eral was there. The brigantines gave chase to
the fugitives. Bending to their paddles with the utmost strength of
their feeble emaciated arms, they found their pursuers gaining upon
them. Casting their gold into the lake, Guatimozin directed them to
cease their exertions, and wait the approach of the enemy.

"Not without one little effort more, I beseech you," exclaimed Karee.
"See, my chinampa is close at hand. Let us try to gain that. It has food
on its trees for many days, and I have there a place of concealment,
curiously contrived beneath the water, where you and the queen may
remain without fear of detection, till we can effect your escape to the
shore."

In an instant the paddles were in the water, and the canoe shot ahead
with unusual speed. The combined energy of hope and despair nerved every
arm, and fired every heart. They neared the beautiful chinampa. Their
eyes feasted on its fresh and cooling verdure, and its ripe fruits
hanging luxuriantly on every bough. Their ears were ravished with the
music of the birds, who had long since deserted their wonted haunts in
the capital.

While the chase was gaining rapidly upon them, another of those fearful
brigantines, which had hitherto been concealed by the thick foliage of
the chinampa, rounded its little promontory, and appeared suddenly
before them. Instantly, every paddle dropped, every arm was paralyzed.
Not a word was spoken. In passive silence each one waited for his doom,
which was now inevitable. When the Spaniard had approached within
hailing distance, the Emperor rose in his little shallop, and, waving
his hand proudly, said, "I am Guatimozin."

The royal prisoners were treated with the utmost deference and respect.
Being brought into the presence of Cortez, the monarch, pale, emaciated,
the shadow of what he had been, approached with an air of imperial
dignity, and said--

"Malinche, I have done what I could to defend myself and protect my
people. Now I am your prisoner. Do what you will with me, but spare my
poor people, who have shown a fidelity and an endurance worthy of a
better fate."

Cortez, filled with admiration at the proud bearing of the young
monarch, assured him that not only his family and his people, but
himself should be treated with all respect and tenderness. "Better,"
said Guatimozin, laying his hand on the hilt of the general's poignard,
"better rid me of life at once, and put an end to my cares and
sufferings together."

"N