"It is but two o'clock now, and it is of no use our reaching Mexico until daybreak; for the gates of the palace will be closed, and there will be no getting in, dressed as I am, until sunrise." They therefore paddled quietly across the lake, often resting for a considerable time, and so arranging that they approached the city at the same time as a number of market boats, from the villages on the lake.
"Well," Malinche asked with a smile, as he met her in one of the courts, as he entered, "and where is your lady love ?" "I have not brought her here," he said, rather indignantly.

"You did not suppose that I was going to bring her back to a barrack room?
I am not an officer, to have a suite of apartments to myself.
Besides, if I could have had the whole palace to myself, I should not have asked her to forsake her sister-in-law, in her distress.
The two have fled together, and when the usurper arrives there today, he will find that no one knows where they have gone.
"However, I hope he will not trouble himself about them.

After having taken Cacama's place, he could hardly wish to have Cacama's wife there; and I think he will be very glad when he hears that she has left.
"Can I see Cacama?
I should like to tell him that his wife is in safety." "I will take you with me," Malinche said.

"I saw him yesterday, when he was brought before Montezuma.

He is a gallant prince, and I grieve that misfortune has befallen him." Malinche led the way to the prison room where Cacama was confined.
The sentries at the door passed her and her companion without hesitation, for they knew that her influence was supreme with Cortez, and that orders did not apply to her.
"I will come again for you, in half an hour," she said, as the sentry unbolted the door.
Cacama was lying on a couch, covered with rough mats.