A Prince of Anahuac: A Histori-traditional Story Antedating the Aztec Empire

by James A. Porter

  CHAPTER XI.

  The mission which tzin Euet had undertaken to perform was essentiallyone of secrecy. The fact that he was little known outside of Tezcucowas greatly to his advantage, making it unnecessary for him to layaside his personality. He assumed the character of a trader prospectingfor future business. His primary object was to obtain certaininformation which he could not secure except by contact with his fellowTezcucans, and then only through their confidence, which he was verysuccessful in gaining.

  The tzin was a young man of superior natural resources, and, being ofan agreeable and affable disposition, his efforts were rewarded in avery satisfactory degree. He found the thoughtful men of his tribe,outside of Tezcuco, ready to talk sedition to anyone whom they couldtrust; and, as the sum of the tyrant's inhumanity grew in proportionwith the passing of every sun, their language became more pronounced.

  The young agitator quickly came to the conclusion that the times werealmost ripe for insurrection, and decided to proceed at an early day topractical measures--which meant the organization of an army ofresistance.

  The attempted assassination of Hualcoyotl at his palace, and his suddenand mysterious disappearance, followed by the issuing of the king'sproclamation, making him an outlaw with a price upon his life, whenbrought to the tzin's notice, caused him the deepest anxiety.Realizing, however, that his presence would be of no advantage to thefugitive, even could he reach him, he continued to prosecute hismission, holding, at all times, an open ear for further informationregarding him. He obtained no additional intelligence of his friend,meanwhile, which worried him considerably; so much, indeed, that hedecided, on arriving at Tlacopan, to return to Tezcuco in quest of it.He set out accordingly, and later on we find him at a small villagewithin a short day's journey of his destination, where he has justentered a hostelry with a view to procuring supper and a night'slodging. On entering the hostelry he cast his eyes about him, as aperson will at entering a public place, especially if a strange one.They fell upon a young man whose appearance was that of a hunter, and,for some undefinable cause--a congeniality of spirit possibly--whichunder peculiar conditions draws one person unconsciously towardanother--his attention was instantly attracted to him. The young manwas, seemingly, weary; for at the moment in which the tzin entered hewas more sleeping than waking. He was disturbed by the look which wasfixed upon him, and raised his eyes, revealing to us again the nowfamiliar countenance of the hunter Cacami, who only a few hours beforehad saved, unawares, the life of the fugitive prince. An expression ofinquiry came over his face, as much as to say: "Did you speak?"

  Euetzin moved near to where he sat, and addressed him.

  Cacami straightened himself up, and a conversation was opened.

  Following a few incidental remarks, the tzin said:

  "You appear to be a stranger here, like myself."

  "Yes, I am; entirely so. My home is more than a day's journey from thisplace," replied Cacami.

  "If I read you correctly, you are a Tezcucan," continued the tzin.

  "If a man at this time may make such a claim, yes. I live with myfather, who resides about two leagues north of the city of Tezcuco."

  "Are you going to or from home?" inquired the tzin, hoping it might bethe former, in which case he would have a companion for the rest of hisjourney.

  "I am homeward bound, and have only stopped for the night, intending togo on in the morning."

  "I am glad to hear you say that," replied the tzin, his facebrightening. "My destination is Tezcuco, or near there," he continued,"and it would please me much to be permitted to join you for theremainder of my journey."

  "Nothing would suit me better; so let us consider it settled that wewill travel together," replied Cacami, well pleased.

  "I find it very solitary traveling alone," pursued the inexperiencedtzin. "A good companion is appreciable when one is on the road."

  "Yes, that is true; and yet I have learned that a person may becomeaccustomed to traveling unattended."

  "You have the appearance of being a hunter; is that your occupation?"inquired Euetzin.

  "Not exactly. I am what you might call a citizen hunter. I do not huntwith the object of gain. My father is a wealthy farmer and trader;consequently there is no hurry for me to choose an occupation. Beinginclined to the chase, I devote a part of my time in its pursuit."

  "You would make a fine soldier," remarked the tzin, his thoughtsreverting to the subject in which he was immediately interested. "Haveyou never thought of the warrior's calling as being especially suitablefor a man of your superior physique?"

  "Yes, I have thought of it," replied Cacami, at the same time lookingsearchingly at his questioner. "And should the future bring theopportunity which would make it agreeable for me to do so, I may adoptthe calling. I would not be a soldier of the ranks, however, for Icould not endure the drudgery of such a life. I engage in the practiceof arms a great deal, and delight in the pursuit."

