I shall be safe in the palace, and shall only go abroad in the daytime.

They will not venture to try to carry off, openly, one known to be under Cacama's protection." Cacama, on their return, agreed with Roger that it was of no use to try to conceal his identity; and the lad, after washing the stains from his face and hands, took his accustomed place at the banquet, and was greeted by many of his former acquaintances.
After the meal Cacama told him that, having heard from Bathalda of the wonderful shooting he had made with his great bow, he was desirous of seeing it; and that by his orders the forester, who had been sent for the evening before by Cuitcatl, had been directing some of the artisans to manufacture a weapon of similar strength.
"We will go and see how it is getting on," he said.
Proceeding to the workshops attached to the palace, they found that the bow was finished.

It was constructed of a very tough, but elastic, wood.

Three slips of this had been placed together and bound with sinews.

Bathalda ran forward when he saw Roger, and taking his hand carried it to his forehead.