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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Radio Boys' Search for the Inca's
+Treasure, by Gerald Breckenridge
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: The Radio Boys' Search for the Inca's Treasure
+
+
+Author: Gerald Breckenridge
+
+
+
+Release Date: April 28, 2011  [eBook #35987]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE RADIO BOYS' SEARCH FOR THE
+INCA'S TREASURE***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Roger Frank, Juliet Sutherland, and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net)
+
+
+
+Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this
+      file which includes the original illustrations.
+      See 35987-h.htm or 35987-h.zip:
+      (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/35987/35987-h/35987-h.htm)
+      or
+      (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/35987/35987-h.zip)
+
+
+
+
+
+THE RADIO BOYS SEARCH FOR THE INCA'S TREASURE
+
+
+[Illustration: The radio outfit paralleled an army field outfit in a
+number of respects, including the umbrella type of aerial.]
+
+
+THE RADIO BOYS' SEARCH FOR THE INCA'S TREASURE
+
+by
+
+GERALD BRECKENRIDGE
+
+Author of
+"The Radio Boys on the Mexican Border," "The Radio Boys on Secret
+Service Duty," "The Radio Boys with the Revenue Guards," "The Radio
+Boys Rescue the Lost Alaska Expedition."
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Frontispiece
+
+A. L. BURT COMPANY
+Publishers--New York
+
+
+
+
+THE RADIO BOYS SERIES
+
+A Series of Stories for Boys of All Ages
+
+By GERALD BRECKENRIDGE
+
+  The Radio Boys on the Mexican Border
+  The Radio Boys on Secret Service Duty
+  The Radio Boys with the Revenue Guards
+  The Radio Boys' Search for the Inca's Treasure
+  The Radio Boys Rescue the Lost Alaska Expedition
+
+
+
+
+Copyright, 1922
+By A. L. Burt Company
+The Radio Boys' Search for the Inca's Treasure
+Made in "U. S. A."
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+         I--OFF FOR TREASURE
+        II--A TALE OF OLD
+       III--A COUNTRY FESTIVAL
+        IV--HO FOR THE ENCHANTED CITY!
+         V--RADIO INVADES THE MONASTERY
+        VI--A SENDING STATION BUILT
+       VII--THE EXPEDITION GETS UNDER WAY
+      VIII--JACK HAS A MISHAP
+        IX--SURPRISED IN THE FOREST
+         X--IN THE HANDS OF THE INCAS
+        XI--INTO THE MOUNTAIN
+       XII--IMPRISONED IN THE ACROPOLIS
+      XIII--THE FEAST OF RAYMI
+       XIV--PRINCE HUACA FRIENDLY
+        XV--BEFORE THE COUNCIL
+       XVI--RADIO A LINK TO THE PAST
+      XVII--THE FIGHT ON THE PARAPET
+     XVIII--ARMED AGAIN
+       XIX--TREACHERY
+        XX--FRANK PLANS A MIRACLE
+       XXI--TO GO OR NOT TO GO
+      XXII--INTO THE INCA'S COURT
+     XXIII--THE OLD AND THE NEW
+      XXIV--THE MIRACLE WORKER
+       XXV--A VOICE WARNS THE INCA
+      XXVI--THE MOUNTAIN SPEAKS
+     XXVII--THE DOOMED CITY
+    XXVIII--CONCLUSION
+
+
+
+
+THE RADIO BOYS SEARCH FOR THE INCA'S TREASURE.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I--OFF FOR TREASURE
+
+
+"This is a wonderful land, fellows, full of legend and story, vast
+mountains, vast rivers, vast jungles, unexplored territory and
+unconquered tribes."
+
+It was Jack Hampton speaking, and he leaned on the rail of a coastwise
+steamer, as she came to anchor in the open roadstead of Valparaiso.
+
+"I wonder what lies ahead," said Frank Merrick, leaning beside him. "We
+ought to get some adventure out of this, besides mere civilized travel."
+
+Even Bob Temple, the most matter-of-fact of the three chums known as the
+Radio Boys, felt his imagination stirred.
+
+"Remember what that commercial traveler said last night," he interposed.
+"I mean, about the old days of the Spanish Conquest of South America? He
+certainly was filled with stories of treasure, of Inca treasure, wasn't
+he?"
