First those who were in favour of my death held up their hands, then those who thought that it would be wise to spare me.

There were twenty-six councillors present, not counting Cuitlahua, and of these thirteen voted for my execution and thirteen were for saving me alive.
'Now it seems that I must give a casting vote,' said Cuitlahua when the tale had been rendered, and my blood turned cold at his words, for I had seen that his mind was set against me.

Then it was that Otomie broke in, saying: 'Your pardon, my uncle, but before you speak I have a word to say.
You need my services, do you not?
for if the people of the Otomie will listen to any and suffer themselves to be led from their evil path, it is to me.

My mother was by birth their chieftainess, the last of a long line, and I am her only child, moreover my father is their emperor.
Therefore my life is of no small worth now in this time of trouble, for though I am nothing in myself, yet it may chance that I can bring thirty thousand warriors to your standard.

The priests knew this on yonder pyramid, and when I claimed my right to lie at the side of the Teule, they gainsayed me, nor would they suffer it, though they hungered for the royal blood, till I called down the vengeance of the gods upon them.
Now my uncle, and you, lords, I tell you this: Slay yonder man if you will, but know that then you must find another than me to lure the Otomie from their rebellion, for then I complete what I began to-day, and follow him to the grave.' She ceased and a murmur of amazement went round the chamber, for none had looked to find such love and courage in this lady's heart.