CHAPTER VI.
Off from Lake Tezcuco, in the direction of Tlascala, the country isrough and mountainous, and, at the time in which our story is laid, wasa wild and woody district. We are not informed as to what nation ornations then possessed this territory; but, from the fact that it was acommon hunting-ground, and frequently invaded by bands of soldiers,irrespective of tribal connections, it may be inferred that it wasregarded neutral. Since this phase of the question is best suited toour purpose, we accept it as the true one.
Notwithstanding the wildness of the country, it had its denizens,though few in number and sparsely located. There were narrow, levelstretches of ground-plateaus, found here and there on the range,sometimes extending for miles around the base of a mountain, or alongthe cliffs and crags which abounded. These plateaus, in most cases,were places of habitation; the men occupying them being of a class whopreferred the life of a free mountaineer to living in the thicklysettled districts. The territory was extensive, and game, consisting ofwild fowl and small animals, was abundant. Herein was the charm whichmade a life there one of preference to those who found a home upon it.The occupation of the inhabitants was, therefore, chiefly that ofhunting; and it may be added, in this connection, that many of themarkets of the valley towns and cities were indebted to them for theirsupply of wild meats.
Some of the more thrifty and accumulative residents cultivated theplateaus on which they had fixed their habitations. When such was thecase the mountaineer divided his time between farming and hunting; and,in some instances, a surprising degree of prosperity and comfort wasthe result. The better class prided themselves on their hospitality,and often carried it to a fault, to the truth of which hunters from thevalley, and others who made excursions into the district, were everready to bear witness.
The most prominent person living in this mountainous region, and onewho will hold a conspicuous place in our narrative, was a man namedTezcot, who did farming, besides being a most successful hunter. He wasa person of intelligence, and showed in his intercourse with men thathe had been well trained in his youth. He was never heard to refer tohis early life, and all that could be learned of it was, that, forcauses best known to himself, he had cut loose from his people, and,with his young wife, sought and found a home among the free hunters ofthe mountains.
As the years passed, this man grew in the estimation of his fellowmountaineers, until his position among them became one of preeminence.His goodness of heart, integrity of purpose, and excellent judgmentmade him a wise counselor. He was, consequently, consulted on allquestions of importance. His advice was invariably good, and hisdecisions on questions referred to him for adjustment were alwaysacquiesced in. As a result, peace and harmony prevailed where confusionand discord might otherwise have been expected. He was nominally thehunters' chief, ruling them by the power of his wisdom, integrity, andkindness.
Tezcot's dwelling was, comparatively, of a superior character. It wasconstructed of stone, and thatched with maguey leaves, and containedseveral apartments designed for supplying the needs of a family.Commodious porches protected its front and rear from the heat of atropical sun, and furnished a pleasant retreat in leisure hours for theinmates. It was, altogether, a very convenient mountain home.
In addition to the dwelling there were quarters for servants, whom themountaineer kept to perform the necessary labor about the place.[6]
[6] NOTE.--Voluntary servitude obtained among the Anahuacans, and of this class were those who served with Tezcot, the hunter.
The farm work was conducted mostly by an experienced and trustedvassal, while much of the master's time was spent on the mountains inpursuit of game.
Tezcot's household consisted of himself, his wife, and two daughters.The eldest daughter, who was about eighteen years of age, was a finespecimen of the Indian maiden, the pride of her immediate friends, andan object of admiration to all who knew her. She was known among thedenizens of the range as the "Mountain Princess," to which appellationshe was certainly entitled, if personal graces and womanly charms,together with the prominence of her father, counted in the elementalforces which fixed upon her a title so expressive of the high esteem inwhich she was held. Mitla was the name bestowed upon this nymph of thehills by her parents, and by which she will hereafter be known.
The second daughter of the hunter was not so queenly as her sister,and, being the younger, was looked upon as little more than a child.Her fifteen years were not sufficient to gain for her the considerationaccorded the "Mountain Princess." Oxletta, or Oxie, as she was called,was an agreeable and comely appearing girl, and gave promise ofdeveloping into a splendid woman.
The mother was not an old woman, and still possessed much of theattractiveness and vivacity which had undoubtedly distinguished her inthe bloom of womanhood. From her the daughters inherited much of thecomeliness which marked them as objects of admiration and esteem. Hername was Xochitl, signifying wild flower, which evidenced, in itsapplication, no small degree of loveliness even in the first years ofher life. She was called "Zoei" by her acquaintances, and it fitted herwell, so expressive of affection and gentleness, prominentcharacteristics of her disposition.
