THE SAVING OF GUATEMOC Now after this dreadful day I was kindly dealt with by the people of Tobasco, who gave me the name of Teule or Spaniard, and no longer sought to put me to sacrifice.

Far from it indeed, I was well clothed and fed, and suffered to wander where I would, though always under the care of guards who, had I escaped, would have paid for it with their lives.

I learned that on the morrow of my rescue from the priests, messengers were despatched to Montezuma, the great king, acquainting him with the history of my capture, and seeking to know his pleasure concerning me.
But the way to Tenoctitlan was far, and many weeks passed before the messengers returned again.

Meanwhile I filled the days in learning the Maya language, and also something of that of the Aztecs, which I practised with Marina and others.

For Marina was not a Tobascan, having been born at Painalla, on the southeastern borders of the empire.