CHAPTER XXI.
The spirit of rebellion among the Tezcucans was now thoroughly aroused,and never did agitators meet with greater success than had those whowere working under the direction of tzin Euet. The secret councils,which were to constitute the army of resistance to Maxtla's despoticrule, sprang into existence so rapidly as to surprise even theconspirators themselves. With these encouraging conditions the timearrived when it was deemed advisable to locate the prince, and, ifpossible, communicate with him. As the royal representative of hispeople, it was felt that he should be informed of the progress whichhad been made in his favor; and also be consulted with reference to thefuture movements of his friends in the valley. This duty very naturallyfrom the tzin's peculiar position and relation to the fugitive devolvedupon him, and his next move was to be in the direction of the mountainsin search of him.
The prince's friends were assured by the continued silence of theTepanec soldiery that he was still at large, and hidden somewhere inthe mountains; for his capture or death at their hands would have beenquickly heralded throughout the valley.
As the immediate neighborhood of the fugitive's hiding place wasunknown to the tzin, in starting out to find him he would have to beguided in a great measure by reports coming through the enemy.Notwithstanding this was the case, he felt confident of success and waseager to be on the move. He was just now waiting for Cacami to come infrom his home, where he had gone to visit with his people. As his youngcompatriot, who had become his closest friend, was to accompany him,the time of starting on the expedition depended on his return.
* * * * *
It was the day of all days in the city of Tezcuco, as was a similar onein all the cities of the valley: the people's market day. And here letus digress long enough to acquaint the reader with the exigencies whichrendered such a day necessary; and also to briefly notice some of itsfeatures.
The business methods of the Anahuacans were peculiar. They had neithershops nor stores of a public character where goods of any descriptionwere displayed and sold. Only on the _tianguez_--great square, ormarket-place--which every city possessed, were the products of thecountry exhibited for barter or sale.
The trades were not carried on in the ordinary way, but each particularmechanical pursuit was localized in some suitable portion of the cityand placed under the supervision of a chief; and, it may be added, hadits tutelary god and attendant celebrations.
Their merchants, who were usually very wealthy, might better be termedmerchant traders. They were itinerant in character, and did a transientbusiness, moving through the country at the head of a caravan, composedof _tamanes_ (burden-bearers) and an adequate guard for protection.They visited the larger cities to be present at the weekly fairs,market days, which were conducted on a colossal scale in the greatsquare, the city's tianguez. On these occasions, which occurredregularly once a week (a week in the chronological reckoning of theAnahuacans consisted of five days), every branch of industry wasrepresented separately in suitably arranged booths; and both great andsmall, from far and near, were present to buy or sell, or morefrequently to exchange their produce and wares for needed articles ofconsumption.
Here was an individual who talked persuasively of the superior finishand beauty of his jewelry--it was not necessary to speak of itsgenuineness, for spurious goods were presumably unknown to the natives;a condition which no doubt existed, because of the unlimited supply ofgenuine raw material, and, we may add further, owing to the severepenalties prescribed for fraudulent impositions on the people. Anotherno less glib talker exploited in appealing voice, and flourished hisflaunted featherwork before the eyes of the swarming multitude, all ofwhom delighted in this beautiful but expensive luxury. Others--dealersin sacred images and silver and earthenware, makers of furnishings andapparel, and last, but not least, the farmer, with his products of thesoil, all bent on gathering in the cash, which consisted of quills ofgold dust, Ts of tin, and bags of cacao, a kind of money whichprecluded the possibility of hoarding, leading us to conclude that nomisers had a place among the Anahuacans. Blessed money, that gave noencouragement to the avaricious!
The tzin, to while away some of his unemployed time, which wasbeginning to hang heavily on his hands, had come upon Tezcot's_tianguez_, and stood silently observing the peculiarities andmovements of the people, gathered there from all the country around,many of whom, like himself, were present out of curiosity, though thepurpose of nearly all, an army in numbers, appeared to be to trade,buy, or sell.
While thus occupied in contemplating the wonders of the great fair andits heterogeneous patrons, his attention was attracted by a pulling athis mantle. Turning quickly to learn the cause, he stood face to facewith Oza, the prince's attendant.
"Oza!" he exclaimed. "Do I dream, or is it indeed you?"
"You do not dream, good master Euet. It is Oza."
"How is it, man, that you are here, and where is your master?" quicklyinquired the tzin, somewhat apprehensive.
"I would have much to tell you to answer your question," said Oza inreply; and looking around upon the crowd, he added: "The people mighthear."
