The Slave Sculptor — page 38: what you’re looking at

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

40 THE SLAVE SCULPTOR. The imperial mandate went forth, and in an hour’s time a multi tude had gathered upon the summit of the Teocalli. About eight feet from the wall, within the area of the great temple was a circu- lar mass, perhaps three feet thick, resembling a huge millstone. To this stone Cruzilli was led by two priests, stripped to his waist, his head decorated with feathers, and his face painted with hideous de- vices. He was then placed upon the stone, bound to it by one foot, and armed with a heavy maguahuiil and shield. In this position, aud thus accoutered, he was compelled to battle sgainst the attack of a soldier or officer, who was better prepared for the deadly encounter. If he should be overcome, he would be imme- diately conveyed to the altar of Common Sacrifice, and there butch- ered in a revolting manner. If he was not overcome, but success- fully defeated seven consecutive combatants, he was then allowed go Such was the law of the Gladiatorial Sacrifice. ' As Cruzilli upon the crowd gathering around him, his eye fell upon the features of Toluca. A smile passed over his counte- nance as of tumult as his grasp tightened upon the hilt of his weapon. That moment an opponent stepped forward. His attire sparkled tenet and his weapons were of the most formidable kind. Ili eyed him , apparently measuring the strength of his assailant, then quickly threw himself into an attitude of defense. ‘The officer struck the first blow. Cruzilli turned it aside with hi shield, and brought down his own ponderous maquahurtl upon his adversary’s head with such force as*to cleave the skull. _A wild shout went up from the assembly, when the writhing vie- tim was ged away, and another sprang eagerly f ; but it was impossible to stand before Cruzilli’s awful blows. One after the other of his opponents fell in rapid succession, until the seventh and most formidable adversary stood before him. Again his flashing eye swept over the assembly, and again that contemptu- ous smile passed over his countenance. The struggle lasted but a moment. Cruzilli's weapon descended with such crushing force as to break asunder his antagonist’s shield, and scatter his brains upon the frail armor. ; There went forth another rolonged shout, when the prisoner was released and borne in triumph tt the Teocalli, upon the shoul- ders of the populace, who peared equally satisfied with the slaying of seven, as if the one had overcome, and his heart torn from his recking breast to feed the insatiate gods. conmicbooks.com