He then returned to where the ladies were waiting him.
The queen urged him to take two or three of the bags of jewels, but this he absolutely refused to do.
"I am acting as Cacama's friend," he said; "and as the promised husband of his sister; and I should feel myself degraded, indeed, were I to receive even one of those jewels." "But there is no saying when we shall meet again," the queen said.
"There is no knowing what terrible events may occur." "Whatever occurs, lady, I shall see you again, if I live," Roger said.

"If not, of what use are the jewels to me ?" At the appointed hour, Cuitcatl returned.
"All is in readiness," he said.
The two attendants were summoned from the apartments where they had been waiting.

Roger and his friend first carried down the bundles of clothing, and then took up the rugs containing the heavy gold ornaments; Roger taking, in addition, the small parcel with the jewels.

The attendants then took up their own bundles, and the whole party proceeded downstairs, and out into the garden.
Cuitcatl led the way with the queen.

Roger followed with Amenche, the two ladies with the porters came behind.
"How strange," Roger said.