He thought that the absolute distance traversed did not exceed thirty miles, but owing to the difficulties of the road, and the care that had to be taken in traversing it at night, even with the assistance of the torches carried by the soldiers of the caravan, it had taken them twenty hours, including occasional halts, to perform the journey.

An abundance of food was brought in by the neighboring villagers, and the merchants issued an extra supply of cocoa to the slaves; and when the march was resumed, late in the afternoon, the latter had completely recovered from their fatigue.
After a march of little more than two hours' duration, the caravan halted for the night, and resumed its journey at daybreak.

The merchants had presented Roger with a mantle, more highly decorated than that which he had before worn, and with some rich plumes of feathers for his head; and seeing that they wished him to make as brave a show as possible, he put on some of the gold necklaces and bracelets he had received, at Tabasco.
The caravan was formed up in military order, the standards of the traders being displayed at the head of the column.

The porters were placed four abreast, and the soldiers who marched on either side were ordered to see that they kept their ranks.

The merchants had put on their handsomest mantles, and everything was done to show off the procession to the best.
As they approached Tepeaca the road was lined with people, the news of the approach of the wonderful white man having spread rapidly.
As Roger passed they bowed to the ground, with the same respect that they paid to their own chiefs.