My head
was grazed by his head, his feet dug a pit before my feet, but I stood
there unhurt, the false god had no power over the victim who had escaped
him!
After that I remember nothing till I found myself once more in my
apartments in Montezuma's palace, which I never hoped to see again.
Otomie was by me, and she brought me water to wash the paint from my
body and the blood from my wound, which, leaving her own untended, she
dressed skilfully, for the cut of the priest's knife was deep and I had
bled much. Also she clothed herself afresh in a white robe and brought
me raiment to wear, with food and drink, and I partook of them. Then I
bade her eat something herself, and when she had done so I gathered my
wits together and spoke to her.
'What next?' I said. 'Presently the priests will be on us, and we shall
be dragged back to sacrifice. There is no hope for me here, I must fly
to the Spaniards and trust to their mercy.'
'To the mercy of that man with the sword? Say, Teule, who is he?'
'He is that Spaniard of whom I have spoken to you, Otomie; he is my
mortal enemy whom I have followed across the seas.'
'And now you would put yourself into his power. Truly, you are foolish,
Teule.'
'It is better to fall into the hands of Christian men than into those of
your priests,' I answered.
'Have no fear,' she said; 'the priests are harmless for you.
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