CHAPTER XIX
Alvarez probes the Secret
It was early morning, and a brilliant sun threw slanting rays across thedancing waters of the great lake and across the picturesque buildings ofthe fairy-like city of Mexico. From the summits of a hundred sacrificialtowers rose the smoke of the eternal fires, while the figures of thehateful priests stood out prominently. It was the dawn of a day likelyto be momentous in the history of Spain and of Mexico; for Cortes wasabout to make his biggest attempt to conquer. Difficulties and dangerbut drew him on to further exertions, and increased opposition butwhetted his appetite for conquest. This day must see the junction of histwo divisions, for the troops under Cristoval de Olid had already joinedwith the force under Sandoval, and both occupied the camp of thecauseway, the causeway leading directly north for more than a leagueinto the heart of the city.
The reader has read of the fighting there, and a few words will relatethe fortunes of that other division which had set out from Tlacuba,under the command of Alvarado. Like the others, it had advanced for morethan a league, filling gaps continuously, and camping on the groundwhich it had won, for the simple reason that a night saw all its workrepaired by the Mexicans. It had advanced, and, like the men underCortes, it had met with disaster on one occasion; for the Mexicans,instructed by their English cacique, had laid an ambush for them, hadlured them on, and then had surrounded them, capturing a few of theSpaniards alive, whom they had ruthlessly sacrificed, though Roger didhis utmost to prevent the act. But they had not reached the marketsquare yet, and had not come into touch with their comrades.
As for the brigantines, they had learned to be wary, and theircommanders had gradually driven the canoes from the lake, had found hugewater streets capable of containing them, and had in this manner reachedboth sides of the causeways, and the interior of some parts of the city.Everything, therefore, was ripe for a junction, and the king of Mexico,with Roger, Teotlili, and a score of his nobles and caciques, stood onthe summit of the huge tower dedicated to the god of war, and looked outon this early morning awaiting the long-expected attack.
"Who would think that there was war?" said Roger, as he stepped to thevery edge of the giddy height, just as he had done on that eventfulmorning when he and Tamba were alone with Teotlili, wondering whether itwas to be peace or the reverse. "The city is unharmed, and nothingspeaks of war save the broken causeways and the camps of the enemy. Apity it is that men cannot live in peace."
"A pity indeed," answered Teotlili, gloomily. "The morning is fair, andthe city never looked better. But go into the houses and into thestreets and there you will see much that speaks of war. Our people dieby the hundred, and their bodies lie unburied. It is war, friend Roger,and this day will see a more bitter struggle than has hitherto takenplace. Our spies have given us certain information. I trust that we areprepared. There is nothing that we have not discussed?"
"Nothing. We have talked through the night, and now the orders have beensent to the people. We must hope for success. Look now at the camps.There is a stir there. The Spaniards are moving."
"And there are the horses. The men are mounting. The attack willcommence before the hour is gone. See, my lord, those at Tlacuba areprepared also."
From the elevation of this gigantic temple it was possible to see everycorner of the city and of the surrounding lake, and there spread outbelow in the sunlight were the armies of the invaders, thousands uponthousands of native allies, and the handful of truly gallant andsteadfast Spaniards who formed but a tiny nucleus. And they were movingforward. Mass had been attended with due reverence, and the two forceswere advancing to the attack, hoping to unite in the market square. Inthe city every house was occupied. Thousands of bowmen and men armedwith the new and more effective weapon introduced by Roger lay concealedon the terraces, in the gardens, and in every possible nook. The summitof every tower was crowded, bricks and stones were held in readiness tobe hurled down on the attackers, while in the streets were thousands,all with complete instructions.
"Their boldness shall be their undoing," said the king. "We will followthe advice of Roger the cacique to the very letter, and this morn shallsee a turn in the tide of our fortunes. Let all who have commands now goto them."
There was solemn leave-taking, and then Roger and his friends parted. Anhour later the clash of arms was heard, while the city rang with thethunder of cannon and with the crash of musketry. The Spaniards forcedtheir way along the causeways, while the brigantines poled along thecanals, firing into the flanks. Then Cortes himself advanced, anddivided his men into three parties.
"To the market square," he said, "and see that none penetrates beyond agap till it is filled. Now forward, in the name of Our Lady."
At the command Spaniards and allies pressed on into the city, fightingevery step of the way. Bolts were rained upon them from the houses, andevery building meant an attack, a fierce resistance, and then victory.That accomplished, the next house called for the same efforts, while thenative allies who followed destroyed the building just captured,levelling it to the ground. And so for many hours the conflictcontinued, the Mexicans resisting fiercely, and yet giving way steadilyas if by preconceived design, while on the summit of the tower stoodtheir king, his eyes on them, watching how they carried out his orders.
"We have them in our hands," he suddenly cried, with a shout of joy."Look, all, and see the gap which has been passed. It has not beenfilled. Our people retire hastily, and lure the enemy on. They hear theshouts and the cannon of their friends, and they long to reach themarket square first. They are rushing forward in the excitement, andthey are neglecting to fill the breaches. In a little while we willturn. But let them advance farther in. Let the city close about them,and then----!"
He became almost inarticulate, so great was his enthusiasm. He leanedover the edge of the tower, watching the conflict as if his lifedepended upon it. And every second some ejaculation escaped his lips.His feet fidgeted. He would have rushed below had that been possible.
"My lord distresses himself," said one of the priests, advancing to hisside, and displaying the red robes of the chief of his profession. "Thisday will go well for us. That is the answer of the war god. The Englishcacique, whom we once almost sacrificed, will be the saviour of our cityand of the nation. See him there. He fights as one who values his lifeless than the honour of victory."
