap openedupon the barricade, demolishing the upper parts.
"We must retire at once," said Roger. "We will recall the men to thenext wall and make better preparations. Come, let us be going. To remainis to throw our lives away."
There was a shrill whistle, and the natives began to retire, crossingthe next gap by means of planks left for that purpose. Then they set towork to raise their barricade with bricks, women and children bringingthe latter, while an attempt was made to obtain cover on the lake side.
"We must do something to drive off the brigantines," said Roger, as hestood watching the men at work, and listened to the loud crashes in thedistance, the sounds made by the attackers as they filled in the gap."Come, Philip, or you Peter Tamworth, have you nothing to suggest? Howcan we keep them at a safer distance? They take us in flank with theirfire, and while their ammunition lasts we are helpless. We must drivethem off or relinquish the causeway."
This, in fact, was obvious to all, for the brigantines had matters intheir own hands. There was nothing to keep them from the outer face ofthe causeway save the piles which had been driven there, and those couldonly be placed in the shallower parts, for long timber was notobtainable. Consequently the ships which the crafty Cortes had caused tobe built could sail along the causeway ahead of his troops who wereattacking it, and could take the Mexicans in flank and in rear. No onecould stand there against their shot. No wonder that the king of Mexicoand Teotlili looked at Roger in dismay, and that the latter stood to hisfull height, looking back along the causeway with a frown on hissunburned face.
"If they were in the ocean----" commenced Peter, shuffling from one legto the other, for the presence of royalty always unsettled him, and hewas beginning to have a huge respect for Roger.
"The brigantines, you mean? But they are here, in the lake. What then?"
"If they were at sea, I should try a plan to turn them out," said Peter,somewhat abashed. "They would fly if there was fire, and, master Roger,there might be fire here. We could float a canoe, one of the big ones,down upon them, and that would send them running."
"And they are close enough to be taken before they could get clear,"burst in Philip. "In the confusion some might become entangled, andthen----"
"We would send our canoes against them," exclaimed Roger. "'Tis a grandidea, and we will see what can be done. I will speak to Teotlili."
"We have resin here in abundance," said the latter, when the questionwas put to him, "and there are other inflammable matters. The plan maywell be tried, and may succeed at first. But they will not be caughttwice. Later on the houses will protect us."
He went off at once to make arrangements, and his men worked with suchenergy that when the Spaniards had contrived to fill in the far gap, andwere preparing to advance again, a couple of craft composed of threecanoes lashed together, lay in recesses beneath the causeway, theirboards piled high with resin and other matters.
"And now comes the question of who is to take command," said Roger."These natives are so terrified at the sound of the cannon that theywill hardly fill the post. I will gladly take one canoe."
"And I a second," burst in Philip. "But you should not go, Roger, if youwill forgive my saying so. You are the commander here. The king and alllook to you, and already you have had one narrow escape. You are toovaluable to the defence, and should protect your life as long aspossible. I will go for one."
"And by your leave I will sail the second," exclaimed Peter, all aglowat the prospect. "There is little to do. We must push out, and polealong gently. Then, as we get to close quarters, we will fire the massand leap overboard."
"Then it shall be arranged as you say. I will stay behind and will leadthe attack. It is already getting dusk, and perhaps, if we delay alittle, you will be able to get out to the brigantines without beingseen. If that is the case we may do them some damage. I will have menarmed with the crossbow in canoes, ready to take advantage of theconfusion. Go to your places and prepare. I will send to you when themoment comes."
He dismissed them with a nod, and went to the barricade erected on thecause
way. Like that at the last gap, it consisted of sun-dried bricks,and was so thick that it offered an effective resistance to thecannon-shot of the enemy. On its landward side there was a gaping chasmwhere the causeway had been entirely removed, and this the enemy nowproceeded to fill, just as they had done in the case of the other one.Thanks to the huge amount of native labour which their allies provided,there was no difficulty about the matter, and for material there wasthe stone and bricks from the houses and forts built at the extreme landend of the viaduct. Already the Spanish allies had levelled these, andnow they came in their thousands, each carrying a boulder, a beam, orsome dozen bricks, which they threw into the gap. While they worked, thesoldiers kept up a furious fire against the barricade beyond, whiletheir crossbow-men sent shafts humming through the air. Then thebrigantines hove up the stone anchors which each had cast, and polinghigher up, dropped anchor in a position which gave them a clear andclose range.