  "Then you are, no doubt, well skilled in using them."

  "Yes, especially in handling the javelin. I have given that arm muchstudy, and think I may claim to be fairly good at throwing it. The bowand maquahuitl are not strange to me; I can use them when it isnecessary," he replied, showing confidence in his skill.

  The conversation was here interrupted by the announcement of supper,and was not again renewed during the evening.

  * * * * *

  The morning succeeding the evening on which Euetzin and Cacami met inthe public apartment of the hostelry was an auspicious one for theyoung men, promising them an enjoyable day's journey together. At aseasonable hour they took the road for Tezcuco, and stimulated by adelicious and bracing atmosphere, fairly bounded over the ground asthey passed from the village into the open country. Notwithstanding theinvigorating effect of the pure morning air upon them, they were notvery communicative when first starting out. They had not yet awakenedto an appreciation of the life and beauty which lay before them.

  The country through which the travelers had to pass was grandlybeautiful and picturesque, impressing the reflective beholder with asublime conception of Nature's enchanting handiwork.

  To the left of them, stretching away in the distance, were the placidwaters of lake Tezcuco, on the unruffled bosom of which, here andthere, floated the garden and home of some ingenious Aztec, the like ofwhich a century later presented a scene of astonishment and wonder tothe Spanish conquerors. To their right, gently rising toward theascending sun, swept a view of incomparable loveliness--a view whichwas then unsullied by the touch of vandal hands; now, alas! marred andscarred by the march and tread of a rapacious and unappreciativecivilization.

  The day, which was one of sunshine and fruition, grew apace, and theyoung men became more companionable as their knowledge of each otherwidened. The tzin early inquired the name of his fellow sojourner, and,also, by making himself known, drew from him his views on tribalaffairs. When he had gained this, to him, important information, heexpressed himself as follows:

  "I thank you for your frankness; and would add that I not only hope,but believe, our coming together at this time will lead to a true andprofitable comradeship. Tezcuco needs the aid of all her true sons toreestablish her in her former place among the nations of Anahuac, toaccomplish which the courage and patriotism of her people will besorely tested. War to the death must be met and stubbornly waged erethat desirable end may be reached. In such a test of courage, where, Iwould ask, will be found the hunter, Cacami?"

  "I would not be counted a boaster," replied the hunter; "but, when thetest is required of me, the friend of Hualcoyotl may be assured that myarm will be found where maquahuitl and javelin shall find the most todo for Tezcuco's deliverance."

  "You say well, O Cacami, and I commend you heartily!" exclaimed thetzin, approvingly. "The same spirit of loyalty which inspires youinspires all the best men of our tribe. Take heart with me, O friend,for the future holds, at least, a hope of freedom for our country."

/>   The tzin's zeal affected his companion not a little, who added anunqualified wish that the hope might not be a vain one.

  The day passed pleasantly away, bringing the wayfarers, at a late hourin the afternoon, to a point opposite Zelmonco villa, which wassituated some distance off from the highway.

  Cacami was counting on reaching Tezcuco, a league and a half furtheron, before night, where he purposed stopping until morning. When thetime came for parting company, Euetzin interfered very materially withhis plans by extending to him a cordial invitation to become his guest,pressing the invitation with so much earnestness that he reluctantlyconsented.

  The young hunter had impressed the tzin most favorably, and, inaddition to extending to him the hospitality of his home, he designedmaking an ally of him.

  The villa was a full half league from the main thoroughfare, but theyoung men were good walkers, and soon had the satisfaction of endingtheir day's journey.

  The park, fronting the villa, was gained; and as they passed up throughit, Cacami was forcibly struck with its great attractiveness--averitable hill of flowers, showing, in its conception, an advanceddegree of tact and taste.

  Teochma saw her beloved boy coming up the walk, and came hurriedly tomeet him. He saluted her affectionately, and, in turn, was joyfullywelcomed back to his home.

  Cacami was kindly received, and on bended knee, as was the custom,rendered respectful obeisance to the mother of his friend.

  "We give you a hearty welcome to Zelmonco," she said, cordially.

  "Your kindness is most gratifying, especially since we meet asstrangers," he humbly replied.

  "We meet as strangers, 'tis true, but will part as friends, I'm sure,"she answered, affably. "Our door is always open. The stranger may enterit, even as a friend. Come," she concluded, turning toward the villadoor, at which they were met by Itlza, the sight of whom was a genuinesurprise to Cacami. Euetzin had said very little to him regarding hisfamily, and nothing at all of her. The young hunter was, therefore, notexpecting to meet a maiden--especially one of such peculiarattractiveness.

