The Slave Sculptor — page 10: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

12 THE SLAVE SCULPTOR. CHAPTERIL THE SLAVE SCULPTOR. Two hours preceding this adventure by the arbor, in « large apartment of a low stone house, or shop, was @ young man, some twenty-one years of age. In stature he was tall, and his form was athletically devoloped. His dress was that usually worn by the la- boring class, showing clearly the outlines of his muscular frame. A close-fitting wrapper reached from his neck to his hips, leaving his arms bare to the shoulders. From his waist tothe ankles, were wide, loose pants, held at the loins by a belt, and at the bottom: On his feet were plain leather sandals, a curiously wrought cap covered his head. A heavy mass of long dark hair fell over his shoulders. His face was evenly but strongly featured, This man was Maxtla Ytzcoalt—a renowned sculptor, who until eighteen years of age had been a slave. At that age he managed to his freedom, when, being possessed of the ingentity of a sculptor. and possessing unusual powers of execution, he readily out- op which occupied the greater portion of the honse was used as a stu- — dio, in which he was constantly employed. His business being the furnishing of ornaments for temples and dwellings of noblemen, gave him an intimate acquaintance with the ruling men of the priesthood, and an envial.le position — the nobility, and his sta- ‘the patronage The rear apartment was that in which he slept, and he appeared to guard it closely. There was, apparently, but one entrance te the building, and that was in front. : ant Maxtla had concluded his day’s work, and sat down by the door fully watching the throng of citizens, passing Be eee along the street. At this moment, a short, compactly man. with as black mask and cloak, walked boldly into’ the studio, and cast a quick furtive glance around. The sculptor recognized the man, as one whom he had often seen, ind who appeared to manifest great in- terest in his behalf; yet he had never cooked upon his face, for, upon all occasions it was closely masked. The long, sable robe at once comicbooks.com