The two were silent awhile, the cacique observing the king, the king gazing upon the ground.
“Well,” said the latter, at length, “is that all?”
“Is it not enough?”
“You are right. He must be arrested. Keep close watch on the gates of the palace, and upon his coming out, seize him, and put him safely away in the temple.”
“But if he comes not out?”
“To-morrow, at noon, if he be yet within, go to Malinche and demand him. Here is your authority.”
At that, the monarch took from a finger of his left hand a ring of gold, set with an oval green malachite, on which his likeness was exquisitely cut.
“But,” said the other, while the royal hand was outstretched, “if Malinche refuses your demand?”
“Then—then—” And the speaker paused so long that his indecision was apparent.
“Behind the refusal,—see you what lies there?” asked Cuitlahua, bluntly.