In point of skill I could hold my own with any on board, though there were many to whom I was but a child, in point of strength.

In that matter, however, I have doubtless gained much since then.
"I shall be thankful indeed, Prince, if you can persuade them to fix on this mode of execution for me; and I thank you very gratefully, Princess, for suggesting it." They talked for some time longer, and then Roger retired to his apartment.

The next morning, soon after sunrise, he embarked with Cacama in a canoe, paddled by six rowers.
"My wife and sister bade me say farewell to you," Cacama said.
"They are sorely grieved at your going, and hope that you may return with me this afternoon.

But if not, they bade me say that they will do all that is in their power; and women can exert influence, as well as men, on your behalf." It was a long row across the lake to Mexico.

Large as was the population of Tezcuco, which was estimated by the Spaniards to contain a hundred and twenty thousand inhabitants, that of Mexico was fully three times as great.