hough in alarm. Rayburn met this demonstration promptly by making
the peace-sign--raising aloft the right arm--that is common to all North
American Indians; and after a moment of hesitation the chief answered to
this in kind. So there was peace between us as we advanced; but it
seemed to me that their regard of us now had in it more of wonder and
less of awe.

[Illustration: MAKING THE PEACE-SIGN]

XVII.

OF OUR COMING INTO THE VALLEY OF AZTLAN.

So unexpectedly had we come upon these strangers, and so marvellous was
the finding thus of the hidden tribe for which we had sought so long,
that I could not but dread, as we advanced towards the Aztec warriors,
lest I should wake suddenly and find that it all was a dream. And they,
also, as it seemed to me, looked upon us doubtingly, and with somewhat
of dread in their regard, as though uncertain whether we were beings
from another world, or men of flesh and blood like themselves.

Not until we were close upon them did further words--after that first
challenge and answer--pass between us; and then the elder of the two,
still making the peace-sign with his raised right hand, and speaking
with a trembling in his voice, as though deep emotion moved him, called
to us: "Have our brothers need of our strength? Bring ye the token that
summons us to their aid?"

I should have been glad just then for opportunity to consult with my
companions as to what answer I should make to these questions, for I
perceived that our position was a very critical one, and that even our
lives might depend upon the wisdom of my reply. For a moment I waited in
the hope that Fray Antonio would make answer; but as he remained silent,
there was nothing for it but that I should take the hazard upon myself.
Therefore, bringing forth the ancient piece of gold from the snake-skin
bag--for so I had carried it constantly, even as the Cacique had done
before me, and others before him, for more than three hundred years--I
held it towards the man who had spoken, and said, firmly: "Here is the
token of summons left behind him by Chaltzantzin; but we come not to
call you forth to battle, but to bring tidings that the fate which that
wise king and prophet foresaw for his people, long since was fulfilled.
In the time appointed, the stranger foemen overcame and enslaved your
brethren, bringing to pass that which Chaltzantzin foretold; and the
message that then was sent to call you forth to their aid reached