se movements were made, and where they would
have appeared fulsome or degraded in some, with this warrior the effect
was far from disagreeable to see or to experience.

Victo flushed warmly and drew back a little farther, for the memory of
those words let fall by Gladys came back with unpleasant distinctness.
And was she so certain that Aztotl looked upon her as merely a
god-descended priestess?

The Red Heron arose easily, head rising proudly above his shapely
shoulders as he met those great blue eyes,--eyes as pure and as
fathomless as the cloudless sky in midsummer.

And then, more like one giving a bare statement of facts than one
offering a defence for himself, Aztotl spoke of a faithless subordinate,
who was guilty of either careless neglect, or worse.

"It may be that Tezcatl lost his wits through strong waters, Sun Child,
or even that he took evil pay from still more vile hands. You have seen
the last of him, though, Child of Quetzal'l."

"You surely do not mean that--"

Aztotl lightly tapped the knife-hilt showing above his maxtlatl, coldly
adding words to that significant gesture:

"There is no place for fool or traitor upon the body-guard of the Sun
Children. Tezcatl sinned; he has paid full forfeit. And just so shall
all others perish who dare cast an evil glance towards--ha!"

Another outcry arose from the other side of the curtained recess, and
the Red Heron instantly sprang away in that direction, hands gripping
weapons in readiness for instant use in case of need.

Almost as swiftly, Victo and the maiden followed, one through fear, the
other through utter lack of fear, for herself.

Those savage cries came from the lips of none other than the chieftain
whose now bare head bore significant traces of Bruno Gillespie's
handiwork, and he seemed bent on rushing directly into the presence of
the Sun Children, until Red Heron interposed, stern and icy-toned:

"Stand back, my Lord Hua!" he ordered, left hand advanced with open
palm, but its dexter mate armed and ready for hot work if that must
come. "Venture no closer, on thy peril, chief!"

Huatzin recoiled a bit, though that might have been more through
surprise than because he feared this proud warrior. He gripped his
knife-hilt, and partly drew the blade from its supporting sash. A
hissing oath escaped his lips, and he crouched a trifle, as a wild beast
gathers its deadliest force prior to making a death leap.

"Darest thou bar my path, Aztotl