The Slave Sculptor — page 54: what you’re looking at

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

56 THE SLAVE SCULPTOR. smothered cry of joy she sprang forward, her heart swelling with the hope of deliverance. The waiting-maid turned and fled with precipitate haste toward the entrance of the caves, pausing ere she entered to look back and catch a glimpse of her mistress and the priest, as they passed hurriedly away to the east. An exulting ex- pression lit up her features at the sight, but it vanished ere she reached the sentinel. A moment later she stood in the great cave. Here she listened attentively, and her eyes scanned the apartment with a close scrutiny. She then entered a narrow opening, and im- mediately stood within a small cavern enshrouded in total darkness. ** Maxtla Ytzcoatl !*? she exclaimed. **Has she eseaped?’’ interrogated a voice which we recognized as the sculptor’s. | ** Yes, she left with a priest whom she appeared to know, and they are now on their way to the capital.’’ ** Was he short? and did he wear a black robe and mask?” ** He did !*? ‘That is well,” replied Maxtla, with apparent relief. ‘She could have fallen into no better hands. Is the way clear for me?” ‘* All but the sentinels and Cruzilli. The latter is not yet able to the others you will have to overcome by stratagem or you must be lively, for Toluca, with a portion of his fol- return soon. It is now just about sundown.’’ cut the ts from Maxtla’s arms and legs, and di- i rescuer were in the main cave — the scene of e ee — and Cruzilli. Here the sculptor armed himself & maquahuitl and shield, toward the girl ora remarked : a SS ** T must thank you ere I go for your bravery and erosity in re- lieving my necessities, even in the face of ieee and death, You have saved my life, and the life and honor of one who is dearer to me i ii if | now have been so reduced by want of sufficient nourishment as to have been perfectly helpless, perhaps dead. Why you, an entire stranger, should have taken an interest in our welfare, is more than I cam say, but, sure it is that you have, and all I can now do is to Cn my aan words. If you—” “ ““Come, come!’ she interru impatiently. ‘“ Toluca and a score of his hounds will be pen gran you ee away. You can overtake Mazina and her companion if you hurry. Turn square to the left as you emerge from the out, and keep straight ahead. It will take you directly to the eapital.”’ While this colloquy was going on, the unsuspicious senrcinel sat with his head bowed, nearly asleep. In this drowsy state a strong, violent hand was laid suddenly upon him, and, ere he could offer re- sistance, he was firmly bound. a In five minutes Maxtla had passed the formidable barrier, and was standing in the valley opposite the paseage, and his eagle eye comcbdooks.com