Here I sank to the ground overcome with pain, for while the soldiers were in sight, I was obliged to use my wounded foot lest they should suspect.

But Otomie pulled me up, saying: 'Alas! beloved, we must pass on or perish.' I rose groaning, and by what efforts I reached the south gate I cannot describe, though I thought that I must die before I came there.

At last it was before us, and as chance would have it, the Spanish guard were asleep in the guardhouse.

Three Tlascalans only were crouched over a little fire, their zerapes or blankets about their heads, for the dawn was chilly.
'Open the gates, dogs!' I said in a proud voice.
Seeing a Spanish soldier one of them rose to obey, then paused and said: 'Why, and by whose orders ?' I could not see the man's face because of the blanket, but his voice sounded familiar to me and I grew afraid.

Still I must speak.
'Why ?--because I am drunk and wish to lie without till I grow sober.