THE SURRENDER Taking Otomie in my arms, I bore her to one of the storehouses attached to the temple.

Here many children had been placed for safety, among them my own son.
'What ails our mother, father ?' said the boy.

'And why did she shut me in here with these children when it seems that there is fighting without ?' 'Your mother has fainted,' I answered, 'and doubtless she placed you here to keep you safe.

Now do you tend her till I return.' 'I will do so,' answered the boy, 'but surely it would be better that I, who am almost a man, should be without, fighting the Spaniards at your side rather than within, nursing sick women.' 'Do as I bid you, son,' I said, 'and I charge you not to leave this place until I come for you again.' Now I passed out of the storehouse, shutting the door behind me.

A minute later I wished that I had stayed where I was, since on the platform my eyes were greeted by a sight more dreadful than any that had gone before.