Now the man withdrew, and the door was closed behind him. Presently he appeared again and said:
“I have reported to the Council, and it is the will of the Council that you should enter.”
“Follow me,” said Maya to us, “and when you are spoken to make no answer till I have vouched for you. I will answer for you.”
The priests let their swords fall, and, passing through the doors,—for there were two of them connected by a short passage,—once more we found ourselves standing beneath the mask of the Unknown god in the Sanctuary of the City of the Heart. But now it was no longer empty.
Behind the little altar were three stools, and upon them, clad in wonderful apparel, and adorned with gold and gems, sat Tikal, Mattai, and Nahua, who was the only woman present. In front of the altar was an open space, and beyond its circle, each wearing the orders of his spiritual rank, sat the Brethren of the Heart according to their degree, to the number of thirty-six.
Led by Maya we advanced into the space before the altar, and stood there in silence. None of those present took note of us; indeed, they did not seem to see us, but sat with bent heads and with hands folded crosswise on their breasts. At length one of the Brethren—he who was nearest to the door, and had questioned us without—rose, and, addressing Tikal, said:
“Keeper of the Heart, one who claims to be of our company stands before you, and with her two for whom she vouches, who, although they be strangers, by your command I have proved to be Brethren of the Heart, though what more they may be I know not. Be pleased, then, to prove them also by the voice of their sponsor, that their mouths may be opened and their prayer come to the ears of the Council.”
At his words two of the brethren rose and blindfolded the señor and myself, lest we should see the sacred signs, with all of which, indeed, I was well acquainted, but Maya they did not blindfold. Then we heard Tikal asking:
“How are you named who are strange to our eyes?” We made no reply, for a voice in our ears cautioned us to be silent.
“We are named ‘the Son of the Sea’ and ‘Ignatio the Wanderer,’” answered the voice of Maya.