The spirit of rebellion among the Tezcucans was now thoroughly aroused,
and never did agitators meet with greater success than had those who
were working under the direction of tzin Euet. The secret councils,
which were to constitute the army of resistance to Maxtla's despotic
rule, sprang into existence so rapidly as to surprise even the
conspirators themselves. With these encouraging conditions the time
arrived when it was deemed advisable to locate the prince, and, if
possible, communicate with him. As the royal representative of his
people, it was felt that he should be informed of the progress which
had been made in his favor; and also be consulted with reference to the
future movements of his friends in the valley. This duty very naturally
from the tzin's peculiar position and relation to the fugitive devolved
upon him, and his next move was to be in the direction of the mountains
in search of him.
The prince's friends were assured by the continued silence of the
Tepanec soldiery that he was still at large, and hidden somewhere in
the mountains; for his capture or death at their hands would have been
quickly heralded throughout the valley.
As the immediate neighborhood of the fugitive's hiding place was
unknown to the tzin, in starting out to find him he would have to be
guided in a great measure by reports coming through the enemy.
Notwithstanding this was the case, he felt confident of success and was
eager to be on the move. He was just now waiting for Cacami to come in
from his home, where he had gone to visit with his people. As his young
compatriot, who had become his closest friend, was to accompany him,
the time of starting on the expedition depended on his return.
* * * * *
It was the day of all days in the city of Tezcuco, as was a similar one
in all the cities of the valley: the people's market day. And here let
us digress long enough to acquaint the reader with the exigencies which
rendered such a day necessary; and also to briefly notice some of its
features.
The business methods of the Anahuacans were peculiar. They had neither
shops nor stores of a public character where goods of any description
were displayed and sold. Only on the _tianguez_--great square, or
market-place--which every city possessed, were the products of the
country exhibited for barter or sale.
The trades were not carried on in the ordinary way, but each particular
mechanical pursuit was localized in some suitable portion of the city
and placed under the supervision of a chief; and, it may be added, had
its tutelary god and attendant celebrations.
Their merchants, who were usually very wealthy, might better be termed
merchant traders. They were itinerant in character, and did a transient
business, moving through the country at the head of a caravan, composed
of _tamanes_ (burden-bearers) and an adequate guard for protection.
They visited the larger cities to be present at the weekly fairs,
market days, which were conducted on a colossal scale in the great
square, the city's tianguez. On these occasions, which occurred
regularly once a week (a week in the chronological reckoning of the
Anahuacans consisted of five days), every branch of industry was
represented separately in suitably arranged booths; and both great and
small, from far and near, were present to buy or sell, or more
frequently to exchange their produce and wares for needed articles of
consumption.
Here was an individual who talked persuasively of the superior finish
and beauty of his jewelry--it was not necessary to speak of its
genuineness, for spurious goods were presumably unknown to the natives;
a condition which no doubt existed, because of the unlimited supply of
genuine raw material, and, we may add further, owing to the severe
penalties prescribed for fraudulent impositions on the people. Another
no less glib talker exploited in appealing voice, and flourished his
flaunted featherwork before the eyes of the swarming multitude, all of
whom delighted in this beautiful but expensive luxury. Others--dealers
in sacred images and silver and earthenware, makers of furnishings and
apparel, and last, but not least, the farmer, with his products of the
soil, all bent on gathering in the cash, which consisted of quills of
gold dust, Ts of tin, and bags of cacao, a kind of money which
precluded the possibility of hoarding, leading us to conclude that no
misers had a place among the Anahuacans. Blessed money, that gave no
encouragement to the avaricious!
The tzin, to while away some of his unemployed time, which was
beginning to hang heavily on his hands, had come upon Tezcot's
_tianguez_, and stood silently observing the peculiarities and
movements of the people, gathered there from all the country around,
many of whom, like himself, were present out of curiosity, though the
purpose of nearly all, an army in numbers, appeared to be to trade,
buy, or sell.
While thus occupied in contemplating the wonders of the great fair and
its heterogeneous patrons, his attention was attracted by a pulling at
his mantle. Turning quickly to learn the cause, he stood face to face
with Oza, the prince's attendant.
"Oza!" he exclaimed. "Do I dream, or is it indeed you?"
"You do not dream, good master Euet. It is Oza."
"How is it, man, that you are here, and where is your master?" quickly
inquired the tzin, somewhat apprehensive.
"I would have much to tell you to answer your question," said Oza in
reply; and looking around upon the crowd, he added: "The people might
hear."
