He was to invite them to give in their allegiance to the king, and to send such presents as would ensure his favor and protection.

The governor gave no directions for colonizing or conquering, having received no warrant from Spain that would enable him to invest his agent with such powers.
But while Cortez was preparing to start, many of the leading men of the island, who were jealous of his rapid rise, roused the suspicions of Velasquez against him; saying that, when he had once sailed, he would no longer recognize the governor's authority, and would be thinking only of winning renown and wealth for himself.
Velasquez determined to appoint another commander, but Duero and Lares, to whom he confided his intentions, at once informed Cortez of them.

With the same promptitude that always distinguished him in moments of danger, Cortez went round to his officers after nightfall, got them and his men on board, visited the contractor, carried off all his stock of meat (giving him a massive gold chain in security for payment), and before daybreak the fleet left its moorings and the sails were hoisted.
As soon as the news was carried to Velasquez, he hurriedly dressed and rowed down to the shore.

Cortez, when he saw him, got into a boat and rowed to within speaking distance.
"This is a courteous way of taking leave, indeed!" the angry governor said.
"I was pressed for time," Cortez replied.

"There are some things that should be done even before they are thought of.