emperor was ready to receive them.
Presently two court officials entered and, placing a mantle of
coarse cotton over Roger, signed to him to take off his sandals.
Cacama had already informed him that even the highest nobles of the
land, with the exception of those of royal blood, were obliged to
enter Montezuma's presence in this attire, as emblematic of their
humility. He also charged Roger that it was the etiquette that all
should keep their eyes fixed on the ground, until addressed by
Montezuma.

Accompanied by Cacama, Roger followed the officials. Passing
through several corridors they entered a vast hall. Roger was aware
that at the farther end the emperor was seated, surrounded by a
numerous body of nobles; but the instant he entered the room he
followed the instructions of Cacama, and saluted to the ground, and
then advanced with downcast eyes until the officials by his side
ordered him to pause.

Montezuma was a victim of superstition, and had been seriously
discomposed at the news of the arrival of this mysterious visitor;
the more so that the priests, themselves, were unable to decide
whether his visit was a good or evil augury. As he looked at the
tall figure before him, with its strange-colored skin and hair, and
the air of independence and fearlessness that was visible in the
pose, notwithstanding the downcast eyes, he could not but be
favorably impressed, despite his fears.

"You are welcome to our court," he said, "if you come in peace and
goodwill."

"I come in peace and goodwill to your Majesty and your empire,"
Roger said.

"We have heard that you come from far beyond the seas, where dwell
a people having strange ways, who live in floating castles, and who
fight with weapons making thunder."

Roger bowed.

"Your Majesty has been correctly informed."

"Do the people there worship the same gods that we do?"

"They do not, your Majesty. The people there worship the one Great
God--the God of the skies, the air, and the earth."

"And that God sent you hither?" Montezuma asked.

"Assuredly, Sire. He directs all things."

"Each country has its gods. The gods of Mexico have given us
victory over all the peoples from sea to sea."

Roger bowed. He did not feel called upon to contradict the emperor.

"How is it that you came alone to this land?"

"I wished to see it," Roger said, "reports of its greatness and
power having reached across the seas. Had I come with others, it
might have been t