served.

"We had best visit the gardens first, before the sun gains too much
power. There are charming arbors and pavilions, in shady spots, for
taking one's ease at the middle of the day; but for walking about,
the early hours are the best."

The gardens were of great extent, and Roger was surprised at the
extreme fearlessness of the innumerable birds, of all kinds, that
seemed to regard them as their natural home.

"Why should they not be fearless?" Cuitcatl said, when he expressed
his surprise. "They have never been frightened, and regard all who
come here as their friends, rather than as their enemies. They have
abundance of the food which they love best. They make their nests
among the plants, or in the trees which they would use, were they
wild. The ponds are full of fish, and the water birds can find a
far richer supply, here, than elsewhere. When the ladies come, the
birds flock around them and settle on their heads and shoulders,
and take crumbs of sweet cake from their hands.

"Many birds must, of course, be caged, and you will see that there
are large aviaries scattered here and there in the garden. In these
are the hawks and eagles, and many other birds which could not be
tamed so far as to remain in the garden, unconfined."

After wandering for nearly two hours in the garden, they returned
to the palace; and afterwards went down to the marketplace, which
was crowded, as it was the fifth day of the week. Cuitcatl had
taken with them six officials of the palace, to clear the way and
prevent the people from crowding in upon them.

Roger was struck with the orderly demeanor of the people. They
seemed merry and lively, but their mirth was of a quiet kind; and
there was, everywhere, an air of decorum and gentleness, in strong
contrast to that of a European crowd.

"Why," he said to himself, "there is more noise at home, when two
or three boats come in laden with pilchards, than is made by all
these thousands and thousands of people!"

There was no pressing or pushing, and the order of the officials,
"Make way for the king's guest, the great Roger Hawkshaw!" was at
once obeyed; and the people drew aside, gazing at him curiously but
respectfully, and saluting as if to one of their own great nobles.

The market was an extensive square, surrounded by deep porticoes,
and each description of merchandise had its allotted quarter. In
one was seen cotton piled up in bales, or manufactured into dresses
and arti