"He is a noble youth and a great leader," was the answer, "and hisreward shall be great. Listen, and mark my words. This giant who came sostrangely amongst us will stand by us to the end--if the end shouldunhappily come."
"He will die if need be," was the answer.
"And if resistance becomes no longer possible he will fly."
"That is due to him," replied the priest. "He is not of our blood. Hecame as a prisoner, and we treated him harshly. He has shown devotion tous, and if our cause be lost it will be right that he and his comradesshould fly. They have homes of their own, no doubt. They have a right toreturn to them."
"And we owe them all. This Roger the cacique is the heart of thedefence. His reward should be certain. Cannot you find this treasure andhand it to him now, so that it may be safe in his keeping?"
"Impossible," was the short answer. "He deserves all and more than wepossess, that I acknowledge freely. But I cannot disclose itswhereabouts till the disc comes to my hand. Would that I had never madethe error of sending it away. But the mistake was made, and nothing butthe return of the disc can set the matter right. With that before me Ican read the secret, and hand this reward to the cacique. If it does notcome, he must fly, rich in the memory of the gallantry he has shown."
It was useless to argue further, and the king, who, like hispredecessors, was completely in the hands of the priesthood, wascompelled to be satisfied with the assurance he had received. If thedisc was discovered, then this Roger de Luce, for whom he had conceiveda great affection, would receive reward, would have his pick of gold andgems which, to a Mexican, were of little or no value, but which to thesewh
ite men were better than life itself, else why should the Spaniardsfight so fiercely for their possession, sacrificing thereby so manythousands of innocent people, and bringing misery into so many homes?
But it was no time for soliloquizing, for down in the streets below theturmoil of the battle rose even louder. Flushed with their success theenemy were pushing forward, and were now within a little way of therendezvous, where the two forces were to meet. They could hear oneanother's cannon, and even their comrades' shouts. They were spurred toeven greater efforts, and forgetting the caution which their leader hadimpressed upon them they raced on, forgetful of the chasms left gapingbehind, of the thousands of Mexicans concealed beneath the streets andin the side canals, forgetful of all save the mad desire to conquer, toend the siege, to reach this market square, than which there was none sofine in the whole of Spain, or even in Europe, and reach the goal beforetheir comrades. It was a race, and a costly one it proved.
"The time has come. The cage door should be shut," said the king ofMexico, solemnly. "There is Roger the cacique. I see him plainly, and hewaves to me. I will sound the signal which will set the dogs loose onthem, and will drive them from the city."
He raised a huge horn to his lips and took in a deep breath. Then hesounded a long, deep, mournful note, which penetrated to every corner.Once more he sent it floating across the city. Then he threw the horndown, and raced to the streets below; for this king was a gallant youngfellow, kind and gentle when not roused, but a plucky fighter, possessedof unusual courage.
What a change there was! The sound of the horn had roused the Mexicansto a frenzy, for it was a well-known signal, and signified some specialdanger threatening their king, and the people of this city, one and all,would gladly have died on his behalf. But on this particular day itmeant more. It meant that a well-thought-out plan was to beaccomplished. That this retreat, so carefully managed, was, after all,but a part of the plan, and that now that its purpose was accomplished,and the enemy lured into the city, the time had come to turn upon them.Never before had the Spaniards heard such demoniacal shouts, suchwhistling, and such terrible calls. The air was filled with them, whilefrom every side swarmed Mexicans, who rushed in upon the swords, eagerto die, eager to give their lives if only they could strike one blow forking and city. But their rush was organized. A leader sprang before eachparty. Every street had its force and its commander, while in the verycentre the gigantic figure of the white cacique of Roger the Bold ledthe lines of fighters, hurled himself with resistless valour into theranks of the enemy, and bore them back alone. No wonder that theMexicans went mad, that the Spaniards quailed, and rushed back towardstheir camp, and that the fatal gap, which had not been filled by one ofthe parties, proved a death-trap to the men. Even Cortes was well-nightaken, while huge numbers of allies and Spaniards were killed. Indeed,quite sixty of the invaders fell captive or died--a serious loss toCortes.
Never before had the enemy received such treatment. They had seenfighting in other parts, and had met the natives of Cuba. But that waschild's play to these Mexican fights, where men swarmed out in theirthousands, and with the help of their English allies fell upon them.Even their arms had improved during the siege. Numbers carried thecrossbow, while spearmen in serried ranks bore down upon the horsemenand the soldiers armed with sword and buckler. And if that were notenough to cause defeat, the canoes which the commanders of thebrigantines imagined that they had driven from the lake appeared from athousand hiding-places, and advancing along the sides of the causeways,galled the retreating armies with their shafts, and dragged men into thewater with their long poles and hooks. Could the tale of that eventfulday be told, it would include a hundred and more dread single combatsfought in the water, would describe how Spaniards, loaded with theirarmour, fell gasping with their exertions down the slope of thecauseway, hooked from their feet by the poles, and then were seized by adozen frenzied individuals, who threw themselves in a body upon eachone, bearing him to the bed of the lake, and holding the unhappy wretchthere till he was drowned. But there was worse to follow. The enemy hadhardly reached their camp, and crept behind their defences there, whenthe bulk of the population returned to the city, and there commenced ascene of unparalleled ferocity. They dragged their captives to the hugetower dedicated to the god of war, and drove them to the summit withkicks and buffets. Then they decked them in feathers, and by main forcecaused them to dance before the idol, and in the sight of theirmiserable comrades in the camps below. After that came the gruesomesacrifice--a sacrifice which no efforts of Roger could put a stop to.