The daughters were given all the advantages possible under the isolatedcircumstances with which they were surrounded. The father and motherwere fairly well educated, and through their efforts the girls becameproficient in many things. Aside from being instructed in the historyand traditions of their race, they were well trained in domesticaffairs.
It is said of the Aztec women that they were adepts in the culinaryarts. Their tables, when the occasion required it, we are informed,were replete with deliciously prepared sauces, confections, and otherdelicacies, which would have tempted the most fastidious epicurianpalate; and Zoei, the good wife of the hunter Tezcot, was not anexception.
Spinning, embroidery, and featherwork were also considered essentialaccomplishments, in which the sisters were thoroughly instructed bytheir mother.
Featherwork was an art of peculiar interest to the Anahuacans, and theygreatly excelled in it. Abundant material for its practice was alwaysat hand in the beautiful plumage of the myriads of tropical birds: theparrot, the hummingbird, the pheasant, and many others of the featheredtribes which might be named, congruous to that latitude and country.
In addition to her other attainments, Mitla was a fine archer, and wasoften to be found on the mountains in pursuit of its practice.
* * * * *
It was evening, and the twilight was rapidly verging into night. Atthis hour three persons might have been seen wending their way aroundthe southwestern slope of the mountain at the base of which stood thedwelling of Tezcot, the hunter. The fast fading light of the departingday penetrated with its crimson-tinted rays the thickly standing trees,throwing sombre shadows athwart the pathway of the sojourners, warningthem of the nearness of night. It was evident, from the rapid movementof the party, that they were not unfamiliar with the rough trail theytrod. They were moving along in single file. In the lead was a man oflarge mold, who, though apparently past middle life, was yet in theprime of manhood. Upon his back was strapped a javelin and bow, with anaccompanying quiver, which, with his general appearance and dress,distinguished him as a hunter. His companions were following closelybehind him, bearing a heavy burden between them, the end of the pole orsupport of the burden resting on a shoulder of each. They were silentas the noiseless forest through which they moved. Not a sound was heardsave the measured tramp of their feet as they hastened on. Finallyemerging onto the plateau, and seemingly relieved from the sense ofsolitude with which the deep silence of the forest had impressed them,the hunter said:
"It is a heavy load ye bear, lads; but the end is near, and ye'll soonbe rid of it."
"Yes, master," said the foremost man; "it is, indeed, a heavy load, andwould try us greatly to go much farther."
"Think what is ahead of ye yonder: a bracing meal, and, by my life, yeshall
have a refreshing mug of _pulque_[7] to wash it down. D'ye hear?"returned the hunter, encouragingly.
[7] NOTE.--An intoxicant, made from the juice of maguey, pronounced pull-k[=e]--a drink much used by the Mexicans to this day.
"Ah, good master, you are very kind," answered the man.
"If to be mindful of a willing hand is kindness, then be it so, lad,"was the hunter's benignant reply.
The hunter and his companions were now moving along the border of anarrow stretch of level ground, which extended far around the mountain.They suddenly rounded a sharp point which brought into view a dwelling,from which a faint glimmer of light penetrated the gathering darkness.The dwelling was the home of Tezcot, and the advancing hunter themountaineer himself, accompanied by two servants, returning from ahunting excursion.
As the party approached the house, Tezcot saw that a man, who proved tobe a strange hunter, occupied the front porch alone. When near enoughto speak he stopped, his attendants passing on. Addressing thestranger, he said:
"Hail, friend! Peace and good-cheer to thee, and welcome to such fareas may be found in this, my mountain home. I am Tezcot. Who art thou?"
The stranger arose and, saluting, answered:
"The gods be with you and yours, most liberal of hosts. Cacami, aTezcucan hunter, is he whom the good genii have directed to thisexcellent mountain home, where the tired applicant for nourishment andrest is ever met by generous impulses and unrestrained hospitality."
Tezcot scanned the stranger with not a little curiosity at hearing hisgracious speech. The language bespoke him more than a mere hunter. Hewas a young man, and, from appearances, one enjoying superioradvantages. The mountaineer was very much pleased at hearing words soeulogistic of himself and his, and could not repress his gratification.It was his chief pleasure to be reminded that he was generous andhospitable. He replied:
"Your speech commends us, friend, and we pray it may be deserved. Wecan say of a truth, and not boastingly, that no man ever turned fromTezcot's door hungry or weary."
