*8
[Footnote 8: Fernandez, Hist. del Peru, Parte 1, lib. 1, cap. 14,
16. - Zarate, Conq. del Peru, lib. 5, cap. 9, 10. - Herrera,
Hist. General, dec. 7, lib. 8, cap. 5-9. - Carta de Gonzalo
Pizarro a Valdivia, Ms. - Relacion de los Sucesos del Peru, Ms]
That functionary began now to be convinced that he was in a
critical position. Before Puelles's treachery, above noticed,
had been consummated, the viceroy had received some vague
intimation of his purpose. Though scarcely crediting it, he
detached one of his company, named Diaz, with a force to
intercept him. But, although that cavalier undertook the mission
with alacrity, he was soon after prevailed on to follow the
example of his comrade, and, with the greater part of the men
under his command, went over to the enemy. In the civil feuds of
this unhappy land, parties changed sides so lightly, that
treachery to a commander had almost ceased to be a stain on the
honor of a cavalier. Yet all, on whichever side they cast their
fortunes, loudly proclaimed their loyalty to the Crown.
Thus betrayed by his own men, by those apparently most devoted to
his service, Blasco Nunez became suspicious fell on some who were
most deserving of his confidence. Among these was his
predecessor, Vaca de Castro. That officer had conducted himself,
in the delicate situation in which he had been placed, with his
usual discretion, and with perfect integrity and honor. He had
frankly communicated with the viceroy, and well had it been for
Blasco Nunez, if he had known how to profit by it.
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