"They are clean out of hand, these Mexicans," he said with a groan toPhilip, as they sat in their quarters below. "I can do nothing with themnow, for they are mad. Their superstition is stronger than any beliefthat they have in me, and these priests control them. It is hateful tothink that the wretched prisoners are being sacrificed."
"It makes the blood run cold," agreed Philip, with a shudder. "The deathis a cruel one, and you should know something of the agonies endured bythese unhappy prisoners. But let it be a warning to Cortes. He came hereof his own free will. He and his men have attacked people who weredisposed to be friendly, and this is their reward. They came hoping forgold and treasure, and with the wish to stop these human sacrifices.What have they accomplished? Their gold caused the death of numbers inthat first retreat, and now, through their persistence, more victims areoffered up, while thousands are dying deaths which are far worse and farmore miserable than is that suffered on the altar. Pah! Though I hatesacrifice, and know that these enemies long to stop it, I know also thatthey are hypocrites, that they would sacrifice you and me and all of usthis very day if we were captured. We should swing at the end of thecauseway."
There was a grunt of assent from Peter Tamworth, while Roger was boundto agree. After all, he thought, what were the lives of the few who hadbeen sacrificed since the coming of Cortes, compared with the lives, thehappiness of the thousands perishing in Mexico.
"The fight will wane," he said, "but the net will not be opened; it willclose in more tightly, until the end comes. Cortes will never give way."
Nor did our hero prove wrong in this surmise, for for many days thesiege languished. Fighting still continued, but it was half-hearted.Meanwhile the huge success attained by the Mexicans brought numbers ofvacillating adherents to their side, while thousands of the nativeallies left the army gathered under the banner of Castile. It was aturn in the fortunes of Fernando Cortes, and many another leader wouldhave given way. But this redoubtable general was a diplomatist and asagacious tactician as well. He rallied the natives to his banner again,and then once more pushed on with the attack. When seventy-four days hadpassed Fernando Cortes was in possession of more than seven-eighths ofthe city. In the remaining portion were gathered the survivors of thegallant defence.
Tall and gaunt, looking more like a slim ghost than the Roger of thisstory, our hero waited for the end, determined to see the siege to itsbitter point. For days he had eaten nothing but a few herbs gatheredfrom odd crevices by the faithful Tamba, while a fish sometimes added tohis repast. Ten of his comrades were dead. The remainder were skeletons,too weak almost to walk, only able to fight when pressed by direnecessity. All were parched with thirst. As for the people of theunfortunate city, they had died literally in their tens of thousands.The streets were filled by their unburied bodies; they lay in thecourtyards, in the temple squares, and in their houses, piled thicklytogether. Those who survived walked listlessly here and there, orsquatted on the ground, too weak to move. They waited for the verylast--for the coming of the Spaniards and of their allies.
"Nothing can save them," said Roger, huskily. "These native alliesslaughter the poor people like sheep, and they are so weak that theymake no resistance. It is terrible! Would that the priests would allowthe king to surrender. But they will not do that. We shall fight to thebitter end, and then there are canoes to take us away. Remember and warnall our comrades. When the horn sounds they are to rush to the stage atthe
back of the palace, and there embark. We have the Spanish gunsthere, and just sufficient ammunition for one discharge; perhaps weshall succeed in getting off. Now let us go to our positions. This,surely, must be the last day of all."
An hour later the Spaniards swarmed into the city, and a desperateencounter commenced, the native allies bursting into the houses andkilling those who were helpless. Others who still had strength anddetermination to fight retreated to the palace, showing a firm face tothe enemy. But even they at length became demoralized, and soon thescene was one of confusion. Natives hunted for Mexicans on every side.Friends and enemies were mixed together, when Roger and his party, allseparated by now, made the best of their way towards the landing-stage.Suddenly our hero gave expression to a startled cry.
"Alvarez!" he exclaimed in a whisper. "The traitor, and by himself! Heis seeking for some one and----ah, there is the priest! The artful roguehas made him captive."
He crouched in the hollow existing between two of the buildings, andstared out at the intruders. And thanks to his quickness he escapedobservation, the Spaniard passing some yards away, while following himwere five of the native allies, in whose charge walked the chief priest,his red robe in tatters. They passed in through the palace gate, andwere lost to view.
"Gone in search of treasure," thought Roger. "Shall I follow, or makefor the stage?"
He hesitated, fearing that if he were to delay the canoes might leavewithout him. He listened to the distant shouts and to the cries of thecombatants, for on every side small parties of famished Mexicans wereoffering a last resistance to the enemy. Then he sprang to his feet andran after the Spaniard.
"No," he thought; "I have come so far, and have put up with so much,that I will not sacrifice all at the last for fear of being left behind.I will follow, and perhaps I may be successful. I wish that Phil orPeter, or even Tamba, were here to give me their help."
Darting across the street he passed through the gate and traversed acourtyard. At the exit he paused and suddenly crouched to the ground.Then he crawled forward on hands and knees, and gained some shrubs inthe garden. Alvarez was again in sight, and the priest and his captorsled the advance.
"This is the garden," Alvarez was saying. "Now, dog with the red robe,you who have slain so many of my comrades, lead the way to the treasure.Here is the disc. Lead swiftly, for I would have none else see me."
He looked round furtively, fearful that his comrades should discover hisdeceit and wrest the treasure from him. Then he stalked to the side ofthe priest, tore the disc from the very same leather pouch in whichRoger had kept it, and thrust it in front of his face.
