ance of your ever being able to return to your own country."

"I am ready to accept that," Roger said firmly. "In marrying your
sister, I shall become one of yourselves, and am ready to cast in
my lot with you, altogether."

The prince was silent for a minute or two.

"No, Roger, I think that my plan is the best. Were you to do as you
say, the Spaniards would be at once placed on their guard; while,
save by the strength of your arm, you could aid but little in any
enterprise against them. Moreover, if you return to the Spaniards,
I shall have the satisfaction that, if I fall and ruin comes upon
my house, you will take care of my sister, and that my wife will
also have a protector. For all reasons, therefore, it is better you
should go. But if aught is to be attempted against the Spaniards, I
will take care to give you notice, so that you can leave them in
disguise and come here, and so avoid their fate."

Although Roger's own feelings would have led him to throw in his
lot openly against the Spaniards, he saw that Cacama's plan was the
best. The boat was ordered to be at once got in readiness; and
after a painful parting with Amenche, who wept bitterly, Roger left
the palace; and again accompanied by Cuitcatl, in order to ensure
his safety across the lake, was taken over to Mexico.

He at once sought the presence of Cortez, and through Marina
explained to him that Cacama had sent him back, fearing that in the
excited state of the population harm might come to him. He had,
since he had been in Tezcuco, sent a letter across each day to
Cortez, saying that all was tranquil there; that the young king was
pursuing his ordinary round of court ceremonial, and was certainly,
as far as he could learn, taking no steps whatever towards
interfering with the affairs of the capital, although the
imprisonment of Montezuma had evidently made a painful impression
upon him.

Cortez asked him a few questions, and when he left the room said to
Marina:

"That young fellow must be watched, Marina. He has been brought up
with these people, and must to some extent feel with them. I know
that he is a friend of yours, but see that you say nothing to him
on public affairs. Let him be kept wholly in the dark, as to our
plans and intentions. This Cacama is, next to Montezuma, the most
powerful and important of the Aztec chiefs. He is young and
energetic, and although he has been so badly treated by Montezuma,
he resents our treatment of h