that no
blood shall be shed, though the chiefs who have leagued themselves
with Cacama must all be imprisoned. The safety of the army requires
it. No harm, however, shall befall Cacama, of that be assured. I
may tell you, now, that it has been settled that his brother
Cuicuitzca shall be appointed Lord of Tezcuco in his place. This
will be done by a decree, tomorrow."

"Malinche, I must go at whatever hazard to warn Cacama's wife and
sister, in order to give them the opportunity of leaving the palace
before this young prince arrives. Pray obtain for me leave from
Cortez to go away for twenty-four hours. You can tell him of the
interest I have in the matter."

"I will manage it for you," Malinche said; "but as your princess is
also sister to the new king, I see no reason for uneasiness."

"She is devoted to Cacama," Roger replied; "and would not, I feel
sure, consent to remain in the palace with the usurper."

"You had best advise her," Malinche said, with a little nod of the
head, "to disguise her sentiments, and make the best of the matter.
It may make, you know, a good deal of difference in the amount of
dowry you will get with her."

"I am not greedy, Malinche," Roger said; "but the present is, at
any rate, no time for talking of marriage."

"Most of the officers have married," Malinche said.

"They may have done so, but they are officers, and can maintain
their wives in all honor and respect, and have apartments allotted
to them here. I have neither rank nor station, and shall certainly
not ask my princess to share my rough quarters as a soldier. There
is no hurry. As I told you but a year ago, Malinche, I am scarcely
out of my boyhood; and there will be plenty of time when matters
settle down, and we see what is going to happen, to think of
marrying."

"I will go and speak to Cortez at once, and get leave for you. But
you had best disguise yourself well--Tezcuco will be in an uproar
tonight; for the capture of Cacama will be known there ere many
hours, if it is not known already."

She soon returned with the required permission. This time Roger
dressed himself in the attire of a trader, as being less likely to
attract attention. Malinche again secured a boat for him, and
having dyed his face and hands, he started at once, as it would be
dark before he reached Tezcuco. Since Montezuma had been captive in
their hands, there was no longer any fear of an attack being made
upon the Spaniards; and the soldie