, for you have
had a long and weary time."

So saying, he led the way to a small chamber, leading out of the
larger one. Here a luxurious couch was arranged, and it was not
many minutes before Roger was asleep; for he was indeed completely
worn out, and was too much fatigued even to think over the strange
position in which he found himself.

He woke early, for upon his journeys the caravan had always started
at daybreak, so as to get as much as possible of the journey done
before the heat of the day set in. For a moment he wondered vaguely
where he was, and then, as recollection returned to him, he leaped
from his couch, threw back the hangings before the window, and
gazed out.

Glass was unknown in Mexico, nor was it a requisite in the balmy
climate of the valley. The prospect was a charming one. Before him
lay a garden, more beautiful than any he had ever beheld. It was
filled with shrubs and flowers, and a delightful perfume filled the
air. Fountains of bright water threw their jets high above the
sweet-scented groves and shrubberies. Several large ponds glistened
in the morning sun. On some of these were islands accessible by
light bridges, and on the islands were fanciful pavilions.
Waterfowl floated on the surface of the ponds, or stalked
fearlessly on the marble pavement that surrounded them. The songs
of innumerable birds filled the air. Roger was gazing in delight at
the scene, when Cuitcatl's voice saluted him.

"So you are up betimes; are you ready for your bath, or will you
take some chocolate first?"

"Bath first, please," Roger replied; and his guide led the way
across the large room and, drawing a hanging aside, showed Roger
into a bathroom.

The walls and floors were entirely covered with marble. In the
center was a bath, some seven feet square, with a stream of water
running into it from the mouth of a grotesque animal's head.

"Every apartment has its bathroom," Cuitcatl said. "The water runs
for an hour after sunrise only, but it can be turned on at any
hour. It seems a waste, but we are far above the lower portion of
the garden, and the water therefore runs into a tank and thence
works the fountains there. Would you like your attendant to rub you
in the bath, or when you come out of it? For both methods are in
use with us."

Roger declined both alternatives, and it was not very long before
he rejoined his companion in the central apartment. Chocolate,
light cakes, and fruit were at once