Renewing his politic assurances of friendship and favor, the conqueror sent for the wife and family of his captive, first ordering a royal banquet to be prepared for them. Supported by Karee, leaning on the arm of the devoted Nahuitla, the lord of Tlacopan, the queen was ushered into the presence of the conqueror. Her appearance struck the general and his officers with admiration. Timid as she was by nature, she had the air and port of inborn royalty; and, in deference to her husband, she would not have allowed herself to quail before the assembled host of Castile, dreaded as they were, and had long been. With a becoming courtesy, she returned the respectful salutations of Malinché and his cavaliers, and asked no other favor than to share the fate of her lord. What that fate was, and how the Castilian knight redeemed his pledges to his unfortunate and noble captives, is matter of historical record. It is the darkest page in the memoir of that wonderful chief--a foul blot upon the name even of _that_ man, who was capable of requiting the superstitious reverence and confidence of a Montezuma, with a treacherous and inglorious captivity in his own palace, and a yet more inglorious death at the hands of his own subjects. History must needs record it, dark and painful as it is. Romance would throw a veil over it. * * * * * Years of intense suffering, of harrowing bereavement, of insult, humiliation, and every species of mental and social distress, were yet appointed to the daughter of Montezuma, the bride of Guatimozin. Her predicted destiny was fulfilled to the letter. She bowed meekly to her fate, sustaining every reverse with a fortitude and composure of soul, that indicated a mind of uncommon resources. It was a long, dark, stormy day, "but in the evening time there was light." It was the light of faith. She abandoned the false gods of her fathers, and found true and lasting peace in the cross of Jesus Christ. THE FLIGHT OF THE KATAHBA CHIEF. Go now to Greece, Or Rome--to Albion's sea-girt isle--to Gaul, Ancient or modern--to the fiery realm Of Turk or Arab--to the ice-bound holds Of Alaric and Attila--and find, If find thou canst, a nobler race of men-- More firm, more brave, more true--swifter of foot, Or readier in action. THE FLIGHT OF THE KATAHBA CHIEF.