n out into the open air, where one could
see and fight if needs be.

Through all this, Bruno Gillespie held the position he had taken, one
hand gripping tightly his maquahuitl, but placing his main dependence
upon the revolver which nestled conveniently within the folds of his
sash, one nervous forefinger touching the curved trigger.

He could not help seeing that the danger was great. He felt certain that
they could not retreat much farther without coming to blows, when the
odds would be overwhelmingly against them. Yet never for an instant did
he regret having taken such a decided step; not for one moment did he
give thought to himself.

Almost within reach of his hand, if extended at the length of his arm,
moved the fair maiden whose face and form had made so deep an impression
upon his mind and his heart. She was in peril. She needed aid. That was
enough!

Then the briefly stunned Tlacopa rushed forth from his desecrated
temple, wildly flourishing his arms, furiously denouncing both the Sun
Children and their body-guard, thundering forth the curses of all the
gods upon the heads of those who refrained from arresting the evil ones.

"The mighty Mother of Gods calls for her own! Seize them! Strike down
the impious dogs who dare attempt to defraud our Mother! Seize them! To
the sacrifice--to the sacrifice!"

Equally loud of voice, the Prince Hua came leaping down to the sandy
level, urging his people to the assault, offering almost fabulous sums
as reward for the brave Aztec whose arm should lay yonder traitorous Red
Heron prone in the dust.

The crisis came, and the dogs of war were let loose.

An arrow whizzed narrowly past the feathered helmet worn by the captain
of the guards. A stone came humming out of sling, to be deftly dashed
aside by Aztotl's shield ere it could fairly smite that gold-crowned
head as, outwardly calm and composed, Victo aided her trembling daughter
on towards the Temple of the Sun God, where alone they might look for
safety.

But would it be found even there?

No! For, at savage howl from lips of the high priest, a strong force of
armed redskins took up position at the teocalli, blocking each one of
the four flights of stone steps in order to intercept the body-guard,
while still closer pressed the yelling, screeching, frantic heathen of
both sexes and all ages.

Aztotl saw how he had been flanked, but made no sign, even while
slightly turning course for another temple at less di