  The brother and sister greeted each other lovingly, and Cacami was madeknown to the latter. She received his salutation with coy reserve, andthe surprised young man said:

  "This is a pleasure I was not looking for. That my friend might have asister never once entered my mind."

  Observing the brightness of her beautiful, sparkling eyes, he was ledto express almost abruptly, but in a voice full of unfeignedadmiration, the thought they inspired:

  "Itlza is a very pretty name," he said; "yet, if I might be permittedto do so, I would substitute another--one that would be peculiarlyappropriate."

  They all bent upon him an inquiring look, which encouraged him to goon. Continuing, he said, gayly: "'The Laughing-eyes'; would not that bedelightfully expressive?"

  Cacami's implied admiration for the rare beauty of Itlza's eyes, whichwas her redeeming attractiveness, was not a breach of any rule ofnative etiquette, but, to her friends and herself, only a pleasing markof his appreciation. The tzin looked surprised, but not displeased;Teochma smiled a loving approval, while Itlza blushingly showed hergratification in the pleased look which lit up her face.

  "Cacami is very free with his compliments," said the mother; "and, as aflatterer, might prove a dangerous acquaintance."

  "I am not a flatterer, I assure you. My compliments are only bestowedwhere they are deserved," he replied, looking at Itlza.

  "There, that will do for an introduction," quoth she, turning away.

  The hunting outfit of the guest was passed to a servant to be caredfor, and, following Itzla, all entered the villa.

  A brief description of Cacami will not, we think, be out of place justhere. He was tall and finely formed; straight as an arrow, and agile asan ocelotl. His countenance was, usually, placidity itself, thougheasily disturbed by an excited emotion. It was a pleasant face, andgave out a favorable impression--the expression of it being open andcandid. His eyes were dark, but not so piercing black as were those ofmost of his race. There was no uncertainty or want of courage in theirlook; they were unhesitatingly fixed on the person or object beforethem with perfect frankness. His complexion was of the lighter cast,though showing the effects of exposure from his outdoor life. His mindhad received the advantages of an early training--such advantages aswere attainable for a wealthy farmer's son. The practical had not beenoverlooked. He was a farmer by education--a calling which wasconsidered by the Aztecs a most honorable one. He had a strong passionfor the chase, and of late years his time had been divided between thefield and forest. He also delighted in the sports which were commonamong his people. This led him to become familiar with the use of arms,in which he had few, if any, superiors. His fine looks and genialdisposition made him a favorite wherever he was personally known,giving him a decided advantage with the young folk.

  The formalities of an introduction being over, the family endeavored tomake their guest feel at ease. The customary refreshments were served,of which the hungry travelers partook liberally.

  When the repast was ended, they all repaired to the drawing-room tohave a talk.

  The thoughts which were foremost in the tzin's mind were of his friendHualcoyotl. Almost the first inquiry he made was of him.

  "Can my mother tell us aught of the prince?" he asked; and, continuing,he said: "I have come all the way from Tlacopan to be informed, havingfailed to learn anything about him since his escape from the palace."

  Teochma cast an inquiring look from Euetzin to Cacami, as much as tosay, "Can we trust him?"

  The tzin comprehended, and added:

  "Cacami is a true and loyal friend, and may be taken into ourconfidence. My mother need have no fears on his account."

  "It is well. Much depends on our guarding carefully the secrets of ourhome, in these times, from those we may not trust. It would not pleasethe king to know that we had favored the prince," she answered.

  Euetzin caught her meaning, and became deeply interested. Teochmacontinued:

  "Hualcoyotl was here, at the villa, four days ago, remaining over onesun. He came in the night, and left the following evening. He had oneattendant with him; Oza, I think he called him. If no ill has befallenthem, they are now on the mountains, off toward Tlascala. The princewent there, hoping to find in the mountain fastnesses a safe refugefrom his pursuers."

  Euetzin looked the picture of surprise, and was slow to speak, whileCacami suddenly became deeply concerned; and, when Teochma concluded,said, somewhat abruptly and abstrusely:

  "A vexing oversight, truly; and lacking in courage as well!"

  All eyes were immediately turned upon him, and Teochma asked, muchastonished at the remark:

  "To what do you allude?"

  "Forbear, O friends; I would not appear rude. I allude to an incidentwith which I had to do, on my way in from the mountains. Yourinformation with reference to the prince's movements, good Teochma, Iregard as coming to me in the light of a revelation."

  "How so?" inquiringly questioned the now interested tzin.

