be better to allow
a short time to pass, and to see how matters go in Mexico, before
announcing to others your approaching marriage. If any misfortune
should happen to the Spaniards, I should at once publish the news,
and have the ceremony performed without loss of time; proclaiming
to the people that, although white, you are not of the same race as
the Spaniards. If matters go on well, Montezuma himself will
doubtless be present at his niece's marriage; and I shall, of
course, invite Malinzin and all his officers."

The prince left the room, and in a few minutes returned with his
wife, the latter leading Amenche by the hand.

"My friend, Roger Hawkshaw," the young king said, gravely; "I
hereby promise to bestow upon you the hand of my sister Amenche.
May you find in her a good, loving, and obedient wife."

"I, on my part," Roger said, taking the girl's hand, which the
queen held out to him, "promise to be a true and loving husband to
her."

The girl, who had not raised her eyes since she entered the room,
looked up at the tall figure with an expression of perfect
confidence.

"I will be true and obedient," she said softly; "and will love you
all my life."

"What do you do next, in your country?" Cacama asked, with a smile.

"This is how an engagement is sealed, with us," Roger said; and
drawing the girl up to him, he stooped and kissed her lips.

Three days later, as Roger was sitting with Cuitcatl, an attendant
entered and said that the king wished to see them, immediately.
They hastened to the royal apartment. Cacama was walking up and
down, with an angry frown upon his face; while the queen and
princess were sitting on the couch, pale and agitated.

"Strange news has come from Mexico," Cacama said. "The white men
have seized Montezuma, and are holding him prisoner in their
quarters. Did anyone ever hear of such an outrage? Mexico is in a
state of consternation, but at present none know what to do."

"It seems incredible," Roger exclaimed. "Are you sure of your
news?"

"Quite certain," the prince replied.

The news was indeed true. Cortez had found his position unbearable.
He believed that the attack upon the Spaniards, on the coast, as
well as the meditated treachery at Cholula, were the outcome of the
emperor's orders. His native allies had heard rumors, in the town,
that the bridges across the canals were all to be raised; in which
case the Spaniards would be prisoners in their palace. He was in