Velasquez was now more furious than ever. He decided to fit out a powerful squadron, hunt out Cortes, and make him feel his vengeance. While preparing his expedition he received news from Spain that Cortes’ vessel had safely arrived, and also learned just where Cortes was and the success of his operations up to that time. The equipment was pushed forward with redoubled vigor. The fleet consisted of eighteen vessels, carrying nine hundred foot-soldiers, eighteen troopers, and twelve cannon. It was a formidable force for those days and outnumbered Cortes’ army two to one. Everything completed, Narvaez, a very bold, passionate, implacable man, was made commander with the title of deputy-governor of the countries discovered by Cortes. He sailed from Cuba in March, 1520. It was toward the end of April when Cortes heard the news of the arrival. He now found himself in a critical position which grew more dangerous every day. Should he venture to oppose a European force twice as strong as his own? Should he remain in Mexico? In that case he would be exposed to attack from two formidable enemies at the same time, for it was more than likely that as soon as the Mexicans found he was in danger they would immediately rush to arms against him. In this state of uncertainty he received reports every day, each more disquieting than the other. He found that some of his soldiers were deserting to Narvaez and acquainting him with everything he wished to know. He heard that Narvaez was everywhere proclaiming that Cortes and all his men were traitors, who had undertaken the subjection of the Mexicans without the knowledge or consent of their sovereign; and that he had been sent to capture them and take them back in chains for punishment. Montezuma and the whole suffering nation were urged to make common cause with him and aid in the capture of this robber band. It may easily be imagined that this was delightful news to Montezuma and his oppressed subjects. Their joy and their willingness to aid Narvaez were apparent everywhere. Cortes meanwhile in the most positive manner denied the reports which Narvaez had circulated, and assured the Mexicans these Europeans were his good friends, subjects of one and the same master, and that he and his men would soon depart with them. But indifferent as Cortes appeared, he was in reality greatly troubled. Meanwhile he considered every plan of escape from these dangers which his ingenuity suggested, and at last reached a decision which seemed to him both reasonable and bold. He would first discover whether he could make a friendly agreement with Narvaez, and if he failed, then he would resist him.