"What you say needs no proof, generous host; it is but an echo of thevoice of those who have eaten of your bread and drank of your excellentpulque. No man, in or out of the valley, hath in so great a degree theesteem and good will of the hunters of Anahuac as yourself. With themTezcot is counted the prince of hosts, and a chief among men," addedthe stranger, warmly.
"I see, O Tezcucan, whence comes your favorable opinion of us,"returned Tezcot. "A word of praise from our good friends in the valleyis not less pleasing because it comes to us in this way. May thefavorable impressions of us you bring with you not suffer by personalcontact."
This dialogue was carried on standing, the mountaineer in the meantimerelieving himself of his hunter's outfit. He now suggested that they beseated, and after being so he turned to his guest and inquired:
"Is this your first visit to these parts?"
"To this locality, yes; to the mountains, no. For several years I havemade occasional incursions to the district in pursuit of that charmwhich sometimes leads the best of men--as in your own case--to choosefor a home the most solitary scenes," replied the Tezcucan.
"A wonderful fascination, truly, is found in the life we lead, or howcould we endure its solitude?" answered the mountaineer reflectively;and again, "You are not one who hunts for profit, I judge?" he added,interrogatively.
"No, for pleasure only; still I sometimes sell, or permit my men to doso, when we secure more game than we want."
"You are not alone, then?"
"No; I have two attendants who are being cared for by your servants.Your good wife has already looked after their comforts."
"And, be assured, O Tezcucan, that they will suffer no discomfort whileunder her care," returned Tezcot, showing his appreciation of hiswife's excellence. He then added: "Referring to them, by the way,reminds me that others are needing refreshment. Zoei!" he called.
"Well, Tezcot, what is it?" came back from within.
"My jacket hangs limp as a dead hare's leg. Haven't ye something to putunder it, eh?"
"Yes, supper is ready. Bring our guest and come."
Rising, Tezcot turned to the stranger, and said:
"Come, friend, you are doubtless as ready as myself to dispatch a goodsized block of well prepared supper. There is nothing like a sharpappetite and a well loaded board to make a man satisfied with himselfand all the world."
"A philosophical utterance, certainly," returned the Tezcucan,following his host into the house.
The evening meal consisted of maize bread, cold meats of game, fruit,and chocolate. The hunter's favorite mug of pulque, which he alwaysrelished after a day on the mountains, was in its place near him, whileone was immediately passed to the guest.
Tezcot was here reminded of his promise to his men, and ordered a glassof the beverage for each taken to them; then taking his own from theboard, he said:
"Drink, friend, and let our drinking be a pledge of future good willbetween us."
"Most cheerfully, kind host; and may I not add for myself, yourexcellent family as well?"
The mother smiled and the daughters blushed, while the host and hisguest quaffed their pulque with keen and appreciative gusto.
"Superb!" exclaimed the Tezcucan. "Your friends do not overestimate thequality of your pulque, and I shall join their ranks at once."
"We are glad it pleases you. Your appreciation is our recompense,"returned Tezcot, much gratified. "And, now," he continued, "let us trysome of the substantials."
The suggestion was equivalent to a command, and all went to eating.
When the meal was fairly begun, Mitla gathered sufficient courage tosay:
"Father, tell us about your hunt to-day. From the quantity of gamebrought in, good luck must have attended you."
"Yes, the day was fine, and brought us extra good luck," he answered,and then paused to indulge his keen appetite for a moment. "Game wasplentiful," he went on, "and we secured quite a bunch. There were somefine targets for testing an archer's skill, which would have delightedyour heart, child, could you have been with us."
Mitla was the hunter's favorite, as was Oxie the favorite of hermother. The father's preference arose from the fact that Mitla, likehimself, loved the mountains and their forest solitudes.
In reply to her father's reference to herself, she said:
"How much it would have delighted me, could I have been with you, I cannot express; but you know how dearly I love to use my bow and arrow;let that speak for me. You often tell me, however, father, that I amtoo tender-hearted to engage in hunting."
"Yes, that's a fact, Mit, and I'm not sorry for it. I would not that yewere disposed to be cruel, for ye are a woman," he replied, in approvalof her weakness, or, more fittingly, her innate sympathy.