+
+The other boys nodded, their eyes shining. Indeed, Juan Lopez, the young
+commercial traveler, who had taken a fancy to the boys, had told them
+glittering stories as they sat on deck under the Moon. Then they fell
+silent, their eyes on the strange scenes about them.
+
+Although a great world port, and second only to San Francisco in
+importance on the Pacific Coast of the Western Hemisphere, Valparaiso is
+not a harbor as harbors go, lying open to the sea. Great numbers of
+ships lay about them offshore, freighters from all the world. And tugs
+and lighters kept coming and going in a continuous bustle between ships
+and shore.
+
+As their train for Santiago, whither Mr. Hampton was bound on business,
+would leave in an hour, there was little time for sightseeing. Mr.
+Hampton, who knew the South American cities from former visits, on one
+of which he had taken Jack with him, assured them there was little in
+Valparaiso of historic or picturesque interest.
+
+Nevertheless, the boys kept their eyes open during the trip through the
+narrow but noisy bustling business quarter which occupies the flats
+between the shore line and the thousand-foot cliffs behind upon which
+residential Valparaiso is situated. Ascensors took them up the sheer
+cliffs, and then followed a four-hour journey by train to Santiago.
+
+They were expected, and at the Santiago station they were met by a
+family carriage which carried them to the home of Senor Don Ernesto de
+Avilar, with whom Mr. Hampton had come to transact business. With true
+Spanish hospitality, the latter on receiving word of his coming, had
+written urgently that he do not stop to a hotel, but bring the three
+boys with him as guests.
+
+The way to the mansion of Senor de Avilar lay along the Alameda, a
+boulevard 600 feet wide, which formerly had been the bed of the Mapocho
+River, and as they bowled along the boys exclaimed time and again at the
+wonderful beauty of the surroundings and of the handsome residences.
+Frank and Bob, who were undergoing great changes in their preconceived
+notions of South America as a land of ruins and half-breeds, were
+especially astonished. Jack, who had been in this part of the world
+before, grinned with satisfaction.
+
+"I didn't tell you fellows much about this before," he said. "I wanted
+to see your eyes pop out. Thought you were going to run into something
+wild and savage, didn't you? Well, this is the most beautiful
+residential city in South America, and one of the most beautiful in the
+world. Isn't it, father?" he appealed.
+
+Mr. Hampton nodded.
+
+"Santiago and Rio de Janeiro hold the palm in that respect," he said.
+"Rio, however, because of its wonderful harbor and mountainous
+surroundings is, in my eyes at least, a bit the more beautiful. Yet, as
+you can see, Santiago's natural beauties would be hard to surpass.
+However, here we are at Senor de Avilar's home. Let us hope the accident
+to his son has not been serious. In that case, we cannot stay, as we
+would embarrass the family, but will go to a hotel."
+
+They had expected Senor de Avilar to greet them in person on arrival,
+but had been told by the driver that at the last moment the latter had
+been called to a point outside the city where his son, Ferdinand, had
+been injured when thrown from a runaway horse.
+
+Fortunately, it developed, the accident had not proven serious. The
+young son of the house, a youth of their own age, had sustained a
+fractured wrist, but otherwise had escaped unharmed. He was a charming
+boy with a fairly good command of English, and he and the boys became
+warm friends during the ensuing week.
+
+As Jack, owing to his previous visit to South America, on which occasion
+he had learned the language, could speak and read Spanish fluently, and
+as he had imparted considerable knowledge of the language to Frank and
+Bob, the four got along famously. Horseback rides about the city and its
+environs were of daily occurrence, young de Avilar managing his mount in
+superb fashion despite the injured wrist.
+
+During the week, the boys saw little of Mr. Hampton and Senor de Avilar.
+The two older men were closeted in long conferences with others every
+day. For a number of reasons, the boys were curious to know the nature
+of these conferences.
+
+In the first place, at the beginning of their summer vacation from Yale,
+Mr. Hampton, a consulting engineer of international reputation, had
+called Jack into his study in their home on Long Island, adjoining the
+Temple home at which Frank, an orphan, resided, and had smiled a little
+as he said:
+
+"Well, Jack, how would you and the boys like to go with me hunting
+treasure this summer?"