"Come," he said, with an oath, looking about him with frightened eyes."Move! Let your wits work swiftly. This holds the secret. FernandoCortes knew that, and you also. I have learned that you are the only manwho can read that secret. Read, then, and quickly, or I will treat youas you have served those others."
He showed his teeth, while the hand which held the disc shook, so greatwas his anxiety. As for the priest, he had no alternative. A dagger wasin the Spaniard's other hand, while the natives who held him looked asthough they would slaughter him with glee. He trembled, for this man whohad killed so many wretched victims feared to die himself. He trembled,stretched out his hand for the disc, and then suddenly hesitated.Courage came to him in this terrible position, and he realized that ifhe showed the whereabouts of the treasure, he would be slaughtered assurely as if he refused. And these Spaniards lived and fought for goldand jewels. If he refused, then they would have gained nothing but theirconquest of the city, and besides--"It was promised to the gallant whitechief who led us and gave us his counsel," he thought. "It belongs tohim, and if he cannot take it away, then it shall lie hidden where it isnow. No; I will die now. Let this wretch slay me, and have done."
He was in the very act of flinging the disc to one side when his eyehappened to roam across the garden, amongst its trampled bushes andshrubs, once so neat and so brilliant with blooms, and now almost bareof leaves, for the reason that the starving people had plucked and eatenthem. He started and raised his head. Then his eye flashed a message,and he stared at the disc once more. For he had seen Roger. The figureof the giant cacique had appeared as he crawled from one bush toanother, and this head priest, in his hideous tattered robe of red, whohad once so nearly killed Roger, determined to befriend him.
"Let justice be done," he said to himself. "For me there is no life. Ifeared death a moment ago, though I have nothing to live for. But mylord the noble white man has much before him. He is bold. He has givenstrength, wisdom, and almost life itself for our cause, and it is butjust that we should give him the promised reward. He shall have it.While I can I will read the secret and will show the treasure, leavinghim to deal with these rogues. Give me the disc," he said aloud. "Theplace is near at hand, that I know, but where I cannot say till I haveread the picture."
For a little while he stared at the disc, tracing the lines of thecauseways with his finger. What he saw there that Roger and others hadfailed to detect it would be impossible to state, but suddenly he gave acry, while Alvarez gave vent to an exclamation of pleasure.
"He reads the secret," he said hoarsely, his eyes almost starting fromhis head, so great was his eagerness. "Come, now, sir priest, hasten, orthese other birds of prey will be down upon me. Show me the wealth, forI wish to secure it for myself alone."
One of the natives who acted as guard to the priest rapidly interpreted,Alvarez taking the priest by his robe in his anxiety to hurry him on tothe treasure.
"They are getting closer," he cried. "Listen to their shouts. They willbe here, if you are not speedy. Where is the hoard?"
His anxiety to be moving was pitiful. He trembled, stared about him asif he were hunted, and stamped with impatience. Then to his huge delightthe priest moved.
"I have read the secret," he said. "The disc tells where the treasure isdeposited. 'Tis close at hand. Follow, and I will take you to it."
He cast a significant glance at the spot where Roger had last been seen,and smiled grimly in his beard as he noted that the white cacique hadcome even closer. Then he turned on his heel and swept on through thegarden.
"Follow!" he called out. "To the treasure-house."
There was no need for him to bid the Spaniard to follow, for the anxietyof the traitor who had so nearly slain Roger with his treacherous daggerimpelled him forward till he outstripped the priest. Then he took himagain by the robe and pulled him on, dragged him through the garden, andon to where one of the many sacrificial towers lifted its lofty wallsabove the buildings. It was surrounded by a low wall of glazed tiles,and its pavements and steps were constructed in a manner which showedthat it was of special design.
"The king's tower," said the priest, by way of explanation. "He worshipshere alone. See the smoke of the fire which burns on the altar. Let theSpaniard mount. I will follow as swiftly as I can. I am weak withfasting."
He stood aside to allow Alvarez to pass him, and then, helped by hisguard, slowly ascended the steps which encircled the building. Andafter them came Roger, his tall, gaunt frame pressed against the wall tokeep out of sight, and his sword in his hand. He was breathing hard.Every stair seemed as if it would be too much for him, for he had foughthard. He had never during the long days of the siege saved himself inthe slightest, and had borne the same privations as had the commonpeople. The exertion and the excitement were almost too much for him.But he thought of the reward, of the knights who had helped to send himto this Terra Firma, and of his comrades. If he escaped to the coast andgained a ship, how miserable to reach home empty handed, to arrive atthe port of London with a tale of this siege, and with the report oflost riches. Would they be believed? Would the folks in London citycredit the fact that the simple crossbow youth had risen to such highplaces, and had had the promise of huge wealth? No! They would bethought to be mad. Solid facts would be necessary to convince them. Goldand jewels and pearls. Roger determined to make one last struggle, andbrac
ing himself for it, slowly followed up the stairs. He reached thevery top and halted, his body concealed by an ornamental ledge whichfringed the edge of the tower. Then he sought for some object behindwhich he could obtain cover, and from which he could observe what waspassing. There was a huge stone vase for flowers near at hand, only theflowers had long since dwindled away, no one having had time or thestrength to attend to their watering during the siege. But it would forman excellent obstruction, and our hero crept behind it. Then he slowlylifted his head, and looked on to the square court at the top of thetower. There stood the scarlet-robed priest, obviously delaying so thatthe white cacique might have time to follow, while Alvarez stood besidehim eager, excited, scarcely able to keep still, so much was he roused.But Roger noticed that he had lost the old hunted appearance. He nolonger stared about him, looking now over this shoulder and now overthat. Once, indeed, he walked to the ledge and stared over into thegarden, but a glance satisfied him that none of the Spaniards followed.He returned, therefore, rubbing his hands together with pleasure, andmuttering to himself.