"Let the crossbow-men alone stand behind the barricade and pick off theenemy and hamper the work of filling in the ditch," cried Roger, callingTeotlili's attention. "The others are to throw themselves on theirfaces, and in that way they will escape the shot from the brigantines."
The warning came none too soon, for hardly had he spoken, and thenatives obeyed the command of the noble, than the ships opened fire, anda hail of small shot and cannon-balls struck the side of the causewayand plunged over it. Some struck the protection of bricks thrown up onthat side, and dashed the bricks over on to the defenders. But none wereseriously hurt, while all escaped the bullets. A shout of derisionarose, the Mexicans whistling and screaming aloud with delight.
"'Tis the first time that they have escaped so easily," said Teotlili."My lord is full of methods to circumvent the enemy. A little while agowe stood bunched close together and waited death. These cruel guns slewus by tens and twenties, and cut deep lines in our ranks. We wererobbed of our strength, and could not move hand or foot to escape; butnow we are learning. It is possible to avoid death, and to save ourlives for better work. Ah! the crash of the explosion is stunning. Evennow I start and feel that I must fall."
"After all there is little more than the noise to alarm one," said Rogerwith a smile, showing wonderful coolness, which did not escape theMexican noble. "Of course a ball might come and kill one while onecrouched; but the wall makes their aim difficult, while those in frontcan do nothing. That was close, Teotlili. A little to the right and itwould have mattered little to you or to me how the siege went."
"It would always matter," was the stern answer. "Even were I killed Ithink that I should still trouble. I could never sleep the long sleepknowing that these strange men were killing and hunting my countrymen.The place and the people are dear to me, my lord. I live for them only."
"And you would die for them cheerfully?" asked Roger.
"Surely I would. I would gladly suffer death on the swords of these menso that my king might escape. But listen, Roger. Should it happen thatour king is slain, you will take the post? Promise me that? All arewilling that you should succeed him, for without a leader we should beeasily defeated. Promise me?"
The noble turned to Roger and looked him eagerly in the face, whileRoger watched the brigantines. He their king! He, a simple crossbow-manbut a few weeks ago, to be asked to accept such a post! It was beyondbelief! Then he reflected on the faith which these simple people had inhim, and thought of the times.
"I will act as king till the siege is raised, or till we are defeated,"he answered; "that is, if the present king be killed, which God forbid.Till then I will remain as your cacique, and will lead the fighting men.But we must look to the defence. It gets dusk. A little while and ourfire canoes may be of service."
He crept to the barricade, and looked across at the Spaniards. They werestill maintaining a fierce fire with their guns, though they hadwithdrawn the weapons to a safer distance; for the crossbow-men on theMexican side had already made a vast impression, and had taught theenemy the advisability of using discretion. As for their own musketeersand crossbow-men, they had retired altogether. Only the native alliescame within range, carrying their burdens, and amongst their ranks theMexican shafts created havoc.
"But we do not stop them," reflected Roger; "there are so many of themthat the death of a few hundred seems not to matter. The gap will soonbe filled; by then it will be dusk."
He waited eagerly, noting that the gap was now practically bridgedacross, though there still remained a strip close under the barricadewhich the allies had not yet reached.
"Have planks ready at hand," he said, suddenly turning to Teotlili, whowas ever at his elbow. "Ah, Tamba, take charge of one and be ready. WhenI give the signal, leap the barricade and place the beam in position.Then let all the spearmen and those who have swords follow me. We willteach these invaders a lesson."
It was anxious work waiting there, with the guns of the brigantineplaying on the causeway, and their shot swishing overhead. But Rogerwould not be hurried. The ditch on the far side was not yet filled, andit was still too light. Ten minutes would make a difference, he toldhimself, and though his inclination was to shout now without furtherdelay, and throw his men on the enemy, he held back, showing thereby thequalities possessed by few leaders. He waited till the time had actuallyarrived. Then his messenger flew to Philip and to Peter, and very soontwo dark objects, each propelled by a couple of long poles wielded bythe Englishmen and by a single native helper, emerged from the causewayfrom one of the numerous archways, and went swiftly towards thebrigantines. At first their sudden presence caused no comment from theenemy; for all through the contest canoes had darted from the recesses,and efforts had been made, sometimes with success, to pull down thenative allies from the farther side of the gap with the hooks which wereattached to poles. It was therefore not until the larger craft had shotout from the causeway and moved some little way towards the brigantinesthat the attention of the Spaniards was attracted to them. Then therewas a shout.