+
+Hunt treasure?
+
+Jack's eyes began to shine. Then his father explained that he had
+received an urgent invitation from Senor de Avilar to cast in his
+fortunes with him on an expedition into the fastnesses of the Bolivian
+mountains in search of a horde reputed buried by the ancient Incas.
+
+"I don't know whether anything will come of it, Jack, in the way of
+fortune," his father had said, "but at least we will have plenty of
+adventurous travel. As you know, I am wealthy. The lure of gold does not
+draw me for itself. But, Jack, I'm very much afraid that in some
+respects I have never grown up. Buried treasure has a magical appeal; it
+captivates my imagination.
+
+"When I was in South America last, in connection with the mining
+interests developing a new district on the borders of Peru and Bolivia,
+I heard many tales of Inca treasure. Those old Indians had a great
+civilization, and if the Spanish conquerors under Pizarro, Almagro and
+others had treated the Incas decently, who knows what they would have
+given the world. But the conquistadores were rapacious for gold, of
+which there are vast stores in the mountains of South America, and they
+slew merely to rob and thus wiped out one of the fairest races the world
+has ever seen. The Incas undoubtedly hid much of their golden treasures
+to keep it from falling into the clutches of the conquerors.
+
+"Senor de Avilar is the head of the syndicate using my services at that
+time. And many a legend of Inca treasure did he tell me, for he, too,
+has felt the thrill. His imagination, like mine, is stirred by these
+departures from a workaday world. Now he writes me that he has come into
+possession of an ancient manuscript which he believes genuine. It
+purports to be the diary of a conquistadore who was captured by a band
+of Inca noblemen who fled far to the southward when the Spaniards
+invaded their country, and carried him captive with them. There is much
+of treasure buried in the Bolivian Andes because of the difficulties of
+transportation, and more of a magical city which the Incas founded in
+the south. This latter may have been the Enchanted City of the Caesars,
+the story of which I shall tell you some later day.
+
+"At any rate, my good friend says he wants to be a boy again and to hunt
+for buried treasure. And he knows that I feel as he does, and offers me
+the chance to go along. Many men might consider me foolish, Jack, to
+engage in such a fantastic expedition. But your mother has been dead
+these many years; you and I are alone in the world; I have made a
+fortune big enough to take care of you for life, even if I do not add
+another cent to it. And I am a young man yet. Jack, I want to go. How
+about it?"
+
+"How about it?" Jack gulped. He and this tall man with the twinkling
+eyes, and the figure as slender and hard as a boy's, called each other
+father and son. But in reality they were pals. Jack stared a moment, his
+eyes alight, then emitted a little gasp of pure joy, and jumping up from
+his chair, he threw an arm over his father's shoulders.
+
+"Dad," he gulped, "I'd never forgive you if you didn't take the chance."
+
+A hard squeeze of his hand was his father's reply.
+
+"You said something about Frank and Bob?"
+
+"Yes," said Mr. Hampton. "They have finished their Freshman year at
+Yale, and they are strong, capable fellows, able to think rapidly and
+clearly in an emergency, as they have demonstrated many times. I am
+thinking of asking Mr. Temple to let them go with me."
+
+"Hurray," shouted Jack. "Let me go tell them the news."
+
+And he was off like a shot.
+
+Mr. Temple had proved amenable. His big son, Bob, six feet tall and
+broad and powerful of frame, was destined eventually to go into the
+importing firm of which he was president. So, too, was his ward, Frank,
+son of his former business partner. South American experience, and the
+knowledge of customs of that part of the world which they would gain on
+such an expedition as proposed, would be invaluable to both. Under Mr.
+Hampton's care, moreover, they would be in good hands. Therefore,
+although shaking his head laughingly over Mr. Hampton's boyish
+enthusiasm, Mr. Temple was glad to acquiesce and to let his boys go.
+
+This was the reason, therefore, that the boys waited curiously for the
+outcome of that week of conferences between Mr. Hampton and Senor de
+Avilar, a week during which various strange men came and went. The boys
+saw little of the older men, and on the few occasions when he did obtain
+an opportunity to question his father, Jack was put off until a later
+date, when everything would be explained. Meanwhile, Mr. Hampton said,
+he was studying maps, talking with guides from the district into which
+the expedition would penetrate and had his head filled with plans.
