Things having been thus arranged, towards sunset Jack tried to persuade Cocom to return with him to the city, and leave the opal to work out its own spell. This the obstinate octogenarian refused to do, averring that without his personal superintendence the scheme would fail. Jack unwilling that a man from whom he had derived so many benefits should be left unprotected amid a horde of bloodthirsty savages, insisted on remaining with him to keep vigil during the night. This offer Cocom also refused, and implored Jack to return at once to the city, and have the gates closed, as it was near sunset, and the Indian army would soon be close at hand. "Leave me here, Señor," he said, with quiet obstinacy. "It may be that I fall not into their hands. They may take the opal--that is sure--but they may not take me. If you remain, your white skin will attract their fury, and they may sacrifice you before that very altar you have assisted to rear. I am an Indian, a Maya. Dog does not bite dog. It may be that I shall escape." "Not if Ixtlilxochitli can help it." "Oh, that evil one! He would have my blood, I know, Don Juan. But behold, Señor, if I--as the Indians, my countrymen, think--took the opal from Totatzine, I now bring it back again. That may save me!" "But, Cocom----" "Depart, Señor; I have my own plans. What says the proverb of the white people? 'Every one is master of his own soul.' Go! I save mine as I will!" It seemed to Jack that Cocom was desirous of wearing the crown of martyrdom. However, it was useless to turn him from his purpose, as he was obstinately set on daring the fury of the Indians. Jack, for a moment, thought of employing force, and looked at the spare frame of the old man, with the idea of picking him up and bearing him inside the city. Perhaps something of his purpose showed itself in his eyes, for Cocom suddenly darted out of the chapel and disappeared. Though he searched everywhere, Jack was unable to find him, so proceeded to the Puerta de la Culebra, and reported his arrival to Don Sebastian, who was stationed there in command of the guard. "And the Indian, Señor?" "Refuses to come within, Don Sebastian. He says he is safe outside." De Ahumada shrugged his shoulders, and made the same remark as had Cocom some quarter of an hour before. "Bueno! Dog does not bite dog."