San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1893-02-28

Cnalpa examined IL carelully ana re-
marked:
''He is dry now. We can take him
out and set him on his pedestal at once.
How handsome he looks in his new
dressr'
"He is delighted at the prospect" re-
joined Tepelpec. I'll wager no Katun
feast was ever graced by such beauty
as Leila. The god looks hungry, too,
methinks."
Hal" calculated Chalpa. "Fifty-two
years of fasting would make even Chalcu
hungry. 1t comes all too rarely, this
feast. 1t should occur every twenty
years. But he will feast well and nobly!
Is everything prepared"
Everything, although the victim is
far from feeling disposed to go willing
ly. She will not drink the sacred aitsi.
and fear that she will make us trouble
to the last"
Perhaps" replied Chalpa with grin
full of triumph and hate. But go she
shall; quietly if she will, or in our tender
hands if she is unruly. And the people
are they quiet, think your"
"Too quiet; fear there is a strong
undercurrent of feeling against this
sacrifice which only needs stirring to
become an open protest. They seem to
think that you have taken some unfair
advantage of the girl" AS Tepelpec
said this he cast quick, sly glance at
his superior.
Chalpa started and glared at his as
sistant:
What do you mean? Do you dare to
say He hesitated.
Nothing, father, nothing, only
have heard a word or two now and then
that seemed OminOus"
by Chaicu, would like to hear such
word! The lips that uttered it would
utter no more lies. And remember, keep
watch over your own tongue lest it slip
and lead you to destruction"
Il speak to no one" answered Tepel-
pee, but to you. From you, think,
need conceal nothing. We, | hope, I'M
derstand one another. know that you
have long desired to be revenged upon
the girl, and that you would hesitate at
nothing, my master, to accomplish your
ends-even unfairness'-
You dog cried Chalpa, do you
dare to think that | would cheat in this
solemn and fearful duty"
pray talk not of duty, dear father,
here, alone, we need conceal nothing. |
am not your slave! | fear you not, and
dare tell you that | think you most
admirable master of trickery, one who
would steal the snakes fangs from him
without his knowing it. Believe Inc,
admire you, and l am proud to aid you
in your plans"
Chalpa, pale with rage, sprang upon
the smaller MAJ, seized him by the
throat and shoUs him as a terrier shakes
a rat.
Miserable son of a polecat, thy driv-
elings bespeak thee an idiot! have a
mind to kill you now at Chalcus feet"
Tepelpec's eyes and tongue were pro-
truding when Chalpa cast him loose.
and he staggered for few moments.
Kill Inc, Chalpa," he cried, AYE, and
in one hour the people will know how
you swindled them! They will see the
crafty Chalpa in a new light, as one who
seeks his private ends in their public
matters, who takes their maidens to the
feet of the god because they will not
love him, who juggles with the sacred
dice and with such solemn mien tricks
the simple worshipers. All. they will
relish learning how they have been de-
ceivedr'
Chalpa stood thunderstruck; such eff
frontery he knew, of course, was backed
by knowledge of his evil ways.
"There is person" Tepelpec went on,
"who knows it all and has the proofs.
If l disappear he is instructed to pub
lish the truth Immediately. So, nv
father, when you kill me you merely
pull the whole ediice of fraud down
upon your wise head. You will not be
so foolish. No, you will cherish Tepel-
pee as your aid and assistant, who can
help you well. You need faithful
trustworthy accomplice in the game you
are playing, for you cannot carry things
with such high hand against the peo-
pie as you did against Quetzal-they are
too many. Iklapel and Kulcan have
many friends-they will not all believe
so readily our story that we saw Quetzal
go up the Cliff and disappear. They will
suspect you perhaps, and you need help
to deceive them"
Eric could see that Chalpa was con-
founded. Full of vexation, he hung be-
tween his wrath and his fear for awhile.
Then, assuming an air Of unconcern, he
exclaimed:
$50, friend, you play the spy upon me!
Well, so be it; know then that l viii
stick at nothing to win the place and
power | cOvet. You can help me, and