aside like a dancing girl, the companion of a month, I, Montezuma's
daughter, a lady of my own land. Should you wed me, it must be for my
life, Teule, and that is perhaps more than you would wish to promise,
though you could kiss me on yonder stone and there is blood fellowship
between us,' and she glanced at the red stain in the linen robe that
covered the wound upon her side.

'And now, Teule, I leave you a while, that I may find Guatemoc, if he
still lives, and others who, now that the strength of the priests is
shattered, have power to protect you and advance you to honour. Think
then on all that I have said, and do not be hasty to decide. Or would
you make an end at once and fly to the white men if I can find a means
of escape?'

'I am too weary to fly anywhere,' I answered, 'even if I could.
Moreover, I forget. My enemy is among the Spaniards, he whom I have
sworn to kill, therefore his friends are my foes and his foes my
friends. I will not fly, Otomie.'

'There you are wise,' she said, 'for if you come among the Teules that
man will murder you; by fair means or foul he will murder you within a
day, I saw it in his eyes. Now rest while I seek your safety, if there
is any safety in this blood-stained land.'



CHAPTER XXIII

THOMAS IS MARRIED