"At last!" he was saying. "I have waited, and I have plotted, and not invain. Here is reward for all the dangers I have run, for the risk I tookwhen I lay off Cuba for the British ship. At last I shall see a fortune,and I alone of all who are here shall return to Spain with wealth. Whatis conquest without it? Even Fernando Cortes will envy me.But--supposing that English giant knew? He promised to slay me for theblow I dealt him. That I know, for it was told me. Ah, perhaps he isdead. I will ask the priest. Come, sir priest," he said aloud,addressing the man in scarlet, "tell me of this giant who led you. Is hedead?"
"Not dead," was the answer, "but starving--worn out with the struggle.Do not trouble about him now, but come. I have the key to the treasure.The picture directs me to the summit of this temple. There is a wallbefore me. I step to it like this, and stand with my toes against it,with the tips of the fingers of my right hand just level with thecorner. Then I sweep them so above my head till I come to a ledge. Hereit is, my lord. And on the ledge--" (he fumbled there till his fingerscame in contact with an object, and he withdrew a heavy bar ofglittering metal, somewhat tarnished by exposure to the weather)--"onthe ledge a bar of gold. I turn to the left, and step to the nearestdoor. It is here. I enter, and within search for a hole which willaccept this bar. The picture shows it before me as I enter. Stand asidethere, dogs who have helped to ruin this fair country. You keep thelight from the chamber. Now enter, my lord, and the natives can followif you wish it. Ah, here is the aperture. I place the bar within it andpress. It gives. Enter again to this inner chamber, where you will findthe treasure."
The priest stood back, lifting his arms as he did so, and pointing to anarrow aperture which had suddenly opened in what would appear to havebeen solid masonry. But a closer inspection showed that it was merelyimitation--that the wall was painted to represent stonework, and that aportion, exquisitely made, was designed to swing outwards. Through theopening thus disclosed could be seen a chamber of small proportions, litby rays which came from small niches in the outside walls. A closerinspection showed that it swept to the left out of sight, while, moreengaging sight still to Alvarez, there were piles of loose stoneswithin, and beyond those a heap of golden ornaments set with stones, andof crude gold struck into rough bars. It was a sight, in fact, to makethe blood of the Spaniard course swiftly through his veins.
"The treasure!" he gasped. "The treasure for which I have longed! Barthe door, dogs! Hold the priest, and let none enter while I am within.Remember! Let no one follow. If a question is asked, say that noSpaniard is here. Wait, and I will return in a few minutes."
He stepped to the opening and clambered through. Then the native guardsclosed about the doorway, so cutting off escape for the priest. But theykept no watch on the terrace outside. They failed to see the creepinggiant who had emerged from behind the vase, while Roger himself, intenton treasure also and on the payment of his debt, kept no watch on thestairs by which he had ascended. He did not see the crafty figure whichhad tracked him to the terrace, the figure of a Spaniard to whom someinkling of the plot had come from Alvarez when in his cups, the figureof a Spaniard determined to share the treasure at the very least, and,if possible, if his hand could strike the blow, to take all forhimself.
CHAPTER XX
A Race for the Ocean
Alvarez de Logas was spellbound. The highest flight of his imaginationhad never conjured up such a scene, such vast wealth as was displayed inthe treasure chamber. He stood aghast, more perturbed by the sight of somuch gold and so many jewels, than he had been at the thought of losingeven a portion of the riches to be gained by coming to Mexico. He stoodrooted to the spot, now inclined to fling himself upon the gems whichsparkled in the light which came through the apertures in the walls, anda moment later scarcely resisting the inclination to rush upon themassive golden vessels with the shining orbs set into their sides. Hishand went to his head, and he lifted his steel cap, while the fingers ofhis other hand passed through the wisp of hair which clung to his scalp.
"The treasure! At last the treasure!" he gasped. "Riches enough to makeme the highest noble in all Spain, wealthier even than the king. Here iscomfort for my old age, and honour, honour such as comes not even to menlike Fernando Cortes, for wealth brings everything in its train. I willtake the gems alone, for those I can carry. But no! I cannot leave thegold. To do so would be a sin. I have bearers in plenty. All shall bemine!"
The sound of his voice startled him, for in his excitement he raised histones almost to a shriek. But now he was frightened. The old fearsreturned to him, and he stared back at the door, and then ran to it,peering through the narrow opening into the chamber beyond, where theguards stood, listening to the shrieks of the unfortunate Mexicansbelow, and to the triumphal shouts of the native allies as theyslaughtered the unhappy people. They showed on their faces that theylonged to be gone, while the scarlet-cloaked priest also looked steadilyto the door, as if he were also listening and expecting something. Asuspicion crossed the mind of Alvarez. He looked sharply at his captive,who had read the secret of the disc for him. Then his eye went back tothe treasure, and that conquered. The sight of the glittering gems andof the piled-up gold drove all fear and suspicion from his mind. Herecollected nothing beside the fact that he was actually in thetreasure-house, wading in the riches for which he had sought so long,for which he had plotted and schemed, and for which he had not hesitatedto risk his own life and to attempt to take that of another. Every nighthe had dreamed of this great day, and now--
"Mine!" he shouted. "All mine! I will look round. I will touch thewealth, and then I will devise how to take it away."
He fell on his knees beside the gems, and let them trickle through hisfingers. He picked out the largest and the finest stones, held them tothe light, and set them aside. Then he poured handful after handfulwithin his cotton-padded jerkin.
