Quick as thought she drew the sword from the grass and smote
with all her strength upon the man's bent neck. Down he fell, making
no sound, and she also fell beside him. In a moment she was on her feet
again, staring at him wildly--the naked sword in her hand.
'Up,' she said, 'before others come to seek him. Nay, you must.'
Now, again we were struggling forward through the bushes, my mind filled
with a great wonder that grew slowly to a whirling nothingness. For a
while it seemed to me as though I were lost in an evil dream and walking
on red hot irons in my dream. Then came a vision of armed men with
lifted spears, and of Otomie running towards them with outstretched
arms.
I knew no more.
CHAPTER XXXI
OTOMIE PLEADS WITH HER PEOPLE
When I awoke it was to find myself in a cave, where the light shone very
dimly. Otomie leant over me, and not far away a man was cooking a pot
over a fire made of dry aloe leaves.
'Where am I and what has happened?' I asked.
'You are safe, beloved,' she answered, 'at least for awhile. When you
have eaten I will tell you more.'
She brought me broth and food and I ate eagerly, and when I was
satisfied she spoke.
'You remember how the Tlascalan followed us and how--I was rid of him?'
'I remember, Otomie, though how you found strength to kill him I do not
understand.
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