The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1894-10-10
SUMTER. s. G., WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10. 1894

people, still clad in her wanton' S robe, at
which the women Knocked, for she had
been able to come by no other, tramped at
my side, since there was mono to carry her,
and the inhabitants of the place cursed us
as the authors of their woes. Nor did VIC
know if they would stop at words.
At length we crossed the square beneath
the shadow of the teocalli and reached the
ancient and sculptured palace as the light
failed and the smoke on Xaca, the holy
hill, began to glow with the fire in its
heart Here small preparation had been
made to receive US, and that night we sup
ped by the light Of torch upon tortillas,
or meal cakes, and water, like the humblest
in the land. Then we crept to our rest,
and as I lay awake because Of the pain OF
my hurts I heard Otomie, who thought
that slept break into low sobbing at my
side. Her proud spirit was humbled at
last, and she, whom I had never known
to weep except once, when our firstborn
died in the siege, wept bitterly.
''Why do you sorrow thus, Otomle!'' l
asked at length.
ct did not know that you werc awake,
husband she sobbed in answer, ''or
would have checked my grief. Husband,
sorrow over all that has befallen US and
our people; also, though these are but lit
tie things, because you are brought low
and treated as man Of no estate, and OF
the cold comfort that we find here. I"
"You have cause, wife, - answered
"Say what will these Otomies DO with us
4, f< 1o Toa11oo1''
II do not know; tomorrow we shall
learn. But for my part will not be sur
rendered living
.sNor I, wife Death is better than the
tender mercies of Cortes and his minister,
De Garcia. Is there any hope?"
eyes, there is hope, beloved. Now the
Otomies are cast down, and they remem-
ber that we led the flower of their land to
death. But they ore brave and generous
at heart, and If can touch them there all
NAV vet be we'll Weariness, pain and
memory make US weak, who should be
full of courage, having escaped so many
ills. Sleep, my husband, and leave me to
think. All shall yet go well, for even
misfortune has an end
So slept and woke in the morning
somewhat refreshed and with happier
mind, for who is there that is not polder
when the light shines on him and he is
renewed by rest?
When opened my eyes, the sun was al
ready high, but Otomie had risen with the
dawn, and she had not been idle during
those three hours. For one thing she had
contrived to obtain food and raiment more
befittine to our rank than the rags in
which we were clothed; also she had
brought together certain men Of condition
who were friendly and loyal to her in mis-
fortune, and these she sent about the city,
letting it be known that she would address
the people at midday from the steps Of the
palace, for, as Otomie well knew, the heart
strings Of a crowd are touched more easily
than those of cold and ancient counselors.
"Will they come to listen?" asked.
''Have no fear," she answered. 1.-The
desire to look upon us who have survived
the siege and to know the truth Of what
has happened will bring them. Moreover,
some will be there seeking vengeance on
u.s.
Otomie was right, for as the morning
drew on toward midday I saw the dwellers
in the City Of Pines gathering in thousands
till the space between the steps OF the
palace and the face of the pyramid was
black with them. Now Otomie combed
her curling hair and placed flowers in 1t
and set cleaning feather cloak about
her shoulders, so that it hung down over
her white robes, and on her breast that
splendid necklace of eneralds, which Qua
temoc had given to me in the treasure
,,d 1vb;oh che h O 4 Y,rocarvpd cafa-
" through all our evil fortune, and gold
en- girdle about her waist. In her hand
also she took o little scepter Of ebony tip
ped with gold that was in the palace, with
other ornaments and emblems Of rank, and
thus attired, though she was worn with
travelling and suffering and grief had dim
med her beauty for awhile, she seemed the
dueenliest woman that my eyes have seen.
Next she caused me to be laid upon my
rude litter, and when the hour OF noon
was come she commanded those soldiers
who had borne me across the mountains
to carry me by her side Thus we issued
from the wide doorway Of the palace and
| took our stand upon the platform at the
head of the steps. AS we came great cry
rose from the thousands Of the people,
fierce cry, like that of wild beasts bowling
for their prey. Higher and higher it rose,
sound to strike terror into the bravest
heart, and by degrees caught its purport.
stKill themp' said the cry. "Give the
liar to the Teulesn'
Otomie stepped forward to the edge OF the
platform, and lifting the ebony scepter she
stood silent, the sunlight beating on her
| lovely face and form. But the multitude
screamed thousand taunts and threats at
us, and still the tumult grew. Once they
rushed toward her, as though to tear her to
| pieces, but fell back at the last stair, as
wave falls from rock, and once spear
was thrown that passed between her neck
and shoulder.
Now the soldiers who had carried me,
making certain that our death was at
hand, and having no wish to share it, set
my litter down upon the stones and slip
ped back into the palace, but all this while
Otomie never so much as moved-no, not
even when the spear hissed past her. She
stood before them stately and scornful,
very queen among women, and little by
little the majesty of her presence and the
greatness of her courage hushed them to
silence When there was quiet at length,
81 v;o1 for