Then
her glance fell upon me and she began to weep.
'Alas! poor man,' she said; 'alas! my friend.'
'Weep not over me, Marina,' I answered, speaking in Aztec, 'for our
tears are of no worth, but help me if you may.'
'Ah that I could!' she sobbed, and turning fled from the place, followed
presently by Cortes.
Now the Spaniards came in again and removed Guatemoc and the cacique of
Tacuba, carrying them in their arms, for they could not walk, and indeed
the cacique was in a swoon.
'Farewell, Teule,' said Guatemoc as he passed me; 'you are indeed a true
son of Quetzal and a gallant man. May the gods reward you in times to
come for all that you have suffered for me and mine, since I cannot.'
Then he was borne out and these were the last words that I ever heard
him utter.
Now I was left alone with the Tlascalans and de Garcia, who mocked me as
before.
'A little tired, eh, friend Wingfield?' he said sneering. 'Well, the
play is rough till you get used to it. A night's sleep will refresh you,
and to-morrow you will be a new man. Perhaps you believe that I have
done my worst. Fool, this is but a beginning. Also you think doubtless
that your obstinacy angers me? Wrong again, my friend, I only pray that
you may keep your lips sealed to the last. Gladly would I give my share
of this hidden gold in payment for two more such days with you.
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