+
+"I haven't the time to detach myself from this business to give you a
+connected story, Jack," said he, on one of the few occasions when he was
+alone with his son for a brief period. "But contain yourself, and
+presently everything will be explained."
+
+Young de Avilar knew of the proposed expedition, too, but he knew no
+more about it than Jack. He had been absent until recently in attendance
+at the University of Lima, for, though there is an ancient institution
+of learning at Santiago, his father was by birth a Peruvian who had
+attended the University of Lima, and the son followed in his steps.
+
+All four boys, therefore, were naturally eager to learn the outcome of
+the conferences. While waiting, the three North Americans had their
+interest strung to concert pitch by treasure legends which Ferdinand
+told them. He, in turn, was eager to hear what to him were even more
+marvellous stories of the scientific wonders of their own country. In
+particular, he was eager to learn about the developments of radio, which
+he had heard was in general use in the United States but which, as yet,
+had made few advances in Santiago.
+
+"I'll tell you what," said Jack, one day. "Suppose we set up a radio
+station here at your town home, and another at your country place. The
+distance is only twenty-five miles. With batteries and a spark coil, we
+can easily send that distance, certainly in this mountain atmosphere.
+I've got an outfit in my trunk, which I packed along in the belief that
+it would come in handy in the field on an expedition."
+
+Ferdinand was enthusiastic, and in a short time the two stations were
+installed, and the young Chilian was instructed in the mysteries of
+radio.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II--A TALE OF OLD
+
+
+Of all the stories of ancient days in South America which Ferdinand de
+Avilar told them, none interested the boys so much as the tale of the
+city of Chan Chan. This city was the capital of the Great Chimu, ruler
+of a mighty empire that antedated the Incas.
+
+"You see," explained Ferdinand, early in their acquaintance, "my father
+always has been greatly interested in the ancient history of our land.
+He has in his library all the books containing the old legends and
+history, and naturally I have devoured them. At one time when I was
+younger, he financed an archaeological expedition that explored the
+ruins of Chan Chan.
+
+"It is little known to the outside world, he says, that, great and
+mighty as they were, the Incas were not the first great civilized people
+of South America. Before they poured down from the Andes to conquer the
+Pacific coast, there dwelt here a powerful and highly civilized people
+called the Chimus.
+
+"Inland from Salaverry, on the Peruvian coast, was the capital of the
+Great Chimu, the city of Chan Chan. It was one of the largest cities of
+the old world, perhaps the largest, who knows. It covered more than
+forty square miles of territory, and was larger than Babylon. Here the
+Chimus had great factories for the manufacture of textiles, pottery,
+etc. Their artificers in gold and silver were cunning and skilled.
+
+"Vast wealth was theirs, vaster even than that of the Incas. There were
+great palaces and temples in Chan Chan that were repositories for the
+choicest, the most glittering works of art in gold and silver. They had
+a language that had attained a high degree of culture, a literature that
+included poetry and drama. Fragments of their writing have been found,
+and it resembled that of the ancient Egyptians.
+
+"Then the conquering Incas, having brought the Andean people under their
+sway, came to the land of the Chimus. The Incas were the Romans of this
+land, the warriors and conquerors. But the Chimus, too, were warriors,
+and the struggle between these two great nations was long and bitter. At
+last the Chimu armies, however, were forced back to the protection of
+the great walls of Chan Chan.
+
+"Long was the siege. Attack after attack was repelled. Finding they
+could not carry Chan Chan by storm, the Incas at length hit upon a
+device which had won them many a walled city. They cut off the water
+supply of Chan Chan. Lofty aqueducts had been built by the Chimu kings
+to bring water from the mountains more than a hundred miles away, and
+within the city this water was stored in a great reservoir larger than
+any ever built by the Romans.
+
+"The Incas cut off this water supply. Gradually the vast population
+penned within the walls of Chan Chan absorbed all the water in the
+reservoir. The wells which had been digged within the city were
+insufficient. The Chimus were forced to surrender.
