The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1896-03-13

cast aside as worthless; why, | do no
know. In front of this cleaning pi,>
stood chest, unlocked, that the senol
opened. 1t was packed with priestly
ornaments of gold set with great EN-
eralds. Maya picked out a belt fro.'
the box and gave it to me. saying:
Take it, Ignatio, since you low,
such trinkets. 1t will set off that robe
of yours"
took it and put it on, not over M
robe, but beneath it.
Wearied at length by the sight OF
so much treasure we returned to Zibal
bay, who was seated as we left him
lost in thought.
| think it must have been in the carly
afternoon of the day following that on
which we were imprisoned that Tiilal
visited us, accompanied only by four
| guards.
"a small band" said the senior, as he
watched them advance, but enough TO
put US to death who are unarmed-for
all our weapons had been taken from
us-if such should be their will"
Have no fear, friend" said Maya.
''they will not do murder so openly"
By now Tikal stood before us bow
ing, and Zibalbay, who as usual was
seated brooding at the table, looked up
and saw him. What do you seek.
traitor?" he asked, angrily, the blood
flushing beneath his withered skin.
Would you kill US? If so, slay on. for
thus shall l come the sooner to the
bosom of that God whose vengeance l
call down upon YOU"
II am no murderer, Zibalbay," an
swered Tikal with dignity. IF you die
it will be by the command of the law
that you have broken and not by mine
L am here to speak with you, if you will
come apart with me-"
"Then speak on before these others
or leave your words unsaid," he an
swered, ''for not one step will | stir
with you, who doubtless seek some OPP
portunity to stab me in the back"
Yet it is important that you should
hear what have to say, Zibalbay."
Say on, then, traitor, or 60"
Now Tikal thought for awhile, look
ing doubtfully at Maya, from whose
fair face indeed he rarely took his eyes.
us it your wish that l should with
draw?" she asked, shortly.
''It is not mine,' said Zibalbay, ''stay
where you are, daughter
Listen, Zibalbay," said Tikal, ives
terday before the gathering on the
pyramid saw your daughter, the lady
Maya, and spoke with her, telling her
that now as always l loved her. al
though believing her to be dead, l had
for reasons of the state taken an
other woman to be my wife. Then l
made her this offer: that if she would
consent to become my wife, | would
put away Nahua, whom had married.
Moreover l added this, that l would
give up my place as cacique to you,
Zibalbay, whose it is by right, to hold
for so long as you should live, and
would not oppose you or your policy in
any matter. l told her, on the other
hand, that if she refused to become nv
wife l would surrender nothing, but
would put out my strength to crush
you and her, and these strangers, your
friends.
'She answered me with contempt,
saying that l might do my worst, but
she would have naught to say to me-
What happened afterward you know,
Zibalhay, and you know also the dam
ger in which you stand to-day, now
that power has left you and your very
life trembles in the balance"
He paused, and Zibalbay, who had
been listening to his words amazed,
turned to Maya and said sternly:
Does this man lie, daughter?"
AS she was about to answer, though
what she meant to say do not know,
Tikal broke in:
This offer | made to her. and, that
it may be put beyond doubt, now
make it to her and you again. If she
will take me in marriage, for her sake
l will put away Nahua. l will lay
down my rule and set you in your place
again, with liberty so long as YOU shall
live 10 work such follies as the gods
may suffer.
Zibalbay heard, and. rising. lifted
his head - the vault above him and
said:
i thank thee. o God. who, in an
swer 10 my prayers, has shown me a
way Of escape from the troubles that
beSet ne Iillal. 1t shall be as You
wish. and we viii swear our peace upon
the a!.a- Of the Heart. Doubtless
there VII DC trouble with Natal and
soU2 OF .is following. but i we sand
together sGey can be overcome"
Your pardon, Zibalb2E." l inter
r'ptcd: the Lady Maya hes not
spoken"
Spoken he exclaimed. "Why,
what should she say?7
What l said 10 my Cousin Tilzal yes
torday, she answered, setting her lips
and speaking very low: that | viii
have nothing to do with him"
Nothing 20 do with him. girl. Moth
ing to do with him! Why, he's Your
afianced: you do not understand"
Il understand well, father, but for
naught that can be offered to ne upon
the earth viii give myself in marriage
to man who has treated you and me
as my Cousin Tikal has done, a man
who could not keep his oath to you or
wait for me one single year"
Cease to be foolish" said Zibalbav.
"Til1al has erred, no doubt, but now he
would make atOnement for his error,
and if l can forgive him so can you.
Think no more of the girls folly, Tikal.
but send for ink and parchment and
let rs set down our contract"
Il have the paper here, lord" said
Tillal, drawing a roll from his breast,
but, pardon me, does the Lady Maya
"Ay. ay, she consents"
Il do not consent. father. and if Won
drag me TO the altar with yOnder man
l viii cry out to the people to protect
me. or. failing their aid, | win seek
refuge in death by my own hand if
need be
Now Zibalbay turned upon his