"A fortune within my shirt!" he chuckled. "A fortune with which to buyposition and power, even should the other treasure fail to come to hand.And now for the other riches."
He crawled on hands and knees round the chamber, oblivious of all thatwas passing outside, unmindful of the awful slaughter then taking place,and deaf to the shouts of the combatants and to the thunder of the guns."Gold! Gold and gems! Riches! Power! Honour in his native land. Pride offamily, where he had had none!" These words alone rang in his ears. Hewas intoxicated with success, and if he had reared golden castles in theair on former occasions since he had stolen the famous disc, they werestudded with brilliants this time. They towered to the very heavens, andon every battlement and arch glittering flags blew out with those samewords embroidered upon them. "Riches! Power beyond all the dreams of arapacious avarice! Plenty for the future! No toil! But power! A positionof command in place of the humble post he had filled in former days!Wealth sufficient to make him the friend and intimate of nobles andking!"
What wonder if this Spanish soldier went crazy at the astounding wealthset out
at his feet! What wonder that he forgot the siege of Mexico,forgot in this supreme moment all his caution, the scheming and thecunning which he had been so careful to practise. All through he hadthrown dust in the eyes of his comrades, just as he had deceived theEnglish aboard the brigantine. Not once in his waking conscious momentshad he let fall a syllable of his great secret. He had waited, silentand watchful, for the end of the siege, and only once had his cautionbeen relaxed. He had been tried, and the native pulque pleased hispalate. He had drunk deeply, and, roused by the potent drink, hadwhispered something which had aroused a suspicion, for it is only deadmen who tell no tales. Alvarez in his cups was a live man, robbed ofcaution for the moment, and that moment was destined to be his ruin;for, outside, creeping up the stairway of the tower, came a Spaniard,that one who had overheard his drunken words. He followed his comrade,having gained news of his whereabouts. But he knew nothing of Roger,though, in a little while, when he rounded the next curve, and ascendeda few more steps, the figure of the crouching giant would come intoview.
Tap! Something fell on the tiled pavement on the summit of the tower,and Roger raised his head and started at the sound. His head shot upabove the vase, and he peeped out.
"A crossbow bolt here!" he said to himself in astonishment. "And it isof our own manufacture. I can tell that by the bright colour of thefeathers."
The sight caused him to think, and, for the moment, led his thoughtsaway from the task he had in hand. He pondered, but famine had dulledhis wits. He was too weak to look further into a matter which could notbe of importance, and he was therefore in the act of crouching againwhen a second bolt fell at his feet.
"A second! Then it must be a signal. Who can have fired it?"
He was at once alert, conscious that danger threatened from some unknownquarter, and he promptly crept to the edge of the tower and looked over.There was a figure crouching in the garden bushes below, a figure whichwaved frantically to him. Then it started from its lair and staggered tothe steps, gesticulating, pointing to the side of the tower.
"Tamba!" exclaimed Roger. "The faithful fellow has shadowed me throughthe siege, and has followed here, and he sees something wrong. Some onemay be following."
Quick as thought he ran across the square summit of the tower and hidbehind the altar, upon which, no doubt, many an unhappy wretch had beensacrificed. But Roger had no time to think of that. His eyes were on thetop of the stairs, and they opened even wider with amazement as a secondSpaniard appeared, creeping stealthily, and peering ahead as if hefeared detection. This man was in his stockinged feet, and when he sawthat the summit was untenanted, he rose to the upright position andraced across to the door through which Alvarez and the priest had gone.He tore the curtain aside and looked in. Then he gave vent to a shout.
"Found! By our Lady, found!" he cried at the top of his voice. "Thesilent, secret Alvarez is discovered by his friend, and will divide. Isee gold and jewels. Gold and stones enough for a score, and sufficientfor you and me. I am silent if you consent to a division, if not--"
The triumphant smile which his features had worn vanished, and he drewhis sword. Then he peered in at the wealth, and a crafty, covetous grincaused the corners of his mouth to twitch.
"Why divide?" he said in low tones. "Why give half to a craven such ashe, when there is all for the man who can take it? I can beat him. I canplay him with my sword, and in these times tales do not pass."
He stood there a moment longer looking in at Alvarez, while the latterstared at his one-time friend as if he were a ghost. Not yet had he beenable to tear his mind and thoughts away from the wealth in which hestood; but the glint of the sword told him of danger, and that broughthim to his senses.
"Begone!" he growled. "This is mine! I found it. I slaved for the disc,and risked my life, and I will not divide."
Then the voice of caution whispered to him, and he spoke again--
"Begone at once," he said huskily, "and for your silence I will givesufficient to make you a man of wealth."
"Divide!" cried the intruder, advancing into the room.
"Never! It is mine. I will hold it with my sword."
Alvarez was now fully alive to his danger, and saw the threateningattitude of the Spaniard. He drew his weapon briskly, and clamberedthrough the opening, his eyes fixed on the intruder. There was an uglyscowl on his wizened face, while his teeth were set firmly. He had astake to fight for, as well as his life, and, as he clambered from thetreasure chamber, he was determined to win or die.
"Retire," he said sternly. "I will carry out my compact. Go at once, andkeep silent if you desire to be rich."
"I shall stay," was the answer. "You have found the gold. I shall takeit from you. Put up your sword and fight for its possession. If that isnot to your liking retire now and keep your tongue still, or I shallhave something to say. But I promise to give you enough to buy wealth inSpain--wealth and a proud position."
