Spinning, embroidery, and featherwork were also considered essential accomplishments, in which the sisters were thoroughly instructed by their mother.
Featherwork was an art of peculiar interest to the Anahuacans, and they greatly excelled in it. Abundant material for its practice was always at hand in the beautiful plumage of the myriads of tropical birds: the parrot, the hummingbird, the pheasant, and many others of the feathered tribes which might be named, congruous to that latitude and country.
In addition to her other attainments, Mitla was a fine archer, and was often to be found on the mountains in pursuit of its practice.
It was evening, and the twilight was rapidly verging into night. At this hour three persons might have been seen wending their way around the southwestern slope of the mountain at the base of which stood the dwelling of Tezcot, the hunter. The fast fading light of the departing day penetrated with its crimson-tinted rays the thickly standing trees, throwing sombre shadows athwart the pathway of the sojourners, warning them of the nearness of night. It was evident, from the rapid movement of the party, that they were not unfamiliar with the rough trail they trod. They were moving along in single file. In the lead was a man of large mold, who, though apparently past middle life, was yet in the prime of manhood. Upon his back was strapped a javelin and bow, with an accompanying quiver, which, with his general appearance and dress, distinguished him as a hunter. His companions were following closely behind him, bearing a heavy burden between them, the end of the pole or support of the burden resting on a shoulder of each. They were silent as the noiseless forest through which they moved. Not a sound was heard save the measured tramp of their feet as they hastened on. Finally emerging onto the plateau, and seemingly relieved from the sense of solitude with which the deep silence of the forest had impressed them, the hunter said:
"It is a heavy load ye bear, lads; but the end is near, and ye'll soon be rid of it."
"Yes, master," said the foremost man; "it is, indeed, a heavy load, and would try us greatly to go much farther."
"Think what is ahead of ye yonder: a bracing meal, and, by my life, ye shall have a refreshing mug of pulque[ [7] to wash it down. D'ye hear?" returned the hunter, encouragingly.
"Ah, good master, you are very kind," answered the man.
"If to be mindful of a willing hand is kindness, then be it so, lad," was the hunter's benignant reply.