rs were now able to come and go
through the town, at pleasure.

Upon landing, Roger at once made his way to the palace. There was
great excitement in the town. The people were assembled in crowds,
discussing the news that had reached them; and even at the palace
gate the guards were careless of their duty, and Roger entered
without question.

He hurried direct to the royal apartments. An official who would
have barred his way allowed him to pass at once, when he recognized
his identity.

When he entered, he found a scene of grief and confusion. The queen
was extended upon a couch, weeping bitterly; while Amenche and some
of her ladies, although themselves weeping, were trying to console
her.

The princess gave a cry of joy when she saw him and, running
forward, threw herself into his arms.

"You have heard the news?" she exclaimed. "Cacama is lost. These
monsters will put him to death."

"I can reassure you as to that," Roger said. "He is a captive, but
his life is not in danger. Malinche has interceded for him, and
Cortez has promised that his life shall be spared."

A cry of gladness burst from all present.

"I have other and less pleasant news to give you, Amenche," Roger
whispered in her ear. "Get rid of all these ladies. My news must be
for you, only."

A minute or two later, the queen dismissed her ladies.

"The news I have to tell you," Roger went on, "is that tomorrow
Montezuma will issue a decree deposing Cacama, and appointing
Cuicuitzca Lord of Tezcuco."

An exclamation of anger and indignation broke from the queen and
Amenche.

"He cannot do it," the latter exclaimed, passionately. "It is
beyond his power. The emperor has a voice in the council, but
beyond that he has no power to make or unmake the Lords of
Tezcuco."

"At the present moment," Roger said gravely; "he has got the
Spanish power at his back; or rather, he is but the mouthpiece of
the Spaniards. They are the masters, and care nothing for the law
or usages of your country."

"The Tezcucans will not receive Cuicuitzca," Amenche said.
"Everyone knows that he is weak and cowardly, and of late he has
been at Mexico, dancing attendance on the Spaniards. They will
never receive him."

The queen raised her head from the couch.

"We must not build on that, Amenche. He comes, sent here by the
whites; and when Mexico dares not rise against them, you may be
sure that the people here will not dare to provoke their anger.
Besides, who