"Some of the natives seeking death," shouted one of the captains,derisively. "Leave them to the muskets or to our pikes; or better, heavea stone into them as they come alongside."
"What if they are dangerous? I've seen and had to fly from simpler craftbefore," answered an old seaman, with a growl. "What if they're filledwith things that will take fire? What if these craft are fire-craft sentto destroy us?"
The suggestion caused the captain to open his mouth, and he went alongthe deck at a run to where the gunners stood.
"Train your pieces on them," he shouted in his excitement. "They arefire-ships, and we shall be burned. Stop them with a shot. Come! Moveaside and let me take the task in hand."
They threw themselves on the cannon, while the alarm spread to the othervessels. Meanwhile Philip and Peter poled for their lives, sending thecraft swiftly across the water. And as they poled Roger and thedefenders watched them eagerly.
"They have not yet noticed the commotion on the far side of the gap," hesaid to Teotlili. "But they will see that there is something wrong soon,and then----"
"They see now, my lord. Listen to their shouts. And they are turningtheir guns away from us to the canoes. Will they hit them?"
"More likely to strike friend than foe," was the reassuring answer. "Ah!That shot would have sunk a single canoe with the wash it caused. Philipis lighting up."
It was still sufficiently light to enable those on the causeway to seewhat was passing, and Roger distinctly noticed Philip stand erect, andlift his pole into the canoe. Then there was a glow from the smoulderingmatch he carried, followed by a burst of smoke, and then by a leapingflame which seemed to spread all over the craft. No! Not all over, forthere was Philip at the stern, surrounded by flame, it seemed, and stillpoling towards the enemy. As for Peter, a shot fired from the nearestbrigantine had struck the water within a foot of him, and as Roger hadsaid, had well-nigh swamped his frail boat. However, he was unhurt, andfollowing Philip's example, struck his match and then poled the flamingcraft towards the brigantines. Fie
rce shouts resounded on every side,while aboard the brigantines there was the utmost confusion. Men racedup and down the decks, while the crews were called to the anchors. Someendeavoured to handle the pieces. But none were fashioned to be rapidlydepressed, and so it happened that not a single shot struck thefire-craft. Nor did those who held the muskets help in the matter, forthey too were taken with a panic. They threw down their weapons andhelped at the anchor, or seized the long poles and endeavoured to pushthe vessel away into the lake.
Thud! The canoe in which stood Philip struck the side of the nearestbrigantine, and Roger saw the young Englishman coolly grapple the railwith the hook with which his pole was armed. Then he beckoned to thenative, and handing him the pole, drew his sword. In another moment hehad sprung aboard, and the last that Roger saw of him he was slashingfuriously at the enemy, while the native, clinging to the fire-crafttill he was scorched, kept it close to the enemy's vessel till it hadcaught fire. Then he called loudly to Philip, and waiting till thelatter had leaped into the water, disappeared in the same himself. Peterhad equal luck, and showed the same pluck and determination. Indeed,within five minutes two of the brigantines were in flames from end toend, for they were constructed of a highly inflammable wood, whiletheir crews were plunging overboard in frantic alarm. As for theothers, they cut away from their anchorage and poled into deep water,their crews aghast at the boldness and the success of the Mexicans. Onthe far side of the gap the Spaniards could hardly believe their eyes.They stared at the blazing vessels, forgetting their own particularportion of the conflict. It was an opportunity, and Roger seized uponit.
"The plank, Tamba," he shouted. "Now follow, every one, and sweep themfrom the causeway."
He leaped upon the top of the barricade, his tall figure standing outfinely against the glare of the blazing vessels. Then, as Tamba placedthe plank in position, he ran across it, and threw himself alone uponthe Spaniards.
"Ah! A sortie! The dog of an English giant!" shouted their leader, whohappened to be nearest. "Rally men! To the gap! Hold the causeway!"
His sword leaped to the front, and he made a thrust at Roger, whichmight well have transfixed him. But Roger had not experienced all thisfighting for nothing. He put the thrust aside with a swift movement, andreturned the blow with a terrific cut which fell full upon theSpaniard's helmet. There was the noise of rending steel, the Spaniardgasped and let his sword fall with a clatter. Then he pitched forward onto the causeway, and happening to tumble into a portion of the gap whichhad been only partially filled, and which sloped steeply, he slid, aninert mass, down the slope, and disappeared in the lake.