"True, Oza. We will find a more suitable place to talk. But you looktired and hungry. Have you had anything to eat to-day?"
"Only a little in two days, master."
"Follow me," said the tzin, leading the way to a refreshment stall,where food was procured and Oza's hunger appeased. When this was done,they left the _tianguez_ and went to the tzin's boarding place.
"Now, Oza," said he, when they were comfortably fixed in his privateapartment, "tell me about the prince, and why you are here. What hasoccurred to cause your return to the city? Did he send you?"
"No, master Euet; the prince doesn't know I'm here," replied theservitor, in answer to the tzin's last question.
"The prince does not know you are here!" exclaimed Euetzin inamazement. "How does that happen? Have you not been with him?"
"Yes, master, up to a few days ago, when we lost him in a fight withthe soldiers."
The doubtful character of Oza's phraseology, taken in connection withhis unexpected and, as yet, unexplained appearance in the city, wassufficient cause for increased apprehension in the tzin's mind of someserious mishap to the prince. He was much disturbed by Oza's clumsilyworded reply, and, at its conclusion, exclaimed:
"Lost him? Do you mean to tell me that the prince has been killed orcaptured?"
"No, master Euet; not so bad as that," Oza quickly rejoined. "Theprince got away all right, but we couldn't find him afterward."
"That sounds quite differently, and relieves me greatly," returned thetzin, feeling very much inclined to scold Oza for his awkwardness ofspeech, but the man was only a slave, and better could not be expectedof him. "Who was with you beside the prince when the soldiers made theattack?" the tzin then asked.
"Menke, a hunter."
"I can not understand, Oza, how the prince could evade the soldiers,and, also, become separated from the hunter and yourself, unless it wasunder cover of darkness," queried the tzin.
"It was dark, master--away in the night; the hunter was taking us tohis own home," answered the servant.
"I see," rejoined Euetzin, beginning to comprehend the situation. "Thatexplains the matter more fully. You said you could not find the prince.Did you make much of an effort to do so?"
"Yes, master; for three days we looked for him."
"And failing to find him you returned to the city?"
"Yes."
By continuing to question the vassal at some length, the tzin succeededin eliciting a fairly good account of Hualcoyotl's experience afterleaving Zelmonco villa, confirming, in the one instance, Cacami'ssupposition that it was the prince he rescued from the Tepanec soldierson the highway. In concluding he asked:
"Could you conduct us to the place where the soldiers attacked you?"
"Will you go, master Euet?" questioned Oza, omitting, in his eagerness,to answer the inquiry.
&n
bsp; "That is our present purpose," was answered.
"It is good; I can lead you," quickly responded the delighted vassal.
"All right, Oza. Your return to the city, just now, is very fortunatefor us, though quite the reverse for your master, for it makes hissituation still more desolate and trying. It relieves us, however, of aperplexing quandary--the matter of finding the locality in which he ishiding. As our guide, you will help us out of that difficulty, and putus into position to enter upon the search at once. That is an advantagewe were not counting on."
After a moment's pause, having noticed the destitute condition of theservant, he continued:
"Your appearance, Oza, is not what it should be; the attendant of aprince ought, at least, to be clothed."
Rising, as if to go, he went on:
"I will go at once to look after your needs. In the meantime you willremain in my apartment," on saying which he withdrew, and returned tothe _tianguez_ to procure the necessary articles for Oza's apparel.
Cacami came back to the city that same evening, and Oza's story wasrepeated to him. Euetzin also informed him as to the course he haddecided on pursuing, since a definite knowledge of the prince'swhereabouts had been obtained.
After hearing what his friend had to impart, and being asked for hisopinion, Cacami said:
"Your plan is good; still, I think there is a better one. Have I yourpermission to make it known to you?"
"Certainly, Cacami; I desire that you will speak freely; was it not so,I should not have asked for your opinion," was the assuring reply.
"Oza would, no doubt, conduct us to the spot where he last saw hismaster, and, if necessary, to Menke's," he proceeded to say; "but, tzinEuet, there are other considerations to be taken into account, whichmake the course I would suggest more preferable. If I get a correctimpression from your rehearsal of Oza's report, the prince'sdisappearance occurred within a few leagues of the mountaineer Tezcot'shome, a man with whom I had the satisfaction of spending two verypleasant evenings and one day the last time I was on the mountains. Myplan would be to go directly to Tezcot's. If the prince has beendiscovered he will, very likely, be apprised of it; if not, he can giveus any information we may want, for he knows every mountaineer on thatrange and every foot of ground for leagues around; and, by the way, isthe most generous of hosts."
