was impending."

When Marina had translated this, Roger at once agreed to do his
best to discover if any treachery were meant.

"You had best go in disguise," Cortez said. "Donna Marina will make
arrangements for a canoe to be here, after nightfall; and by
staining your face, and putting on the attire of an Aztec
noble--for which we have ample materials at hand--would not be
noticed as you pass through the throng of yon boats on the lake. It
would be best that you did not go as a Spanish soldier. You might
be arrested on the road, and perhaps carried away and sacrificed at
one of the altars. Once at Tezcuco you must, of course, act in the
matter as you think best."

Marina--who was not, like the Spaniards, confined to the
palace--had no difficulty in arranging for a canoe; and as soon as
it became dark, Roger, dressed as an Aztec cazique, and with his
face slightly stained, took his place in it. The lake was thronged
with canoes, but the craft in which he was seated passed without
notice through them, and after two hours' paddling reached Tezcuco.

Telling the natives that they were to wait for his return, however
long that might be, Roger proceeded to the palace. Avoiding the
principal streets and squares, where his unusual height would
attract attention, he passed unquestioned into the palace amid the
throng of chiefs and nobles who were entering or leaving it, and
made his way to the apartment of Cuitcatl. It was empty but,
clapping his hand, the attendant who had before waited upon him
entered. As Roger's attire was similar to the one he had worn while
at Tezcuco, the man recognized him at once.

Roger bade him go in search of Cuitcatl, and tell him privately
that he was there, and beg him to come. In a few minutes Cuitcatl
entered the room, and greeted Roger most heartily.

"I am glad, indeed, to see you, my friend; and Cacama and the queen
and the princess will rejoice, also. There was great anxiety for
you after your first escape, for the emperor was furious when he
heard that you had slipped off. The priests had assured him that
the sacrifice of a white man, to the god of war, would ensure his
aid and protection against the white invaders. Runners were
dispatched in scores to every town and village, and although I knew
that Bathalda was familiar with every foot of the country, and
would give his life for you if needs be, it seemed impossible that
you should be able to make your way through.

"Then ca