“Perfectly,” answered the señor, striving to control his anger; “but, Chief, it is a pity that you did not see well to tell me this before. Had it not been for what we and one dead were able to do to save you, to-day your bones would have been whitening in the forest. Why did you not tell me there that I was no fit company for your daughter?”
“Because you were sent by the gods to do me service, and because there I had need of you, White Man,” answered Zibalbay quietly, “as may be I shall have need of you again. Had it not been for that chance, we should have parted company on the further side of the mountain.”
“In truth I wish that we had!” exclaimed the señor.
“I may come to wish it, too,” said the old man grimly. “But you are here and not there, perhaps for so long as you shall live, and I would have you remember that you are in my power. A word from me will set you high or lay you low beneath the earth; therefore be warned and take with gratitude that which it shall please me to give you. No, do not look behind you—escape is impossible. Submit yourself to my will in this and everything, and all shall be well with you; struggle against it and I will crush you. I have spoken: be pleased to walk in front of me, and do you, my daughter, walk behind.”
Now I saw that the señor’s rage was great, and that he was about to answer angrily, and lifted my hand in warning, while Maya looked at him entreatingly. He saw, and checked himself.
“I hear your words, Chief,” he said, in a forced voice. “You are right, I am in your power, and it is useless for me to answer you,” and he took his place in front as he had been commanded, while Maya fell behind.
As I walked on, side by side with Zibalbay, I spoke to him, saying:
“You use sharp words towards him who is my brother, Chief, and therefore towards me.”
“I speak as I must,” he answered, coldly. “Many troubles await me at the city. Did you not hear what that knave said last night,—that Tikal, my nephew, whom I left in charge, rules in my stead? Well, this girl of mine, who is affianced to him, and through whom he hopes to govern in after years, may be the only bait that will tempt him from his place, for he looks upon me as one dead, and it will not please him to lay down the rod of power. How should it please him then, and those who follow him, to see a white stranger holding that daughter’s hand, and whispering in her ear. Ignatio, I tell you that such a sight would provoke a war against me, and therefore it is that I spoke sharply while there is yet time, and therefore you will do well to drive the nail home, seeing that if I fall your plans will come to nothing, and your life be forfeit.”
I made no answer, for at that moment we turned a corner, and came face to face with the bearers of the litters whom Zibalbay had summoned to meet us.