THOMAS IS DOOMED At the words of Cortes two Spaniards came forward, and seizing me one by either arm, they led me across the roof of the house towards the stairway.

Otomie had heard also, and though she did not understand the words, she read the face of Cortes, and knew well that I was being taken to imprisonment or death.

As I passed her, she started forward, a terror shining in her eyes.

Fearing that she was about to throw herself upon my breast, and thus to reveal herself as my wife, and bring my fate upon her, I glanced at her warningly, then making pretence to stumble, as though with fear and exhaustion, I fell at her feet.

The soldiers who led me laughed brutally, and one of them kicked me with his heavy boot.
But Otomie stooped down and held her hand to me to help me rise, and as I did so, we spoke low and swiftly.
'Farewell, wife,' I said; 'whatever happens, keep silent.' 'Farewell,' she answered; 'if you must die, await me in the gates of death, for I will join you there.' 'Nay, live on.