Following a few incidental remarks, the tzin said: "You appear to be a stranger here, like myself." "Yes, I am; entirely so. My home is more than a day's journey from this place," replied Cacami. "If I read you correctly, you are a Tezcucan," continued the tzin. "If a man at this time may make such a claim, yes. I live with my father, who resides about two leagues north of the city of Tezcuco." "Are you going to or from home?" inquired the tzin, hoping it might be the former, in which case he would have a companion for the rest of his journey. "I am homeward bound, and have only stopped for the night, intending to go on in the morning." "I am glad to hear you say that," replied the tzin, his face brightening. "My destination is Tezcuco, or near there," he continued, "and it would please me much to be permitted to join you for the remainder of my journey." "Nothing would suit me better; so let us consider it settled that we will travel together," replied Cacami, well pleased. "I find it very solitary traveling alone," pursued the inexperienced tzin. "A good companion is appreciable when one is on the road." "Yes, that is true; and yet I have learned that a person may become accustomed to traveling unattended." "You have the appearance of being a hunter; is that your occupation?" inquired Euetzin. "Not exactly. I am what you might call a citizen hunter. I do not hunt with the object of gain. My father is a wealthy farmer and trader; consequently there is no hurry for me to choose an occupation. Being inclined to the chase, I devote a part of my time in its pursuit." "You would make a fine soldier," remarked the tzin, his thoughts reverting to the subject in which he was immediately interested. "Have you never thought of the warrior's calling as being especially suitable for a man of your superior physique?" "Yes, I have thought of it," replied Cacami, at the same time looking searchingly at his questioner. "And should the future bring the opportunity which would make it agreeable for me to do so, I may adopt the calling. I would not be a soldier of the ranks, however, for I could not endure the drudgery of such a life. I engage in the practice of arms a great deal, and delight in the pursuit." "Then you are, no doubt, well skilled in using them." "Yes, especially in handling the javelin. I have given that arm much study, and think I may claim to be fairly good at throwing it. The bow and maquahuitl are not strange to me; I can use them when it is necessary," he replied, showing confidence in his skill. The conversation was here interrupted by the announcement of supper, and was not again renewed during the evening. * * * * *