"True, Oza. We will find a more suitable place to talk. But you look
tired and hungry. Have you had anything to eat to-day?"
"Only a little in two days, master."
"Follow me," said the tzin, leading the way to a refreshment stall,
where food was procured and Oza's hunger appeased. When this was done,
they left the _tianguez_ and went to the tzin's boarding place.
"Now, Oza," said he, when they were comfortably fixed in his private
apartment, "tell me about the prince, and why you are here. What has
occurred to cause your return to the city? Did he send you?"
"No, master Euet; the prince doesn't know I'm here," replied the
servitor, in answer to the tzin's last question.
"The prince does not know you are here!" exclaimed Euetzin in
amazement. "How does that happen? Have you not been with him?"
"Yes, master, up to a few days ago, when we lost him in a fight with
the soldiers."
The doubtful character of Oza's phraseology, taken in connection with
his unexpected and, as yet, unexplained appearance in the city, was
sufficient cause for increased apprehension in the tzin's mind of some
serious mishap to the prince. He was much disturbed by Oza's clumsily
worded reply, and, at its conclusion, exclaimed:
"Lost him? Do you mean to tell me that the prince has been killed or
captured?"
"No, master Euet; not so bad as that," Oza quickly rejoined. "The
prince got away all right, but we couldn't find him afterward."
"That sounds quite differently, and relieves me greatly," returned the
tzin, feeling very much inclined to scold Oza for his awkwardness of
speech, but the man was only a slave, and better could not be expected
of him. "Who was with you beside the prince when the soldiers made the
attack?" the tzin then asked.
"Menke, a hunter."
"I can not understand, Oza, how the prince could evade the soldiers,
and, also, become separated from the hunter and yourself, unless it was
under cover of darkness," queried the tzin.
"It was dark, master--away in the night; the hunter was taking us to
his own home," answered the servant.
"I see," rejoined Euetzin, beginning to comprehend the situation. "That
explains the matter more fully. You said you could not find the prince.
Did you make much of an effort to do so?"
"Yes, master; for three days we looked for him."
"And failing to find him you returned to the city?"
"Yes."
By continuing to question the vassal at some length, the tzin succeeded
in eliciting a fairly good account of Hualcoyotl's experience after
leaving Zelmonco villa, confirming, in the one instance, Cacami's
supposition that it was the prince he rescued from the Tepanec soldiers
on the highway. In concluding he asked:
"Could you conduct us to the place where the soldiers attacked you?"
"Will you go, master Euet?" questioned Oza, omitting, in his eagerness,
to answer the inquiry.
"That is our present purpose," was answered.
"It is good; I can lead you," quickly responded the delighted vassal.
"All right, Oza. Your return to the city, just now, is very fortunate
for us, though quite the reverse for your master, for it makes his
situation still more desolate and trying. It relieves us, however, of a
perplexing quandary--the matter of finding the locality in which he is
hiding. As our guide, you will help us out of that difficulty, and put
us into position to enter upon the search at once. That is an advantage
we were not counting on."
After a moment's pause, having noticed the destitute condition of the
servant, he continued:
"Your appearance, Oza, is not what it should be; the attendant of a
prince ought, at least, to be clothed."
Rising, as if to go, he went on:
"I will go at once to look after your needs. In the meantime you will
remain in my apartment," on saying which he withdrew, and returned to
the _tianguez_ to procure the necessary articles for Oza's apparel.
Cacami came back to the city that same evening, and Oza's story was
repeated to him. Euetzin also informed him as to the course he had
decided on pursuing, since a definite knowledge of the prince's
whereabouts had been obtained.
After hearing what his friend had to impart, and being asked for his
opinion, Cacami said:
"Your plan is good; still, I think there is a better one. Have I your
permission to make it known to you?"
"Certainly, Cacami; I desire that you will speak freely; was it not so,
I should not have asked for your opinion," was the assuring reply.
"Oza would, no doubt, conduct us to the spot where he last saw his
master, and, if necessary, to Menke's," he proceeded to say; "but, tzin
Euet, there are other considerations to be taken into account, which
make the course I would suggest more preferable. If I get a correct
impression from your rehearsal of Oza's report, the prince's
disappearance occurred within a few leagues of the mountaineer Tezcot's
home, a man with whom I had the satisfaction of spending two very
pleasant evenings and one day the last time I was on the mountains. My
plan would be to go directly to Tezcot's. If the prince has been
discovered he will, very likely, be apprised of it; if not, he can give
us any information we may want, for he knows every mountaineer on that
range and every foot of ground for leagues around; and, by the way, is
the most generous of hosts."
