The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-04-18

every side by steep ascents which no liv-
ing being could scale, and which was ac-
cessible only through this subterranean
passage.
THE MYSTERIOUS CITY.
As we came to the opening we halted
upon q platform at the top OF n long flight
OF steps which led down into the valley. /
was no less delighted than astonshcd at
the scene which met my view. This was
a settlement OF the Agtecs. There were
their stone houses, there their flower gar
dens; women moving here and there, their
long black hair flowing over their robes OF
dyed cotton. Children We're playing in
the streets, for it was town laid off in
streets and squares like a city; while in
the central square u hugo altar was
erected, with platform on the top and
steps leading up from three sides, while
the other side was built up pcrpendicu-
larry and was surmounted by hideous
figure. All this could be seen from the
mouth of the cavern before descending
into the valley. j gazed down upon the
town with an intense emotion OF pleasure.
was now to minglc with the Aztecs, to
look upon their civilization, 10 behold
them in their primitive state.
From my emincnce could see that the
town was arranged with the utmost rcgu-
larity; that the houses were built in pc
culiar style Of architecture, massive, yet
some OF them rudely magnificent; that a
stream which ran through the principal
street and appeared to sink before il reach
ed the foot of the mountain, was bordered
with Towering shrubs and spanned in
many places with bridges, over Which the
inhabitants were continually crossing and
recrossing; that the houses " ere in some
instances encased in network OF spread
ing vines; that everything, in fact, indi-
Gated the presence Of civilized people,
save the grim idol before whom the inhab-
ltantss bowed themselves as they passed
the shrine.
We descended the stone steps from the
cavcrn's mouth TO the valley below, and
when we reached the town the inhabitants
came flocking out 10 see the first white
man who had ever stepped foot in that
sacred valley. The women and children
stood aloof, but the men pressed forward
and listened to the old chiefs explanation
OF my visit. When the curiosity of the
populace was satisfied was conveyed TO
the residence OF the chicitain.
A GORGEOUS AZTEC HOME.
Arriving at a large stone house, whose
exterior had little difference from those
by which IL was surrounded, | was ush-
cred into an apartment fitted mp in n style
OF magnilicence that surpassed anything /
had ever dreamed Of. The chief ordered
girl who was in waiting Ia provide me
with something TO eat. She withdrew, but
soon returned with several exquisitely
wrought silver vessels, whose delicate
holdings showed the handiwork Of a mas
ter, filled with highly seasoned food, ap-
parently the flesh OF wild animals. After
we had finished our meal the girl dis
appeared, and the old chief and / were
alone. As he was seated here In his home
there was a dignity and intelligence APP
parent in his fine features, which iin.
pressed me with great respect. As We were
both weary from our journey through the
mountains, he led me into n large room
which was even more elegantly furnished
than the one we had Just left, and bado
me rest from the fatigue, and IN the morn
ing he would visit me and tell me the
story Of the town. Bidding me good night
he left me.
The excitement had undergone was
too much for even my steady nerves and
sleep refused 10 visit me. The beautiful
decorations Of the walls Of the room led me
to an examination OF the apartment.
In one corner was spread q couch with
rich embroidered coverings. Vessels Of
gold and silver massive and richly carved;
vases OF ornament and use, occupied places
In various parts OF the room. The walls Of
the apartment were hung with beautiful
feather work, the most brilliant plumage
OF the many bright colored birds Of Mex.
leo being woven intimately together upon
fine cotton cloth, presenting n most COR
geous appearance, and ~ the breeze gently
waved Il into the sunlight which now
entered the room from the western hori-
ron these colors flashed and glistened with
n thousand varied hucs. On stone table
in the center OF the room were specimens
Of Aztec manuscript, fine paper made from
some vegetable pulp, covered with pictures
Of every kind, the representation OF Ian
guage.
Sleep at last came, and the sun was
shining high In the heavens next morning
when opened my eyes and found that
the chief had, with thoughtful care, placed
light repast Of fruits ON a table near my
couch.
ENEMIES FOREVER or THE WHITE RACE.
After the meal was finished went ont
and found the chief waiting for me, and
we started for ramble through the town.
lie led me along the flower skirted paths
10 the great square, 10 the foot Of the altar
steps, then up TO the top in the very hol.
low OF that altar stone.
This" said the old chief, ''ls the altar
which was erected over three hundred
wears ago 10 the MEMORABLE, that great
spirit that knows not how 10 forgive. At
the time when your people first came 10
this country the mobiles OF my race lived ia
the enjoyment OF every blessing, and
their days were crowned with ease;
their subjects were happy and prosper
GUS At length came rumos from the dis
tant seashore In the east oil a strange tribe,
the children OF the sun, who had come 10
visit our people and confer now blessings
upon them. Presently these rumora bore
a new phase. They told Of Aziecs slain by
the weapons Of the children OF the sun.
Then IL was known that these strangers
were imposlon and armies were levied TO
resist their aggressions, but they were poo.
pie bred 10 warfare and they oyerpowcrcd
the forces that were sent against them.
Their progress was still onward through
desolaled cities and smoking towns toward
the great capital OF the empire. Even this
stronghold al length fell before them, and
with lis fall was destroyed all trace Of Aztec
nationality.
Then, escaping from the hands Of the
conqueror, with many OF his people, one Of
my ancestors sought this spot, which
he knew could never he discover
i ed NV them Hero he erected this