"The way is clear; pass in."
Nothing further was said. The party passed back and out into the hallway, along which they went to the steps previously referred to. Here they paused a moment, in a listening attitude. Hearing nothing of a disturbing character, they descended. A few steps brought them to a door, before which they stopped and gave one rap. The following response was elicited:
"What seek ye?"
"Our own," replied the same person who had addressed the keeper of the cafe. The door was opened, and they entered. Passing on to another door, two raps were given, and a voice from within inquired:
"What have you to offer in pledge?"
"That which, if taken, can not be restored: life," answered one of the seekers for admission.
"It is a royal offering. Enter." The door was opened, and the young men were admitted. For a moment, while the door was again closed, they stood in black darkness; then a curtain was drawn to one side, discovering to them a low, dingy, dimly lighted chamber. Men, old and young, who had entered in the same guarded manner as they, were seated about the room. The newcomers were told to pass in, which they did, and were seated like those who had preceded them.
Perfect silence prevailed while the chamber was filling up. Upon each man's face was a stern and determined look. Not a sign of recognition passed between them. It was an assembly of people whose taciturnity was always pronounced under circumstances of an impressive character.
When the proper time arrived, a man of middle age and commanding presence arose and addressed the meeting. He was evidently a prominent Tezcucan. He said:
"The hour has come when the ear should be open to catch the sound, and the tongue silent that it may not escape. Euetzin, son of the noble Euzelmozin, is here. He bears a message from his brother Tezcucan." Turning to the foremost of the two young men with whom we entered, he continued: "Let Euetzin speak. The men of his tribe have ears, and they are open."