uman sacrifice, though, because of
this, a large number of the outlying tribes fell away from our rule, and
the enmity of the priests was excited against me. The last sacrifice,
except one only, the most terrible of them all, of which I will tell
afterwards, that was ever celebrated on the teocalli in front of the
palace, took place after the defeat of the Spaniards in the pass.

When I had dwelt three years in the City of Pines and two sons had
been born to me there, secret messengers arrived that were sent by
the friends of Guatemoc, who had survived the torture and was still a
prisoner in the hands of Cortes. From these messengers we learned that
Cortes was about to start upon an expedition to the Gulf of Honduras,
across the country that is now known as Yucatan, taking Guatemoc and
other Aztec nobles with him for he feared to leave them behind. We heard
also that there was much murmuring among the conquered tribes of Anahuac
because of the cruelties and extortions of the Spaniards, and many
thought that the hour had come when a rising against them might be
carried to a successful issue.

This was the prayer of those who sent the envoys, that I should raise a
force of Otomies and travel with it across the country to Yucatan, and
there with others who would be gathered, wait a favourable opportunity
to throw myself upon the Spaniards when they were entangled in the
forests and swamps, putting them to the sword and releasing Guatemoc.
Such was the first purpose of the plot, though it had many others of
which it is useless to speak, seeing that they came to nothing.

When the message had been delivered I shook my head sadly, for I could
see no hope in such a scheme, but the chief of the messengers rose and
led me aside, saying that he had a word for my ear.

'Guatemoc sends these words,' he said; 'I hear that you, my brother, are
free and safe with my cousin Otomie in the mountains of the Otomie. I,
alas! linger in the prisons of the Teules like a crippled eagle in a
cage. My brother, if it is in your power to help me, do so I conjure
you by the memory of our ancient friendship, and of all that we have
suffered together. Then a time may still come when I shall rule again in
Anahuac, and you shall sit at my side.'

I heard and my heart was stirred, for then, as to this hour, I loved
Guatemoc as a brother.

'Go back,' I said, 'and find means to tell Guatemoc that if I can save
him I will, though I have small hopes t