"Master," said Oza suddenly and eagerly, interrupting Cacami, "I heard
Menke speak to the prince about a great hunter named Tezcot."
"There, tzin Euet!" exclaimed Cacami; "that certainly strengthens the
plausibility of my plan. Then think of the fact that a hospitable
reception will be given us, with the added pleasure of meeting two
charming maidens."
"Your last information, O Cacami, commends the course you propose to
our serious consideration. We will go directly to Tezcot's, as you
suggest," said the tzin, facetiously.
The point of destination having been decided upon, preparations for an
early departure were begun at once. In two days the party was ready to
start. The tzin and Cacami were dressed and equipped as hunters, while
Oza, in fresh attire, after a good rest and cleaning up, looked like
another person, and accompanied them as an attendant. Hunting parties
were a common, every-day sight on the streets and highways,
consequently their appearance in leaving the city attracted only a
passing notice. They stopped at the villa, on their way out, to refresh
themselves and say good-by to Teochma and Itlza. We will not pause to
narrate what transpired there, or describe the parting, except to say:
Let the reader imagine a mother's deep concern for her son; a sister
and sweetheart's pale, sad face as the brother and lover take their
leave, the latter showing no signs of the feelings which fill his
breast, save those which Itlza alone is permitted to see; an
affectionate waving of hands as the young men go out of sight, and the
moments of sadly thoughtful silence which follow.
* * * * *
Almost two days of continued walking, much of the journey over a rough
and hilly way, found Euetzin and his party nearing their destination.
The sun of the last afternoon seemed, to the tired wayfarers, to move
reluctantly away from the meridian, and to finally approach, at a
snail's pace, the western horizon. Time may appear to pass quickly or
slowly, yet it is unchangeable, and Old Sol, its mighty keeper, marks,
with unerring regularity, the recurring periods of morning and evening.
So, on this day, the latter came in due season, and with it, stealing
softly over the scene, the gray and sombre light which precedes the
slowly falling night-shades in the mountains, followed by the
inharmonious and strikingly dismal croaking of the multi-vociferous
heralds of night, rising from mountain pools and gorges, with an added
gloom from the doleful notes of the whippoorwill. Such were the last
hours and ending of the journey, which our friends had accomplished,
when Cacami suddenly exclaimed:
"We are through at last, for yonder house is the mountaineer's home."
Then, falling behind, he continued:
"You take the lead, tzin Euet, and make such inquiries as may please
you."
They soon stood before the hunter's dwelling, and the tzin, passing
under the porch, was met at the door by Mitla, who, in answer to his
inquiry if that was Tezcot's, said:
"Yes, this is Tezcot's. Will you come in?"
"We will, if refreshments may be obtained," he replied.
"Our evening meal is now being prepared. When it is ready you will be
welcome to share it with us."
This was said with so much cordiality that Euetzin led the way into the
house without farther questioning.
"Cacami!" exclaimed Mitla, when she recognized him. "You here, and
allow your companion to ask if this is Tezcot's?" inquiringly. "But, I
see, you wished to surprise us. Well, at any rate, I am glad to bid you
welcome, and your companions as well."
Cacami presented the tzin, formally, who was struck with wonder and
astonishment at meeting, under such surroundings, a girl so bright and
charming. His feelings would have been very different had he known that
from childhood Mitla had been schooled by the presence, in her father's
home, of many of the best-mannered and most intelligent men of the
Anahuac, who came to the range on excursions, and who always made it a
point to have a meal, if nothing more, with Tezcot. Ignoring sentiment,
however, he proceeded at once to the prosecution of his mission by
inquiring if the hunter was at home.
"Yes, I am here; what would you have of me?" answered Tezcot himself,
who at that instant entered the room through an inner door.
"Meat and drink, and, in addition, important information," replied
Euetzin.
"Meat and drink you shall have, but the information will depend on the
nature of it."
At this moment he discovered in Cacami his former hunter guest, and
exclaimed:
"Well, well, my Tezcucan friend; you may give me a prey to ocelotls if
I'm not glad to see you! Your coming here at this time augurs well for
me. Who are these, your companions?" he asked, looking first at the
tzin and then at Oza.
"That is Euetzin, better known as tzin Euet; and this other person,
Oza, our attendant," answered Cacami, designating each.