"Your daughter is a fine archer, I infer?" remarked the Tezcucaninquiringly, addressing the mountaineer.
"Her arrow is true--I might say unerring," replied the father proudly."And yet few know that she is an archer, at all."
"My father, you see, is a little extravagant in his praise of myarchery," interrupted Mitla.
"He, no doubt, has reasons for being so," said Cacami. "It is adelightful accomplishment, and I'm sure you realize much pleasure fromit. I am not unskilled in the use of the bow, and greatly enjoy itsemployment." Turning to the younger sister, he continued: "You, myyoung friend--Oxie, I believe, do not engage in its practice?"
"No, my sister's excellence and my own awkwardness have alwaysdiscouraged me, so I have given up trying," she answered a littleruefully.
"Oxie, if not an archer, has other accomplishments really morewomanly," spoke the mother, joining in the conversation to defend herfavorite.
"Your daughters are both, without doubt, worthy of all praise, each forthose accomplishments best suited to her disposition," replied Cacamiwith tact, addressing his hostess.
"Good girls, friend, both of them," interrupted Tezcot, stripping themeat from the bone of a pheasant; "dif
ferently constituted, that'sall." Then abruptly turning the subject, he said: "Have you beensuccessful, Cacami, in chasing the charm to which you alluded thisevening, the charm which we of the mountains find in pursuing thehunter's calling?"
"You may be assured, O Tezcot, that I have no cause for complaint. Mysuccess has always been very satisfactory," replied Cacami; andcontinuing, he inquired: "How do you hunters manage to dispose of yourgame aside from what you consume?"
"Take or send it to the nearest market. My men will go in after anotherday to dispose of our surplus, which is now quite large," replied themountaineer.
"I brought in a fine lot with me to-night, and as I never carry gamefrom a worthy host's door, you may consider it a part of your surplus,which I hope will obviate the necessity of your going to the mountainsto-morrow, thus affording you a day's rest," said Cacami, evidentlybent on meeting the generosity of his host.
"It requires no such sacrifice, O Cacami, to prove your heartiness ofwill. We can not allow it," remonstrated Tezcot. "No, no, my friend,you must not think of it."
"I have so decided, good host, and beg that you will allow me to havemy way," returned Cacami respectfully, but in a manner that settled thequestion.
"Well, friend, you seem bent on carrying out your purpose, which wehope is not prompted by any doubt of the unselfishness of ourhospitality," said the hunter, feeling that his cherished reputationfor generosity was being questioned.
"Not at all, most hospitable of men. On the contrary, the giving of thegame is intended as a trifling mark of my appreciation of yourunequaled liberality," urged Cacami. "The value of game, to me, isgone," he continued, "when I have it in hand. It is the pursuit of it,and not its possession, which brings satisfaction, excepting when I candispose of it in the way I propose; then it does become of value, notintrinsically, but for the pleasure it returns when thus bestowed."
"You are kind, very kind, Cacami," rejoined the hunter, relenting. "Andsince you will have it so, be assured it shall not be lost to you."
"And why should it be counted lost at all? Does the hospitality of thegreat-hearted Tezcot amount to so little? The game is an insignificantreturn, I assure you, for the gratification it will afford me to recallhaving eaten of your bread and drunken of your pulque," returned Cacamiwarmly.
Supper was here concluded, and, yielding to the Tezcucan's fervency,Tezcot said:
"So be it, friend; providing, however, that you remain our guestanother day, and join Mit and me in a short excursion on the mountain."
"That I will most cheerfully do, and count the day happily spent,"responded Cacami graciously.
* * * * *
The majority of the little group we have introduced in thischapter--the home of the hunter's chief and the adjacent mountains,will figure extensively in this narrative. With our brief sketch of thepersons presented, we leave the reader to perfect the individuality ofeach, forgetting for the moment to what race they belonged. An eminentmountaineer hunter, a man of noble impulses, proficient in everythingrequired of him; an excellent wife and mother, who was a worthycompanion to the father of her children; two beautiful maidens, who,though of directly opposite temperaments, were equally devoted in theirhome relations--an exceptional family, together with their Tezcucanguest, a young man whom the reader, we hope, will find an agreeableaccession to the _personnel_ of our story.
A Prince of Anahuac: A Histori-traditional Story Antedating the Aztec Empire Page 8
