“Also Tahn-té the Po-Ahtun-ho makes it seen that the mountain god of this land, and the young god of the Castilian land, were maybe brothers,”––said Po-tzah watching closely the faces of the strangers. “Only your god made talking leaves––and our god gave us only the sunshine to see things for ourselves.”
“Where is this man who tells you that books are made and that false gods are brothers to the true?” inquired Padre Vicente.
“It is the Po-Ahtun-ho,” said José before Yahn could speak. “In Castilian he would be called Cacique. The word in Maya for that ruler is the same word as in Te-hua. It is a very old word. It 147 is the head of the highest order of the Spirit Things. It is what you call maybe Pope. There are many priests, and many medicine men in each village. There is only one Cacique at one time.”
“Which of these men may it be?” inquired Padre Vicente. Yahn it was who answered.
“The Cacique of Povi-whah is not seen by every stranger who walks by the river,” she said, and smiled scornfully. “He has come out of the mountain from the dance to the greatest of gods, and after that dance it is not easy to talk to earth people!”
“But––when people come from the far lands of a strange king––”
“That is the business of the governor and of the war capitan,” stated Yahn. “He who is named Cacique in this land has not to do with strangers in the valley. His mind is with the Spirit Things. These are the heads of the village of Povi-whah––here also is the governor of Kah-po. They will listen, and learn from your words, and answer you.”
“I know words,” stated Ka-yemo looking at Don Ruy and the priest. “I can say words––I teach it her,”––and he motioned to Yahn, who had dwarfed them all with quick wit and glib speech. “Woman not need in council. I––captain of war can make talk.”
“Is not the damsel enlisted as official interpreter for one of us?” queried Don Ruy. “I hold it best that the bond be understood lest the beauty be sent beyond reach––and some of our best men squander time on her trail! Since you, good father, have José,––I will lay claim to this Cleopatra who calls herself by another name,––a fire brand should be kept within vision. Your pardon, Eminence––and you to the head of the council in all else!”