“And yet you wish to slay him! Well, I know nothing of him. Take him back whence he came. He is but a drunken sot and I shall be well rid of him.” “Well said. It would be foolish to kill him, but by bearing him alive to the lord Sarceda, I shall win honour and reward. Come, help me.” “Help yourself,” she answered sullenly. “But first search his pouch; there may be some trifle there which we can divide.” “Well said, again,” he answered, and kneeling down he bent over me and began to fumble at the fastenings of the pouch. Otomie was behind him. I saw her face change and a terrible light came into her eyes, such a light as shines in the eyes of the priest at sacrifice. Quick as thought she drew the sword from the grass and smote with all her strength upon the man’s bent neck. Down he fell, making no sound, and she also fell beside him. In a moment she was on her feet again, staring at him wildly—the naked sword in her hand. “Up,” she said, “before others come to seek him. Nay, you must.” Now, again we were struggling forward through the bushes, my mind filled with a great wonder that grew slowly to a whirling nothingness. For a while it seemed to me as though I were lost in an evil dream and walking on red hot irons in my dream. Then came a vision of armed men with lifted spears, and of Otomie running towards them with outstretched arms. I knew no more. CHAPTER XXXI OTOMIE PLEADS WITH HER PEOPLE When I awoke it was to find myself in a cave, where the light shone very dimly. Otomie leant over me, and not far away a man was cooking a pot over a fire made of dry aloe leaves. “Where am I and what has happened?” I asked. “You are safe, beloved,” she answered, “at least for awhile. When you have eaten I will tell you more.” She brought me broth and food and I ate eagerly, and when I was satisfied she spoke. “You remember how the Tlascalan followed us and how—I was rid of him?” “I remember, Otomie, though how you found strength to kill him I do not understand.”