  "Your excellent mother has just informed us that Hualcoyotl leftZelmonco four days ago, accompanied by one servant, going in thedirection of Tlascala. Two days later I met with an incident in which,I feel assured, I was his defender in an encounter with a band ofTepanec soldiers. I have said there was a vexing oversight, also a lackof courage; and, I now add, 'twas in my own conduct. Listen, and judgeme, if you will. Two days ago, as I was coming from the mountains,beyond Chalco, I came suddenly on a party of Tepanec soldiers, who weremaking a violent assault upon a traveler. The man had defended himselfthe best he could, with a stout walking-stick, but there were too manyagainst him. At the moment of my coming up he was on the point ofyielding, and, a little later, would have been a prisoner. I grasped mysword, which I always carry when I go to the mountains, and made avigorous attack upon them. A few effective strokes sent two of theirnumber to earth and the rest to flight. The rescued traveler had oneattendant, who was l
ying bound and helpless by the roadside. He wasquickly released, and found to have received no bodily harm. Thetraveler was very grateful, and expressed himself in warm terms. Heasked of me my name; but, for what I considered a sufficient reason, Ibegged that he would permit me to pass on unknown. From a peculiarremark he made, I was, at one time, almost led to inquire who he was.He said I had done a greater service than I could then be aware of,which struck me as containing a hidden meaning. Inadvertently, Idecided not to make the inquiry, which, I see now, was an inexcusableoversight. Fearing a return of the soldiers, he again expressed hisgratitude, and went on toward the mountains. I am quite convinced therescued traveler was none other than Hualcoyotl."

  "What was your reason for withholding your name?" asked the tzin.

  "I had slain two of the king's men, under circumstances which laid meliable to the severest penalty. I considered the course taken thesafest, not knowing who the traveler was."

  "And why do you now look upon your course as an oversight and lackingin courage?" questioned the tzin.

  "For the reason that, through fear of the tyrant, Maxtla, I was silent,making no exertion to learn who it was I had defended," replied Cacami,in a self-accusing spirit.

  "The traveler, quite likely, would have acted in the matter just as youdid: declining to inform you. In fact, if it was the prince, I am surehe would; for any guarantee you might have given, as to your identity,would have been insufficient to satisfy a man fleeing from the wrath ofthe king. I do not think you have cause for self-blame at all, but, onthe contrary, have for self-approval. You may have beenovercautious--nothing more. Your conduct was anything but cowardly,and, I would assure you, it will not go unrewarded, should our causebecome propitious. Hualcoyotl has a kind heart, and does not forget agenerous act, especially where courage is involved, as in thisinstance. If the rescued traveler proves to have been the prince,Tezcuco can never render adequate honor to the hunter, Cacami, forsaving his life," spoke the tzin, whose great affection for his friendmade him deeply grateful to his rescuer.

  "I do not look upon the act of rescuing the traveler as being more thanthe discharge of an obligation which one man owes to another. I wouldhave done the same had it been the poorest slave," replied Cacami, in adepreciating manner.

  "I am sure that you would; that such is the case does not detract fromthe worthiness of the act, but rather magnifies it. A man who acts insuch emergencies from a sense of duty is deserving of the highestconsideration. I have only words of praise to bestow upon you. Our lovefor Hualcoyotl makes the act of saving his life doubly meritorious.Language fails to express what we feel," returned the tzin, exhibitinga deep sensibility.

  Euetzin was more than ever impressed with the idea of making an ally ofhis new friend; and, later, sought to gain his consent to join him inhis work. He explained to him the nature and object of it, and assuredhim how gratified he would be to have his assistance.

  Cacami expressed his gratitude for the tzin's confidence, and said,further:

  Should I follow my own inclination I would join you at once; but,notwithstanding I am beyond the age of paternal control, respect forthe will of my father demands that he should be consulted first. I haveno doubt as to the result of a conference with him, for he is a strongadvocate of Tezcucan independence. You may count on a favorable reportfrom me, I think, if it will please you to wait."

  "It is well. Your regard for the will of your father is praiseworthy. Itrust to your discretion in the matter, and will only add: do notforget the importance of a silent tongue."

  "Be assured, my good friend, that your secrets and plans shall be assafely guarded as my life. I will be only too glad if they shallbecome, in part, my own."

  * * * * *

  The evening passed away pleasantly and quite advantageously for ouryoung friend Cacami. A high estimation of him was formed by the severalmembers of the family. Itlza looked upon him as a real hero, andadmired him accordingly.

  At an early hour the party separated, and the weary young men, anxiousto find the rest they needed, retired to their couches.