The contest was opened by two of the warriors taking positions opposite and facing each other, at a fixed distance apart. The assembled multitude became instantly stilled, and all eyes were centered upon them. The bows of the opposing bowmen were deliberately brought to position, and at a given signal two arrows sped across the space which separated them, and which were neatly stopped by the respective shields. The effect upon the audience was electrical; a shout of approval went up for the splendid exhibition of skill manifested by the contestants. The opponents, in this instance, were of Tlacopan and Tenochtitlan. After three trials the score was recorded in favor of the latter.
Another two advanced to position, and a record was made. Thus the contest proceeded to the fifth entry, when a Tepanec and Tezcucan stood opposed. Two trials were successfully achieved, but at the third the arrow of the Tezcucan clipped a piece from the ear of the Tepanec, carrying away the ring which adorned it. A prolonged shout of exultation from the Tezcucans present followed the discovery of the result of the shot.
The wounded contestant was a warrior of note in his own country, which was evidenced by the number of decorations he wore. He was greatly chagrined and angered at his mishap, and retired from the arena with bitterness in his heart, and a vengeful scowl upon his face. He was stoutly built, and would prove a dangerous adversary in a contest of strength.
The first of the series of contests was conducted to a finish, and the second was called, which was to be a contest in target shooting, to which none but women were admitted.
When the signal for their entrance was given, an array of beauty, in person and dress seldom witnessed, glided upon the scene. There were princesses, the wives and daughters of caciques and chiefs, and others with no royal blood to give them prestige--a double score.
We will not pause to describe the costumes--suffice it to say that the majority of them were gorgeous in the extreme, with elaborately wrought trimmings of gold and silver, and beautifully designed featherwork, making altogether a most fanciful picture of barbaric splendor.
The target, which in this case was the representation of a heart, was placed, and the contest opened.