The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1896-01-11

OF CI10 llIuecSCUnS CuHU formed the
bedrock Of the island.
Within the oblong Of this wall lay
the city, a city of palaces, pyramids,
It. for we could see at a glance that the
population was unable to keep so many
streets and edifices in repair.
Even In the great square beneath us
the signs OF traffic were rare, and there
was little of the hustle OF people en-
gagged in the business of life, although
this very place had been the scene OF
last nights feasting. and would again
soon be filed with men and women
decking to the pyramid.
CHAPTER XVI.
s ON The PYRAMID
"Does not the city lie very low?" I
asked of Maya, when we had studied
the prospect on every side. ''To my
eye it seems almost upon level with
the waters Of the lake"
II believe that is &c." she answered.
Moreover, during those months of the
year that are coming, the level of the
lake rises many feet, so that the island
Is submerged and the water stands
about the wall"
"How, then, do you prevent the town
from being flooded?" asked the senior
''If once the water flowed in the place
would vanish and every soul be
drowned"
eyes, friend, but the waters never
rise beyond certain height, and are
kept from flooding the city by the great
sluice gate. IT that gate were to be
opened in the time of inundation. then
we should perish, every one. But it
never is opened during those months,
for, if any would leave or enter the city
they do so by means of ladders leading
from the summit of the wall to floating
landing stages on the moat beneath. ~
lit seems strange place to build a
city" answered the senior. 81 do not
during the months Of inundation, know
ing that my life depended on a single
gate.''
"Yet men have slept safely here for q
Thousand years or more," she said. "Le
gend tells us that our forefathers who
came up from the coast in ancient days
settled on the island by command of
their gods, choosing this hollow bed of
land to build in, SO that, rather than
submit themselves to foes. as their
fathers were forced to do in the country
beyond the mountains, they could, If
need were, food the place and perish in
the water.
"For this reason it is that the holy
sanctuary of the nameless God, the
Heart of Heaven, is hallowed deep in
the rock beneath US, for the waters of
the lake would flow in upon it at a
touch, burying it and all its treasures
from the sight of man forever. Now,
you to visit the public workshops where
fish is dried, garments woven, and all
other industries carried on that are nee
essary to our comfort" and turning she
led the way with her ladies toward the
head of the stairs
As we drew near to 1t, however, three
men appeared upon the platform, in one
of whom I knew Tikal.. Seeing Maya
he advanced toward her, bowling as he
came.
lady" he said, learning that you
were here with these strangers, I have
followed you to beg that you will
speak with me alone for some few min
utes." .<.,,.
ssThat cannot do, cousfn,' she an
swered, coldly, "for who knows what
color might afterward be put upon my
words. II you have anything to say to
me say it before us ALL"
s'That I cannot do,'' he answered,
''for what / have to say is secret. Still,
for your fathers sake, and perhaps for
without witness will not listen
to you, Tikal." f.
''Then, lady, FAREWELL" he said, and
turned to 60
Stay, cousin. If you fear to speak
before our own people let this stranger"
and she pointed to me, Ignatio-''be
present at our talk. He is of our blood
and can understand our tongue, dis
Greet man, and, moreover, one Of the
Brethren of the Heart"
zone of the Brethren of the Heart!
How can a stranger be a Brother of the
Heart? Prove it to me, wanderer.."
And drawing me aside he said GER
tain words which answered, giving
him the signs.
t'Do you agreed" asked Maya.
eyes, lady, since must, though it
pleases me little to open my mind be-
fore stranger. Let US step apart"
and he walked to the center of the plat
form, followed by Maya and myself.
Lady" he began, ''my business with
YOU is not easy to tell. For many years
we were af3anced, and both you and
your father promised that we should be
wed when you returned from this jour
ney-"
.sSurely, as things are, cousin, it is
needless to discuss the matter Of our,
betrothal,''' she broke in with sarcasm.
mot. altogether needless. lady" he
answered. 81 have much to ask your
pardon for, and yet l make bold to ask
It: Maya, you know well that I have
loved, and love you dearly, and that no
other woman has ever been near my
heart.
Surely she said with q laugh,
ssthese words sound strange in tho
mouth of the new-made husband OF
Nahua."
'sPerhaps, lady, and vet aretrue. I
am married to Nahua, but / do not love
her, though she loves me. II is you
whom I love, and when saw you yes
terday ell my heart went ont to you, 60
that / almost hated the: fair bride at my
side .s.. IS
I. ..Why, then, did you marry her So.
4S ..Because;I must and because i be-.
lieved Won dead, and your father with
4 Won. as did every man il the city Yon,
;zihal being dead IS I thoug was
laez9ul that d tto kesF9