This lady was yet in her first youth, perchance she may have
seen some eighteen years, but her shape was that of a full-grown woman
and most royal.
'Greeting, Guatemoc my cousin,' she said in a sweet voice; 'so you are
come at last. My royal father has awaited you for long and will ask
questions as to your delay. My sister your wife has wondered also why
you tarried.'
Now as she spoke I felt rather than saw that this lady was searching me
with her eyes.
'Greeting, Otomie my cousin,' answered the prince. 'I have been delayed
by the accidents of travel. Tobasco is far away, also my charge and
companion, Teule,' and he nodded towards me, 'met with an accident on
the road.'
'What was the accident?' she asked.
'Only this, that he saved me from the jaws of a puma at the risk of
his life when all the others fled from me, and was somewhat hurt in the
deed. He saved me thus--' and in few words he told the story.
She listened and I saw that her eyes sparkled at the tale. When it was
done she spoke again, and this time to me.
'Welcome, Teule,' she said smiling. 'You are not of our people, yet my
heart goes out to such a man.' And still smiling she left us.
'Who is that great lady?' I asked of Guatemoc.
'That is my cousin Otomie, the princess of the Otomie, my uncle
Montezuma's favourite daughter,' he answered.
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