Tezcot's countenance fairly shone with satisfaction and pleasure as he
said, addressing Euetzin:
"Tzin Euet, I am very, very glad to meet you just now. The discovery of
Cacami, joined to your inquiry for important information, led me to
surmise that you might prove to be Euetzin or some other person who
would meet an exigency which has this day arisen; and I am more than
gratified to learn that it is yourself. Oza's presence here with you
explains your errand. You are in search of Hualcoyotl?" he said,
questioningly. "Your arrival at my house to-night is most opportune,
for it makes easy, or rather relieves me of, an important and
perplexing duty. The morning's dawn would have found a messenger on his
way to Tezcuco to find and inform you of the prince's safety; also to
request you to come here immediately."
"Are we to understand that Hualcoyotl is safe, and that you know where
he is?" interrupted the tzin.
"Yes, I know where he is; and farther, that he is safe so long as
Maxtla is kept in ignorance of his hiding place. An army might reach
him, but never a band of soldiers."
"Your information is most cheering. We came here thinking you might
know something of him; and that we did so is fortunate indeed," replied
the tzin; and forgetting for the moment his tired condition in his
desire to see his friend, he said: "With your permission we will go to
him at once."
"No, not to-night; you shall see him to-morrow," replied Tezcot firmly.
"At present he is needing rest. I would not disturb him at such an
hour."
"You say well, friend, and we cheerfully defer to your wisdom. But will
you not explain how the prince came to be so well secured?"
"Yes, after supper, which I see is waiting for us."
After disposing of their equipments the young men were conducted to the
eating room, where an excellent repast was spread for them, to which,
after ablution, they did ample justice.
During the meal Mitla's eyes frequently encountered those of the tzin;
and as often as they did she felt that subtle influence, call it
magnetism, if you please, which impresses itself so forcibly and
mysteriously upon the susceptible mind, awakening suddenly and
unconsciously feelings that may be described by only one little word.
So it was in this supreme moment with Mitla, when for the first time
she stood face to face with her fate.
In the conversation which followed during the meal Euetzin addressed
her several times, and was so well pleased with her charming manner
that he resolved to know her better.
When the meal was finished the men were reconducted to the family room,
where Tezcot proceeded to give an account of the prince. He related
what he knew of his experience after becoming separated from Menke and
Oza, up to the time of his concealment by Mitla under the pile of
chia-plant, which resulted in saving him from capture. At this juncture
the tzin became intensely interested, and when he fully comprehended
the invaluable service rendered his royal master by the beautiful girl,
he interrupted the hunter by saying:
"Your daughter did that?"
"Yes, it was she who saved the prince from his pursuers," answered he,
proud of his favorite's conduct.
"Noble girl!" passionately exclaimed the tzin. "All loyal Tezcucans
will bless her name." Then to the hunter, earnestly: "As the nearest
friend of Hualcoyotl, I would like to express to her the profound
gratitude of a Tezcucan. Will you kindly request her to come here?"
Tezcot, appreciating the high estimation in which Mitla's conduct was
regarded by a Tezcucan lord, especially by the first friend of the
prince, bade her come into the room as requested.
Euetzin rose to his feet as Mitla entered, and, looking admiringly at
her, said:
"Your father has just informed us that to you we are indebted, as
Tezcucans and friends of Hualcoyotl, for his continued existence. My
life is pledged to his service; the hand that strikes at him strikes at
me; the hand that reaches out to save him I would bless. As the rescuer
of Hualcoyotl, your name will be long and kindly remembered by
Tezcucans everywhere, and, as one of them, I would here and now express
to you the grateful thanks of my people; and farther, as a pledge of my
sincerity, I desire that you will accept from me this little token, a
souvenir of the great service you have rendered a deeply stricken
nation, and also as a mark of my personal appreciation." As he
concluded, the tzin placed in her hand a beautifully wrought miniature
shield of gold, on which were engraven the armorial emblems of the
royal family of Tezcuco. It was a highly prized keepsake which he had
long carried on his person, and it required more than mere sentiment to
cause him to part with it.
While Euetzin was speaking, Mitla stood with eyes cast down, but when
he was done, raised them to his face. A glistening moisture was seen to
gather on her beautiful, dark lashes as she said:
"Your great kindness has filled my heart with a strange feeling. My
tongue refuses to utter the words I would speak. I can only thank you
for your beautiful gift, and for thinking well of what I did for the
prince."
"No words which you might utter would add to the favor and esteem to
which you are entitled, and which you will have, from the friends of
Hualcoyotl," said the tzin, earnestly.
Tezcot, observing the embarrassment under which Mitla was placed,
motioned for her to withdraw, which she was glad to do.
The account of the prince's rescue was continued to a conclusion, and
the young men, glad of an opportunity to lie down, were disposed of for
the night.