The National tribune., 1899-04-27
,,!0G ta Sa'lIkrnando Sprtez
WSgSGJ <MA a Story Of
" 055AAS=--zrRVt The Spanish Conquest Of Mexico
.Ss$ss..sssE@gSxSV r. BIRD.
BY r. II. BIRD.

abasement. The neophyte heard the
words Of Don fernando:
| Tell his royal majesty, the king" said
the General, with an accent no longer re-
sembling that which had fixed the bari
in the bosom of his prey, chat it mis-
likes me 10 destroy his people, like sc
many dumb beasts; and yet to this end
am l enforced by their madness and his
supineness. Bid him direct his subjects
to lay down their arms, and assail me nc
! further; otherwise shall | be constrained
to employ those weapons which God has
given me, until this beauteous island is
| converted into a charnalhouse and hell,
and the broad lake of Tezcuco into the
grave of his whole race"
The mild and musical voice of Marina
repeated the wish in the. language OF
Anahuac; and all eyes were bent on the
monarch as she spoke. But not a mus
Gle moved in the frame or the visags OF
Montezuma.
as the knave turned to stone, that he
thou, my little Orteguilla. Repeat what
thou hast heard, and see if thine antics
will not arouse the sleeper"
The youthful page stepped up to the
king, seized his hand, which he strove
to raise 10 his lips, and looking up in his
face, with an innocent air, endeaVored TO
engage his attention. This boy had, from
iavOrite with Montezuma; and being very
arch and cunning, Don fernando did not
scruple to place him as spy about the
king, under color of presenting him as
servant. In common, MonteZuma was
greatly diverted with his bOyish tricks,
and especially with his blundering efforts
to catch the tongue of Mexico. But there
was no longer left in the bosom of the
degraded prince chord to vibrate to
merrimsnt.
Habit, however, had not yet lost its
hold; and as the boyish voice stammered
out the accustomed tones, he gradually
turned his eyes from the person OF the
General, and fixed them on the visage OF
Orteguilla. But as he gaZed, his browS
contracted into gloomier frown, he laid
hts hant. on tie Drattler's shoulder, anI
no sooner had the urchin ceased steak-
ing ti,an he thrust him sternly, though
not violently, away. Then drawing him
self erect, he folded his arms on his
bosom, and, without uttering word, fixed
his eyes on the face of Cortez, and there
calmly and sorrowfuliy maintained them.
This is, doubtless, lethargy," said
the General; "hut it suits not our present
occasions to indulge it. Where is my
friend, De Morla, He was wont to have
much influence with this humorous
man."
al am here" said De Morla, stepping
forward; "and if you demand it. l will
speak to the king; though with no hopes
OF persuading him to show us any kind
ness"
AS De Morla spoke, Don Amador, who
had followed him to the side OF Cortez,
observed one of the princesses turn from
her sire, and look eagerly towards his
friend In this maiden, he doubted not,
he perceived the fair Minnapotzin; and
he ceased to wonder at the passion Of his
when he discovered with his
own eyes how little her beauty had been
operrated Though of but small stature,
her figure, as far as it could be perceived
through the folds OF peculiar vestments,
was exceedingly graceful. The cymar
was knotted round her bosom with a
modest girdIe, and left bare two arms
prettily nodded, on which shone brace
let's, of gold, Enthusiastically wrought. Her
lair was long, and fell, braided with
strings of the same metal, on her Shout
iers, on which also was a necklace OF
title emeralds alternating with crystals,
md suspending silver crucifix OF Span
sh workmanship. These were her only
decorations. Her skin was rather dark
han tawny, and the tinge OF beautifyins