"Master," said Oza suddenly and eagerly, interrupting Cacami, "I heardMenke speak to the prince about a great hunter named Tezcot."
"There, tzin Euet!" exclaimed Cacami; "that certainly strengthens theplausibility of my plan. Then think of the fact that a hospitablereception will be given us, with the added pleasure of meeting twocharming maidens."
"Your last information, O Cacami, commends the course you propose toour serious consideration. We will go directly to Tezcot's, as yousuggest," said the tzin, facetiously.
The point of destination having been decided upon, preparations for anearly departure were begun at once. In two days the party was ready tostart. The tzin and Cacami were dressed and equipped as hunters, whileOza, in fresh attire, after a good rest and cleaning up, looked likeanother person, and accompanied them as an attendant. Hunting partieswere a common, every-day sight on the streets and highways,consequently their appearance in leaving the city attracted only apassing notice. They stopped at the villa, on their way out, to refreshthemselves and say good-by to Teochma and Itlza. We will not pause tonarrate what transpired there, or describe the parting, except to say:Let the reader imagine a mother's deep concern for her son; a sisterand sweetheart's pale, sad face as the brother and lover take theirleave, the latter showing no signs of the feelings which fill hisbreast, save those which Itlza alone is permitted to see; anaffectionate waving of hands as the young men go out of sight, and themoments of sadly thoughtful silence which follow.
* * * * *
Almost two days of continued walking, much of the journey over a roughand hilly way, found Euetzin and his party nearing their destination.The sun of the last afternoon seemed, to the tired wayfarers, to movereluctantly away from the meridian, and to finally approach, at asnail's pace, the western horizon. Time may appear to pass quickly orslowly, yet it is unchangeable, and Old Sol, its mighty keeper, marks,with unerring regularity, the recurring periods of morning and evening.So, on this day, the latter came in due season, and with it, stealingsoftly over the scene, the gray and sombre light which precedes theslowly falling night-shades in the mountains, followed by theinharmonious and strikingly dismal croaking of the multi-vociferousheralds of night, rising from mountain pools and gorges, with an addedgloom from the doleful notes of the whippoorwill. Such were the lasthours and ending of the journey, which our friends had accomplished,when Cacami suddenly exclaimed:
"We are through at last, for yonder house is the mountaineer's home."
Then, falling behind, he continued:
"You take the lead, tzin Euet, and make such inquiries as may pleaseyou."
They soon stood before the hunter's dwelling, and the tzin, passingunder the porch, was met at the door by Mitla, who, in answer to hisinquiry if that was Tezcot's, said:
"Yes, this is Tezcot's. Will you come in?"
"We will, if refreshments may be obtained," he replied.
"Our evening meal is now being prepared. When it is ready you will bewelcome to share it with us."
This was said with so much cordiality that Euetzin led the way into thehouse without farther questioning.
"Cacami!" exclaimed Mitla, when she recognized him. "You here, andallow your companion to ask if this is Tezcot's?" inquiringly. "But, Isee, you wished to surprise us. Well, at any rate, I am glad to bid youwelcome, and your companions as well."
Cacami presented the tzin, formally, who was struck with wonder andastonishment at meeting, under such surroundings, a girl so bright andcharming. His feelings would have been very different had he known thatfrom childhood Mitla had been schooled by the presence, in her father'shome, of many of the best-mannered and most intelligent men of theAnahuac, who came to the range on excursions, and who always made it apoint to have a meal, if nothing more, with Tezcot. Ignoring sentiment,however, he proceeded at once to the prosecution of his mission byinquiring if the hunter was at home.
"Yes, I am here; what would you have of me?" answered Tezcot himself,who at that instant entered the room through an inner door.
"Meat and drink, and, in addition, important information," repliedEuetzin.
"Meat and drink you shall have, but the information will depend on thenature of it."
At this moment he discovered in Cacami his former hunter guest, andexclaimed:
"Well, well, my Tezcucan friend; you may give me a prey to ocelotls ifI'm not glad to see you! Your coming here at this time augurs well forme. Who are these, your companions?" he asked, looking first at thetzin and then at Oza.
"That is Euetzin, better known as tzin Euet; and this other person,Oza, our attendant," answered Cacami, designating each.
