Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1896-03-05

olnerwlse. WnaL, luen, Wan YOU uof
Tell me, first, whom do you choose as
your ruler-my uncle, who now is mad
and would bring you to shame and ruin,
or me, who have sworn to preserve your
ancient laws?"
1--WE choose you, Tikal, Tikal!" came
he answer.
II thank you, he cried But what,
then. shall be done with this old man
and those whom he has brought with
him to spy out our secrets and to rob
uso'
Kill them before the altar" they
shouted, waving their swords.
Tikal thought for a moment. then
pointed toward us and said: Seize
these men,"
At his words hundred or more OF
the mobiles, who evidently had been pre-
pared 10 execute his orders, rushed at
us suddenly. As they came across the
open space saw the senior put his hand
to his belt, and said to him:
For the love of God do not strike,
for should you touch one of them they
will certainly kill us
"That they will do in any case, but
as you WISH" Unanswered Then they
broke on us. As they came, all those
mobiles who had followed Zibalbay to
the crest of the pyramid gave way be-
fore their rush, leaving the three Of us
and the lady Maya standing alone.
"Cowards!" cried Zibalbay, glancing
behind him. Then he drew his ma
chete, and with shout cut down the
foremost of those who assailed us-a
great noble. In another instant the
weapon was struck from him, and the
senior and were being dragged toward
the altar, followed by Zibalbay and the
lady Maya, upon whom, however, our
assailants laid no hand.
What shall we do with these men?"
cried Tikal again.
And again the mobiles answered: xiii
them"
Then they threw us down, and men
came at us with swords to make an end
of us, which they would have done
quickly had not the lady Maya sprung
forward, and standing over the senior
cried. lIold.'i in so piercing a voice that
they stayed their hands.
Listen. People of the Heart she
said; would you do murder upon your
own holy altar, staining it with the
blood Of innocent men? You talk of
broken laws Is there not u law in the
city that none can be put to death ex-
cept after trial before the cacique and
his council? Have these men been tried,
and if so, by whom? You say that my
father, your lawful ruler, is deposed.
If that is SO, not Tikal, but |, who am
his heir, rule in his stead, and | have
passed no Judgment on them"
Now, at her words there was muir
muir of mingled doubt and applause,
but Tikal answered her saying:
Lady, you have appealed to the law
on behalf of these wanderers, of your
father ard of yourself, and by the law
you shall be dealt with. Tomorrow the
Judges shall be chosen and hold their
court nclc ptloit tilt 'copiS.
at cannot be, Tikal,' she answered
alnly There is but one court which
can TRY us four, all of whom are l}reth-
rem OF the Heart, and that is the Conn
ell Of the Heart sitting in the sanctu-
airy, which assemblies on the eighth day
from nov on the night of the rising of
waters. Is it not so, nobles?'
ut is So" they answered.
$50 be it, said Tilsal, but till then
| mnst hold YOU in safe keeping. Will
1t please you to follow Natal, lady, and
you, my lord Zibalbay? Guards, bring
these men to the watch-house yonder,
and keep them there till | come to you"
Maya bowed, and turning to the aud
fence, said ina clear voice: Farewell,
my people. five are seen no more you
will know that we have been murdered
by Tilsal, who has usurped our place,
and to you ! leave it to take vengeance
for our blood"