now time for me to return to Hissodecha, and I started to leave
the temple for that purpose. Crossing the mystery chamber, I was about
to ascend the ladder, when a tall form suddenly emerged from the
obscurity of a recess in the wall, and Wakometkla stood before me. The
old man seemed strangely moved for one of his stern nature and practical
stoicism. Taking me by the hand, he led me to the center of the room,
where the light of the sacred fire enabled him to more plainly discern
my features, and gazed upon me for a moment without speaking. At length
he spoke in a low tone, unlike his usual sonorous accents:

"So my son is not content to remain in peace and safety with me here,
but longs to go forth in search of adventure, and to emulate the deeds
of the foolish young braves, who imagine that they are already great
warriors?"

I was at a loss what to reply, but managed to mutter a few words
expressive of my desire to take part in at least one war party, and
assured him that I would be certain to return in safety.

"You cannot be sure of that;" said the old man, in what seemed to me a
sad tone, "we cannot control our fate; but as you wish to go you shall
have your wish. At Stonhawon's request I have given my consent, and I
shall sacrifice to Quetzalcoatl for your speedy and safe return. Now go
and complete your preparations, for you have no time to lose."

So saying, he turned and left the apartment without another word.

At this moment, despite my ardent longing to escape from an existence
that was loathsome to me, and return to my own people, I could not avoid
a feeling of regret at the idea of parting from this noble specimen of
his race, to whom I was indebted for my life, and for the many acts of
kindness which had rendered my captivity endurable. But the measure of
regret I felt was not sufficient to turn me from my purpose, and
remembering my appointment with Hissodecha, I hastened to fulfill it.

In crossing the open square before the temple, I met Stonhawon, who
informed me that the party would start at daybreak, and warned me to be
in readiness. Assuring him that there was no danger of my forgetting it,
I hurried to the lodge of the renegade, whom I found in no very amiable
humor at my delay. On explaining the cause of my detention, his ill
temper was abated, and he quickly proceeded to prepare me for my
appearance in my new role of an Indian warrior. Stripping me entirely,
he invested me with a new pair o