+
+"But before the end, the Great Chimu foresaw the coming of defeat. He
+resolved to bury the Great Treasure of his dynasty. And this has never
+been found. Much of the tremendous wealth of the Incas was loot from the
+Chimus, but the Great Treasure escaped them.
+
+"When the Spaniards came," continued Ferdinand, "they learned the story
+of the Great Chimu and how he had hidden the Great Treasure. Into the
+ruined temples and palaces of Chan Chan and of other cities of the Chimu
+kingdom, they delved. Vast treasure thus was recovered, and sent to
+Spain. But the Great Treasure--no. This, says my father, has never been
+found."
+
+Seeing how eager the boys were to hear of these old tales, and nothing
+loth himself to talk about them, Ferdinand on another occasion repeated
+the legend of the "Enchanted City of the Caesars."
+
+"This story, so far as any public or semi-public record goes," he said,
+"was first made known through the sworn statements of two Spaniards who
+arrived in Concepcion, Chile, in 1557. They declared that for seventeen
+years they had lived in the Enchanted City. But while these statements
+gave details of the origin and existence of the Enchanted City, they
+supplied no accurate data for its location. Now, however, I have reason
+to believe, another statement has come to light, made by another member
+of de Arguello's little band, and giving more definite data. And it is
+this statement which my father possesses.
+
+"But I can see how eager you are, how puzzled by what I have said, and I
+shall begin at the beginning. That will be better, perhaps." And
+Ferdinand smiled at the three shining-eyed friends surrounding him.
+
+"To begin, then," he said, "it was in the days when Pedro de Valdivia
+was setting out from Peru to conquer this land of Chile, then a province
+of the overthrown Inca empire, that a galleon from Spain was wrecked on
+the coast of Tierra del Fuego at the southern tip of South America. That
+is a wild and inhospitable coast, devoid of verdure, where not even game
+is to be found. They must either march forward or die.
+
+"The captain of the band was Sebastian de Arguello. He had with him some
+200 soldiers and sailors, thirty conquistadores or gentleman adventurers
+of Spain who sought fortune in Peru, three priests, and a score of
+women.
+
+"They were a thousand miles from the nearest Spanish settlements in
+northern Chile, but there was nothing to do if they would survive except
+attempt to reach them.
+
+"So the march began, through the great forests of arbor vitae and along
+those rugged, barren coasts. In those days, there were giants in the
+land. For that is Patagonia, and it is not so many years ago that the
+last of the giant Patagonians of ancient days passed away. They were
+real giants, six and a half feet tall, terrible fighters in guerrila
+warfare. Day and night they attacked from ambush, and dread, indeed,
+must have been the times when the Spaniards were forced to abandon the
+seacoast and attempt to thread the forest, for always the giants would
+be lying in wait.
+
+"At length, however, the little band won its way through Patagonia, with
+numbers reduced from the fighting, and seven of the women dead from the
+unendurable hardships of the march. Yet they had but conquered one
+danger to encounter a greater. They are now on the borders of
+Auraucania.
+
+"You do not know what that means. Ah, my friends, even today Auraucania
+is a land that is little known. For it is inhabited by the fiercest and
+most warlike of all the Indian peoples. The Incas found them so, and
+were never able to conquer them. The Spaniards, even with cannon, could
+do nothing against them. It is only within the last forty or fifty years
+that any white men have been permitted to enter their country.
+
+"Against the wild dash of Auraucanians, de Arguello's men, doughty
+though they were, could make no headway. A counsel was held. Rather than
+face decimation in an attempt to cut their way through Auraucania, the
+members of the band decided to skirt that savage land. Eastward,
+therefore, they struck toward the vast and towering wall of the Andes,
+with some hope of skirting Auraucania, and, if not that, then to settle
+where game and water abounded.
+
+"Suddenly one day they came into a valley glimmering with lakes, a broad
+valley ringed round by mountains, with fields that were irrigated and
+under cultivation, laborers working in them, but no farm-house in sight.
+These laborers fled to the forest in fright at the approach of the
+Spaniards, but one was taken captive and brought to de Arguello to be
+questioned.
+
+"To the starved and harried Spaniards, the prospect was fair, indeed.