Tezcot's countenance fairly shone with satisfaction and pleasure as hesaid, addressing Euetzin:
"Tzin Euet, I am very, very glad to meet you just now. The discovery ofCacami, joined to your inquiry for important information, led me tosurmise that you might prove to be Euetzin or some other person whowould meet an exigency which has this day arisen; and I am more thangratified to learn that it is yourself. Oza's presence here with youexplains your errand. You are in search of Hualcoyotl?" he said,questioningly. "Your arrival at my house to-night is most opportune,for it makes easy, or rather relieves me of, an important andperplexing duty. The morning's dawn would have found a messenger on hisway to Tezcuco to find and inform you of the prince's safety; also torequest you to come here immediately."
"Are we to understand that Hualcoyotl is safe, and that you know wherehe is?" interrupted the tzin.
"Yes, I know where he is; and farther, that he is safe so long asMaxtla is kept in ignorance of his hiding place. An army might reachhim, but never a band
of soldiers."
"Your information is most cheering. We came here thinking you mightknow something of him; and that we did so is fortunate indeed," repliedthe tzin; and forgetting for the moment his tired condition in hisdesire to see his friend, he said: "With your permission we will go tohim at once."
"No, not to-night; you shall see him to-morrow," replied Tezcot firmly."At present he is needing rest. I would not disturb him at such anhour."
"You say well, friend, and we cheerfully defer to your wisdom. But willyou not explain how the prince came to be so well secured?"
"Yes, after supper, which I see is waiting for us."
After disposing of their equipments the young men were conducted to theeating room, where an excellent repast was spread for them, to which,after ablution, they did ample justice.
During the meal Mitla's eyes frequently encountered those of the tzin;and as often as they did she felt that subtle influence, call itmagnetism, if you please, which impresses itself so forcibly andmysteriously upon the susceptible mind, awakening suddenly andunconsciously feelings that may be described by only one little word.So it was in this supreme moment with Mitla, when for the first timeshe stood face to face with her fate.
In the conversation which followed during the meal Euetzin addressedher several times, and was so well pleased with her charming mannerthat he resolved to know her better.
When the meal was finished the men were reconducted to the family room,where Tezcot proceeded to give an account of the prince. He relatedwhat he knew of his experience after becoming separated from Menke andOza, up to the time of his concealment by Mitla under the pile ofchia-plant, which resulted in saving him from capture. At this juncturethe tzin became intensely interested, and when he fully comprehendedthe invaluable service rendered his royal master by the beautiful girl,he interrupted the hunter by saying:
"Your daughter did that?"
"Yes, it was she who saved the prince from his pursuers," answered he,proud of his favorite's conduct.
"Noble girl!" passionately exclaimed the tzin. "All loyal Tezcucanswill bless her name." Then to the hunter, earnestly: "As the nearestfriend of Hualcoyotl, I would like to express to her the profoundgratitude of a Tezcucan. Will you kindly request her to come here?"
Tezcot, appreciating the high estimation in which Mitla's conduct wasregarded by a Tezcucan lord, especially by the first friend of theprince, bade her come into the room as requested.
Euetzin rose to his feet as Mitla entered, and, looking admiringly ather, said:
"Your father has just informed us that to you we are indebted, asTezcucans and friends of Hualcoyotl, for his continued existence. Mylife is pledged to his service; the hand that strikes at him strikes atme; the hand that reaches out to save him I would bless. As the rescuerof Hualcoyotl, your name will be long and kindly remembered byTezcucans everywhere, and, as one of them, I would here and now expressto you the grateful thanks of my people; and farther, as a pledge of mysincerity, I desire that you will accept from me this little token, asouvenir of the great service you have rendered a deeply strickennation, and also as a mark of my personal appreciation." As heconcluded, the tzin placed in her hand a beautifully wrought miniatureshield of gold, on which were engraven the armorial emblems of theroyal family of Tezcuco. It was a highly prized keepsake which he hadlong carried on his person, and it required more than mere sentiment tocause him to part with it.
While Euetzin was speaking, Mitla stood with eyes cast down, but whenhe was done, raised them to his face. A glistening moisture was seen togather on her beautiful, dark lashes as she said:
"Your great kindness has filled my heart with a strange feeling. Mytongue refuses to utter the words I would speak. I can only thank youfor your beautiful gift, and for thinking well of what I did for theprince."
"No words which you might utter would add to the favor and esteem towhich you are entitled, and which you will have, from the friends ofHualcoyotl," said the tzin, earnestly.
Tezcot, observing the embarrassment under which Mitla was placed,motioned for her to withdraw, which she was glad to do.
The account of the prince's rescue was continued to a conclusion, andthe young men, glad of an opportunity to lie down, were disposed of forthe night.
A Prince of Anahuac: A Histori-traditional Story Antedating the Aztec Empire Page 23
