Those near repeated his exclamation. It swelled into a roar, and throughout Tlatonac only one cry could be heard, "Vive el opale." CHAPTER VII. UNDER THE OPAL FLAG. Marching away; joyous and gay, Rank upon rank with a splendid display, Leaving the city at breaking of day. Riding along, gallant and strong, Round us the populace tearfully throng, Greeting our going with patriot's song. Under our feet, flower-buds sweet; Tread we in marching through plaza and street, Never our kinsfolk again may we meet. Laurels to earn; foemen to spurn; Only for glory we anxiously yearn, Conquerors all we will hither return. "Juan," said Dolores, seriously, "I believe the opal brought us bad fortune. While it was in the city, Janjalla fell, Don Francisco died, and all went wrong. Now it is lost, the Indians have departed, the fleet of Xuarez is destroyed, and everything promises well for the future." "That is true, in one sense, yet wrong in another," replied Jack, smiling. "You must not forget that it was through the opal the Indians departed, and while it was in Tlatonac, _The Pizarro_ was sunk, and the two other warships captured." "I suppose never again shall I behold the opal, Juanito?" "Not unless you care to pay a second visit to Totatzine." Dolores shuddered. The memory of their peril in the hidden city was a painful one. Recent events had not obliterated the recollection of that terrible journey to the coast through the tropical forest. "I would certainly not care about seeing Totatzine again, querido. And yet I would--if only to save Cocom!" "It is impossible to save Cocom," responded Jack, a trifle sadly. "The only way to do so would be to lead an army to the hidden city, and rescue him. But how can such a thing be done in that narrow, secret way? Our soldiers would be cut to pieces in those rocky defiles." "There is no other way, I suppose?" "I am not sure, Dolores. That cañon road leads to the outer world. If we could only enter the valley where Totatzine is built by that way, we might succeed in capturing the city; but I am afraid such an entrance will never be discovered." "Ay di mi. Then poor Cocom is lost." "It is his own fault, querida. I tried to save him; but he refused to obey my orders. Still, there is one chance of aiding him, though I am afraid but a faint one." "And that, my Juan?" "Listen, angelito! The sacrifice of the cycle does not take place for two months. I have escaped it, but Cocom may now be selected by Ixtlilxochitli as the victim. If we can crush Xuarez and finish the war within the next few weeks, it may be that we can march troops to the sacred city, and save his life." "But how can you get to the city? By the secret way?" "No; by the cañon road. See, Dolores! I have an idea!"