There were no words after that. The full bitterness of his position cameto Alvarez with a shock, and if he had been nearly crazy a few minutesbefore at the thought of the hoard which he had captured, he wententirely mad now as the dreadful truth was forced upon his mind. He wasabout to be robbed. Death were better than that. He raised his sword andrushed on his enemy. Sparks flew from the steel, and Roger, who had nowcrept to the door, heard the crash as the blades met. Then the intruderwas forced to give way. He retreated before the blind fury of Alvarez,defending himself with difficulty. And soon they passed through thedoor, tearing the curtain from its fastenings, and continued the contestin the open air.
"Die!" shouted Alvarez, striking a frenzied blow. "Die, you rogue, whothought to rob me!"
He took two hands to his sword and swung it over his head. Then hebrought the blade down with a crash which would have killed his opponenthad he not raised his own weapon to ward off the cut. The blades metwith a resounding crash, and then the Spanish steel gave way. HalfAlvarez's sword tinkled on to the pavement.
"The wealth is mine! The reward comes to me!" shouted his opponent.
He sprang at his enemy with a bound which carried him to close quarters.And then, while the unfortunate Alvarez still stood looking at hisfractured blade, he drove his own weapon through his body.
"Die yourself!" shouted the Spaniard "Die, and so keep a silent tonguefor ever! I will take care of the treasure."
He looked at his victim, who lay dead already, and then swung round togo into the treasure chamber. But the figure of the English giant stoodthere, gaunt and unnaturally slim, hollow-cheeked and deadly pale, butcool, calm, and collected, and wearing a smile as he handled his stoutEnglish sword.
"The treasure is mine," said Roger, softly. "I held the disc for thosewho sent me here, and this man stole it from me. It comes back to me,and with it the treasure. Dispute my word if you dare."
The Spaniard was staggered. Just as Alvarez had stood rooted to the spotat the sudden sight of the treasure, he remained staring at Roger,hardly able to believe his eyes. Then he gave vent to a snarl of rage,and gripped his sword.
"THE SPANIARD WAS STAGGERED"]
"You starved dog!" he said. "Dispute the word of a man who is alreadymore than half in his grave!"
He lifted his weapon over his shoulder, took in a deep breath, and madeready to attack. But there were others watching, and before he couldstir a step there was a twang of a bow, and a shaft struck him full inthe chest. In an instant he was down on the tiles, struggling feebly,and when Roger went to him and knelt at his side he found him just dead,for Tamba's missile had done its work.
"He is dead," said Roger, as he rose to his feet, "and Alvarez hasreceived his just reward. There is nothing to keep me now from thetreasure if the priest has shown it. Stay outside, Tamba, and cut downany of the natives who attempt to escape."
"None will do that," said the voice of the priest, as he emerged fromthe chamber. "These men here, who are my enemies, dare not to touch you,who are their god of air. You and the native are safe, and you have time
to pick and choose. Enter and select the gems; then let us go."
Roger understood him sufficiently well, for he had had some weeks'intercourse with the Mexicans now, and had picked up their tongue. Heneeded no second invitation, but plunged into the chamber, and fromthere into the treasure-house. As in the case of Alvarez, his eyes gapedwith astonishment. But Roger had not set wealth before everything; and,moreover, while coveting this treasure and hoping for the promisedreward, he had done so with the pure desire to do his duty by those athome who had borne the expense of the expedition. When they weresatisfied he would take his share, and not before. But here was such anabundance.
"Even King Hal has no wealth to compare with this," he cried. "There isabundance for all here. Stones and gold, and the latter is heavy. Ishall leave it and take the stones."
"The curtain would make a sack, master, and there are the shirts of theSpaniards," suddenly exclaimed Tamba, who had joined him. "Then thereare the linen jerkins of the natives."
"And the red robe of the priest," added Roger, "Quick! Let us call themall in and get away."
He went to the narrow opening and beckoned to the priest, giving him thenecessary instructions. Then he set to work to select the finest gems,choosing those which were largest, for he had no knowledge of thecorrect colours.
"Here alone stands a fortune," he cried, as his eye lit upon the gemsset aside by the avaricious Alvarez. "All picked for me by the very manwho attempted to rob us of this spoil. Gather them together, Tamba, andtie them in a corner of the curtain. I will select some of the goldvessels, for they will convince those at home of the truth of our tale.That is, should we have the fortune to return. Now, the curtain and theshirts. Quick, for there is little time to waste."
"They are here, my lord. I will enter and help to hand them out. Buthark!"
"The horn!" Roger shouted, as the plaintive note which, on a former day,had roused the Mexicans to fight for their king, came to his ear. "Thesignal for all who are left to retreat to the landing-stage."
"And for us to go also, my lord. Quick! Gather the jewels and let us go,otherwise we shall be killed, and then what service will this trash doyou?"
They worked as if every second were of the utmost value, as indeed itwas. The curtain was spread on the ground, and handfuls of gems tossedin, while Tamba had already tied some of the largest into a corner.Then Roger threw a few of the finest gold cups and bowls into the heap,while the priest added the disc.
"Let the picture which holds the secret go too," he said bitterly. "Whoknows? In years to come it may be the only sample of our writing whichremains. It may outlive this fallen nation."
"Pick up the curtain," cried Roger, and in a moment Tamba had it on hisback, and was climbing through the opening. Then came the priest withthe shirt of the unfortunate Alvarez, while Roger followed with his ownjerkin well laden. They had as much now as they could well carry, andthe addition of another load, which was fetched by one of the natives,completed their burden.
"To the stage," said Roger, shortly. "And, priest, can we trust thesemen?"