"Rally! Rally! Men of Mexico. Your leader is here. Forward, and drivethe enemy! Forward, till we reach their camp!"
It was Teotlili who took up the shout, and voiced it to the pitch of hislungs. Not that the Mexicans needed encouragement, for their excitementwas great, and their spirits raised to the utmost pitch by the successof the fire-ships. They shouted lustily, and then, to the accompanimentof shouts and shrill whistles came over the barricade like a swarm ofbees, and hurled themselves against the Spaniards. And now numbers andthe suddenness of the sortie told in their favour; for whereas formerlythose armed with the native sword had been practically helpless in theface of the Spanish swordsmen, now the rush carried all before theMexicans. The Spaniards broke and fled, Roger and his men in hotpursuit.
"To their camp! To their camp!" he shouted. Then seeing Teotlili, heurged his way toward him, the Mexicans making a path at once.
"The guns and the ammunition," he said. "Tell off men to take them intothe city. They will be useful. We must have them."
He went on at a run till he and his men were in the camp, which had beenformed close to the edge of the causeway. But here the enemy rallied,while a strong force came to their aid. It was time to retire, and Rogerwhistled. Then he waved his arm.
"Back to the barricade," he shouted. "Run! Run!"
The retirement was carried out swiftly, so swiftly, in fact, that theSpaniards were dumfounded. They were preparing to hold their camp andadminister punishment, when suddenly the attackers disappeared asquickly as they had come, carrying with them two cannon and a smallsupply of ammunition.
"'Tis the English dog's leading," said Cortes, with a growl, as helooked out at the lake and watched the blazing vessels. "Well is it forus that I had a fleet constructed. This man must be slain. Would that Ihad hanged him that very night instead of keeping him till the morrow.And that led to the freedom of all his friends. They say theseEnglishmen are dogged fighters, who battle with their heads as well aswith their arms. We shall see, we shall see. But if I catch them----!"
No doubt he would have hanged them at once, and there was much cause forhis vexation. Indeed, when the tale of the sortie was completed, and hislosses known, the leader of the invaders ground his teeth with anger.
"But it will not occur again," he said to himself. "There will be nomore fire-ships, and no more sorties. I will double the guards, whilethe brigantines will never anchor. Thus they will be able to slip awayon the instant."
Roger and the Mexicans had indeed retrieved their defeat of the morning,and had caused great loss to the enemy; for they had destroyed three ofthe brigantines, and had killed many of the Spanish soldiers andsailors, a loss which Fernando Cortes could not easily replace. But itcould not always be so, as they discovered in the course of the next fewweeks; for the besiegers attacked in three separate parties every day,and the causeways rang with the sound of strife. Gaps which had beendiligently constructed were filled in one by one, while, finding thatthe enemy repaired their losses and remade the gaps during the night,there being ample labour, Cortes caused his men to camp on the groundthey had won, till that portion of the causeways which had fallen to thethree parties presented a curious scene. Tiny huts were constructedalong them, where the enemy lived.
By now another enemy was attacking the besieged. Starvation stared themin the face, for the brigantines prevented a fresh supply of provisionsfrom being brought to the city. The water in the tanks was very low, andpestilence, the accompaniment of every siege and every campaign, stalkedthrough the city. Men and women and children died by the score, tillthere were none to bury them. But still the gallant resistance wascontinued.
"Not till the city is in ruins and the last man slain shall we giveway," said Teotlili. "In these matters the priests rule the king, andthat is their decision. If it were not so, I should say the same. Whatsort of life awaits us if we are beaten and live? Slavery, and torture.Yes, Tamba has told me the tale of Cuba, and that is what will happenhere. These foolish native allies who have gone over to the Spaniardsare but helping in their own ruin, for they, too, will be trampledunderfoot. They will be hewers of wood and drawers of water to these menwho attack us. We will die at our posts. That is our last word."
The decision was, in fact, adhered to firmly, though, as the siegeclosed in and want and pestilence did its work, Cortes endeavoured timeand again to alter it, and to induce the Mexicans to capitulate.Nothing but defeat of the last man would end the struggle, and thereforehe set his parties to their task again. A huge effort was made tocomplete the junction of the three divisions, and we shall see howCortes fared, and how the Mexicans struggled to prevent the junction.