shall be slain forthwith, or whether he shall be sworn as one of us,
should he be willing to take the oath? The prince Guatemoc here vouches
for him, and he says, moreover, that you will vouch for him also. A
woman can do this in one way only, by taking him she vouches as her
husband. You are already wed to this foreigner by the rule of religion.
Are you willing to marry him according to the custom of our land, and to
answer for his faith with your own life?'

'I am willing,' Otomie answered quietly, 'if he is willing.'

'In truth it is a great honour that you would do this white dog,' said
Cuitlahua. 'Bethink you, you are princess of the Otomie and one of our
master's daughters, it is to you that we look to bring back the mountain
clans of the Otomie, of whom you are chieftainess, from their unholy
alliance with the accursed Tlascalans, the slaves of the Teules. Is not
your life too precious to be set on such a stake as this foreigner's
faith? for learn, Otomie, if he proves false your rank shall not help
you.'

'I know it all,' she replied quietly. 'Foreigner or not, I love this
man and I will answer for him with my blood. Moreover, I look to him to
assist me to win back the people of the Otomie to their allegiance. But
let him speak for himself, my lord. It may happen that he has no desire
to take me in marriage.'

Cuitlahua smiled grimly and said, 'When the choice lies between the
breast of death and those fair arms of yours, niece, it is easy to guess
his answer. Still, speak, Teule, and swiftly.'

'I have little to say, lord. If the princess Otomie is willing to wed