"They will die rather than break their promise to me, or harm you," wasthe answer. "You have the Spaniards alone to fear. Forward, and let usget out of this awful city. The ruins strike grief into my mind. I wouldthat I had been killed at the commencement rather than live to see thisfair place levelled in ruins. Forward to the stage."
They staggered down the stairs, out through the garden, and then by alittle-known corridor through the palace. Then they had to traverse afew streets before reaching the landing-stage. Thousands of natives wereabout, but these took no notice of the party, seeing their comrades withit. Soon the stage was in sight, and Roger gave vent to a cry of dismay.
"The Spaniards are there already," he said with a groan. "They will cutus off. Look, they are bearing down with their swords and their pikes."
"Roger! Roger de Luce!"
A tall man, dressed in the native costume, but obviously one of theEnglishmen, stood on the very edge of the stage shouting for our hero.Beside him lay one of the double canoes with a crew of rowers, whilefarther off in the water street others lay on their oars, containing theking and other nobles. But none would leave till the white cacique hadcome. Philip stood there, port-fire in hand, shouting his name, while heeyed the two cannon which had been captured early in the siege. Littleammunition remained, and that had been carefully husbanded for the verylast occasion. Philip had trained the guns on that part by which theSpaniards would approach, and he stood there, watching them as they ran,prepared to fire at them, and so give his friend a few seconds more inwhich to reach the boats.
"He is killed!" he shouted in despairing tones. "He must be dead, or hewould have come before. But I will not stir yet. Blow the horn again.Sound another note, and let us see if that will not bring him."
"He is here already. See! He and his party come, and they have thetreasure."
It was Teotlili who caught him by the sleeve and drew his attention tothe approaching party. Then together they shouted to Roger and hisbearers to hasten. A minute later all but Philip were safely aboard thecanoe.
"The king?" gasped Roger, touching Teotlili's arm.
"He is there. All who are alive are aboard," was the answer. "Listen tothe last shot of the siege."
He pointed to Philip, and Roger raised his head, watching his friend ashe trained the weapons on the advancing Spaniards. He glanced along thesights, blew at his port-fire, and then waited till a musket bullet spedpast his cheek. Then he touched the vents and leaped into the canoe.
"Row!" shouted Teotlili. "Row out into the lake!"
They pushed off as the cannon exploded, scattering a murderous charge ofstones amongst the Spaniards. Then the crew thrust their paddles intothe water and sent the craft along. Worn out though they were, and morethan half starved, they managed to summon sufficient strength for thetask, and very soon were out on the great lake. It was getting dusk, andthanks to that, this canoe managed to reach the far shore withoutattracting the attention of the enemy. And there they learned that theking and a few of his nobles had been captured, while fourteen of theEnglishmen were gathered there in addition to Roger. Some thousands ofthe Mexicans had also reached the shore, and stood there disconsolate.
"Scatter at once," called out Teotlili. "Make for the hills, and waitthere for news of the king. Do not stay here longer, for in the morningthe enemy will cover the plain. Now, my lord," he said, turning toRoger. "What are your commands? You have served us faithfully, you andyour friends. The reward you have with you is far too mean, and toosmall to repay you; for such as it is it is yours by right. Where willyou take it? There is no longer need for your arms in this unhappycountry."
"Then lead us to the coast," answered our hero. "Take us to Vera Cruz,where we may be able to capture a vessel."
Without loss of time the noble gave the necessary orders, picking out anumber of men who had acted as the king's bodyguard, and who were infairly good condition. Then he placed a guide at the head, and bade thewhole lot advance. Two days later they came in sight of the Spanish townof Vera Cruz, which had risen like a mushroom, as if in one night, thelabour being undertaken by the natives. There were ships in theroadstead, and a spy reported that but few white men remained there toguard the place, the remainder having gone to Mexico.
What need to tell more! Roger and his friends, though almost worn out,made one last effort and captured the very brigantine in which they hadsailed from England. They embarked with their treasure, and two dayslater put in at a creek some hundred miles down the coast, where, withthe help of friendly natives, they revictualled the ship as well aspossible, placing aboard sufficient fruits and herbs to last them forsome weeks. Then came the hour of parting. Tamba stood beside hismaster, while Teotlili stepped into the canoe alongside.
He dared not look back once he had taken his farewell, and there weretears in Roger's eyes at the parting.
Five weeks later the brigantine put in at the port of London, her crew
looking more like scarecrows than like British sailors. But they hadimproved in condition during the voyage, thanks to two calls made duringtheir run along the northern coast of South America. But clothes theyhad none to speak of, and so it was a day before they could venture fromthe vessel. Then Roger, the acknowledged leader, with Philip beside him,and Peter Tamworth bringing up the rear, and watching over Tamba and theload he carried, made their way to the palace of King Henry.
The whole of England rang with the tale of their exploit, and Roger andhis comrades met with due honour. But little was said of the jewels andthe wealth, for it would have been unwise to rouse the ire of Spain.Still, Roger had done good work for those who had organized theexpedition, and they did not forget. Our hero won fame and a knighthoodand sufficient wealth to permit of his buying a fine estate in thecountry and a house in the city of London. And there Tamba went withhim; while Philip and Peter, now both men of means and consequence, cameoften to speak of the old days, of the Spaniards, and of the one-timefairy city of Mexico. Then they would fill their leathern jugs, to whichthey still clung for the sake of old acquaintance, and would drink insilence to those who were gone, to the gallant souls who had foughtbeside them, and to those fine natives of Mexico who had struggled underthe leadership of Roger the Bold.
* * * * *
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Roger the Bold: A Tale of the Conquest of Mexico Page 19
