astry of many kinds,
bread, cakes, and confectionery; chocolate, flavored with vanilla
and other spices, and pulque, prepared with many varying flavors,
tempted the passers by. All these commodities, and every stall and
portico, were set out and well-nigh covered with flowers.

After leaving the market, Roger proceeded with his companion to the
edge of the lake. It was dotted with countless canoes, traversing
it in all directions, filled with people passing to and fro between
the great capitals or neighboring cities, bent either upon pleasure
or trade. After feasting his eyes for a considerable time upon the
lovely and animated scene, Roger returned with his companion to the
palace.

In the afternoon there was a great gathering of nobles at the
palace, to enable a far wider circle than those assembled the
evening before to see and hear the king's white guest. One of the
old counselors, who had been present at the previous meeting, acted
as questioner, and this enabled Roger to escape certain queries to
which he would have had difficulty in replying; and while the
assembly heard much of the various wonders of the white people,
they learned nothing of the manner in which the stranger had
reached their shores, or the object of his coming; and at the end,
the general impression that remained upon them was that he was a
mysterious and supernatural being, who had come to teach the people
new arts and inventions.

When the meeting was over, Roger retired again to the private
apartments, and entertained the ladies there with many details of
European life and manners, and by sketching for them houses, and
ships, and other objects they demanded.

Two hours later, Cacama came in. He was evidently vexed and
anxious.

"I am sorry to say, Roger Hawkshaw," he said, "that tomorrow you
must accompany me across the lake to Mexico. I have had four
dispatches today from my Uncle Montezuma. He blames me for having
permitted you to enter the city before consulting the priests at
his capital. You know they are all powerful there. Montezuma, with
all his pride and haughtiness, is but their humble servant. He says
that sacrifices have been offered up, and that the auguries are
unfavorable, and that the priests proclaim your presence to be a
danger to Mexico.

"I have no doubt that, when they see you, this opinion will be
changed; and I shall do my best to prepare the way for you. I have
already sent a private messenger to the high pri