on gowns of worth. And the Indian fashion has this to recommend it,
that it is the less expensive of the two costumes. Ever watchful,
ever on the alert, I saw the sheen of a knife flash from its scabbard
in the hazy air, and my beautiful partner shivered and moaned in my
arms. "Dog of an Indian, dare and die," shouted I, angrily. Four
times I made the circuit of the room, and when again opposite the
entrance of this man-kennel, I heard the voice of my faithful friend,
Don Reyes Alvarado, calling me anxiously. I gave my lovely partner in
charge of her tender-hearted sisters, for the poor wild thing had
fainted and lay limply in my arms. The strong arm of my companion
grasped me and drew me out into the fresh air, where I almost
collapsed, overcome.

"Surely, amigo," said Reyes, "you will not blame me now for not
entering, but you have endurance, for Dios! I should not have
survived so long. Thank God you came out alive! When I saw them pass
in knives, I had my doubts and momentarily expected to hear the
report of your revolver. But when I saw you pass by infatuated with
Jtz-Li-Cama, the cacique's daughter and wife of the murderous
scoundrel, El Macho, then I gave you up. Oh, see what is happening
now. Amigo, you have broken up the dance. So it seemed. The drum was
silent now and we heard the voices of men arguing in the Aztec idiom.
Of a sudden the lights were extinguished and the crowd came out with
a rush, and silently they stole away in the darkness.

"Now, amigo," said Reyes, "let me tell you something, which may haply
serve you well. Knowing that an American accomplishes things which a
Mexican like myself must let alone, I advise you to try for the
hidden treasure of La Gran Quivira. Seeing that you are in the good
graces of Jtz-Li-Cama, you might prevail with the cacique to guide