The Slave Sculptor — page 43: what you’re looking at

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

THE MYSTERIOUS LETTER. 4b ing; and the mecting between him and Cortez was one of deep inter- est. At the close of the interview, however, the Indian monarch ap- pointed his brother to conduct the illustrious strangers to the quarters prepared for them in the capital. peror then ascended the litter and was borne away amid prostrate forms of the populace, while Cortez resumed his march, and entered the city. Passing along its spacious streets, his wary eye studied the moving mass of Indians who thronged every unoc- cupied spot around the Spaniards; and well might he tremble, when he reflected, that did those natives but so determine, they could over- power him in an hour, and not leave one soul to relate fool-hardy adventure. The little band marched fearlessly into the heart of the great city, following their conductor. Finally they reached the old palace of Axayacatl, Montezuma’s father, who built it fifty years before. The edifice was low, but commodious, and the apartments were of im- size, affording ample accommodations for the entire army. yire,smamonnded. by.» Remids) ADEN At HED Sh - apparent security; ever-wate rtez, plant- his cannon, stationed his ae and enforced the Sak anit iscipline among his troops. After this disposition of his forces, the ish general was seated alone ina spacious saloon. He had been writing a minute account of his entrance into the Aztec » ; but for a moment he had remained with his forehead lean- inst the edge of the table, apparently in deep meditation. he became aware of a light tread on the floor. Looking ld a short, thick-set man, completely enveloped in black his cowl were two small round apertures, through which discovered bright, keon restless eyes. The man gazed ingly around him as he advanced into the apartments. Cortez, easily excited nor alarmed. His pistols and good sword lay table the side of his writing, yet he mude no effort tc them. gaze was fixed steadily upon his singular visitor. moment and the strange man drew from his bosom a heavy cross, set with four large diamonds, and held it up before the as- nished Cortez. The Spaniard gazed first upon the cross, then upon the person who held it The strange man watched the features of with a close scrutiny. He then replaced the cross in his bosom, drew forth a small piece of nicely tanned leather, presented it to the Spaniard, and immediately from the apartment through a Crees Tae Gee comeing, Sepetttes ausitpented, Corves. gizver! i i isa , Cortez glance: at the leather, and ScntuT thecectans wihten theson in his own lan- His eye ran guichly over the firsttine, and he sprang te his while a sudden pallor overspread his features. The note road + B ate Had, g as follows “Most noble sir:— You and = little band of countrymen are in the most imminent danger. people into whose country you comiclbooks.comn