The Slave Sculptor — page 91: what you’re looking at

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

RETURN OF CORTEZ 98 _ Tam glad that he is safe!’’ Tonatiuh said. ‘* Henceforth, we shall, probably, have no more trouble with him. Meztli is a deter- mined and a courageous girl.”’ ** A great-hearted one also,’? added Mazina; ‘* but, what of these strangers, of whom you were speaking? Are they not our coun- try’s enemies? ’’ and she locked inquiringly into the features of her ** Assist me now to dress my wounds,’’ remarked the prophetess “* and change my garments, then I will tell you all.’’ That night — the first after the great battle of the causeway, the Spaniards oceupied the inclosure, surrounded by the wall, in which were the secret apartments; and, during the long, lonely hours of the night, Tonatiuh and Mazina watched and listened to hear the approaching footsteps of Maxtia or the strange priest, but daylight dawned, without their having heard the welcome tread. - a * = * * * » Nearly eleven months passed by after the defeat of the Spaniards on the fatal causeway —at the period of evacuating the capital; what a change had taken place during that time! Out of the little band of disarmed and disheartened soldiers, who survived that fearful slaughter, sprang up, almost by miracle, a large and formidable army, which marched again to the capital, headed by the immortal Cortez. How this was accomplished, was a wonder, and it is most probable that no head, save Cortez, could have consummated so magnificent q triumph. At first he had been reduced almost to starvation. He and his little remnant of followers were compelled to kill and devour the flesh of their horses; but, gradually, he advanced, step by step; _gained a little here and a little there; obtained victories where certain defeat appeared inevitable; quelled riots, discord, and discontent; i allies at every turn, until he again stood triumphant at the ad of an army, far superior to that with which he had previously entered the capital. He had caused thirteen vessels of different sizes to be built, and they were tried on the waters of Zahuapan —a river of Tlascala. Then, psd were taken to pieces, and the timber, anchors, iorn-work, sails, and cordage, were placed upon the shoulders of famanes, or porters, and, in this manner, conveyed over steep eminences, rough mountain passes, and through deep forests, to Tezcuco lake. With such indomitable perseverance as this, and determination of purpose. as fixed as the stars in the heavens, who wonders at his suc- cess? Not one day out of the eleven months was he idle. His whole soul, might, mind, and strength, were centered upon this one point — the subjugation of the nation; and to this end, every resource of his genius was brought into play. . Thas, at the end of one month less than a year, we find him back, hanging as a dark «pall around the capital, with his forces so arrang- ed as to command every avenue leading to the city. His brigantines Commcloooks.comhn) ~