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ae val . ER ae - “ eel . * The line to which Atahualpa promised that he would fill the room with gold. they had come in the name of their great king to offer him their services, and to acquaint him with the knowledge of the true faith, and that they brought an invitation for him to visit their commander. Atahualpa did not answer, nor did he bother to make any sign that he had listened and understood the message. He remained quietly at ease, with his eyes fixed on the ground. A noble man standing beside him, gave them a quick, upward glance and said, “It is well.” This far from satisfied the Spaniards, who were still left won- dering what the real intentions of the Inca might be towards them. Hernando Pizarro politely requested that Atahualpa answer personally, as they were anxious to know his pleasure. A faint smile passed over the face of Atahualpa as he deigned to reply. them. Much perplexed, he sent Hernando de Soto with 15 horses to seek out the emperor. But fearing this number to be insuffi- cient in the event of trouble, he quickly dispatched his brother, Hernando, to go after him with an additional 20 horses. The pavilion of Atahualpa, surrounded by the vast military array, occupied some ground a short distance away from the town. The two squadrons of the Spanish cavalry heralded their swift approach with sharp blasts of a trumpet, and then galloped past the outlaying tents of the silently amazed warriors. The Spaniards found Atahualpa seated on a stool, with all his great nobles gathered around him. Hernando Pizarro and Soto left the squadrons of cavalry, and slowly rode up to him. Without dismounting, Hernando Pizarro stiffly bowed, and pro- ceeded to inform the Inca, through the interpreter, Filipillo, that 40¢NEXUS DECEMBER-JANUARY '93