+What a place in which to settle. Therefore, when the laborer was brought
+before de Arguello and the conquistadores, he was plied with questions
+as to the ownership of this land. Despite the fact that he was a
+laborer, the man had a proud bearing that arrested de Arguello's
+attention. 'Art thou not of the Inca blood?' he asked. Folding his arms,
+the man replied, 'I am.'
+
+"As to what then transpired, the account does not state. For you must
+remember it was written by men who were not leaders among the Spaniards,
+but men-at-arms. They were not in the counsel. At length, however, the
+laborer was seen to depart and to make his way across the valley and
+disappear into the mountains. Camp was pitched by a spring on the edge
+of the forest, and late in the afternoon the laborer returned.
+
+"De Arguello then gave orders that his return should be awaited, which
+he declared would not be until the following day, and set out with one
+of the priests and the laborer. All that night, the Spanish force lay
+under arms, not knowing what to expect.
+
+"But shortly after sunrise the next day de Arguello returned alone. He
+called his force about him, and addressed them. 'Men,' said he, in
+effect, 'within those towering mountains beyond this valley lies an
+enchanted city. It is all built of palaces of stone with roofs that
+shine like gold. Within those palaces is furniture of gold and silver.
+They are a very pleasant people who dwell there, Incas who have fled
+thither from Peru.
+
+"Their city is ringed round with terrible mountains, abounding in gold
+and precious stones, unscalable by an enemy. The only approach is
+through a tunnel they have cut through the flank of a mountain. From
+these broad fields they draw their sustenance.
+
+"This is the message they bid me bring to you: 'If it be peace, ye can
+mix and mingle with us. There be women ye can have to wife. If it be
+war, we trust in our fastnesses.' Men, what shall it be?
+
+"With one voice, they shouted, 'Peace!'
+
+"That," concluded Ferdinand, "is the tale of the Enchanted City of the
+Caesars, so-called because the Emperors of Spain were the modern Caesars
+by reason of the vastness of their empire."
+
+"And hasn't it ever been sought for?" asked Bob. "Surely, the Spaniards
+in their eagerness for treasure would not have overlooked such a story
+as that told by the two men."
+
+"You are right," said Ferdinand, nodding, "it was sought for. Expedition
+after expedition was sent out by the Viceroys of the Spanish provinces
+clear down to the War of Independence in the early nineteenth century,
+which freed South America from the yoke of Spain. But it was never
+found, and, although there are people who still believe it existed, it
+is generally supposed nowadays to be merely mythical."
+
+"And is it in search of this 'Enchanted City' that we are going?" asked
+Frank.
+
+"I don't know," answered Ferdinand. "But I believe the 'Enchanted City'
+figures in the manuscript which my father has obtained, and it may be
+that we go to look for it."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III--A COUNTRY FESTIVAL
+
+
+The day following this retelling of the legend of the Enchanted City of
+the Caesars by Ferdinand, all four boys were called into conference by
+the two older men. To their unbounded delight, they were told that in a
+week or ten days they would set out for Potosi, the Bolivian city which
+is the center of the famous silver mining region whose discovery once
+startled the world.
+
+"Potosi," said Ernesto, "may be our starting point, but I must tell you
+that in all likelihood we shall conduct our activities in two widely
+separated regions. The ancient manuscript of which I have spoken to you,
+Ferdinand, and which Senor Hampton tells me he has mentioned to you
+others, gives us quite definite directions for our search.
+
+"It was written by a Spanish conquistadore who was with the expedition
+of Captain Sebastian de Arguello, of whom I understand Ferdinand has
+told you young fellows. This soldier of fortune never left the Enchanted
+City, according to his account, but married an Inca princess, and spent
+his remaining days in this city of wonders. From her and her relatives,
+he learned of the hidden horde in Bolivia which was cached before the
+band of Inca noblemen with their families and followers fled to the
+southward before the Conquerors.
+
+"As old age came upon him, he decided to write down an account of his
+adventures, of the wonders of the Enchanted City, and of the hidden
+wealth left behind by the migrating Incas. This, he wrote, he intended
+to entrust to one of the three priests of de Arguello.
+
+"The manuscript recently came into the hands of a relative of mine, who
+is the Superior of an Andine monastery in Southern Chile, and he,
+knowing my collector's passion for the old and mythical in our history,
+sent it to me as a curiosity. But to me it is more. I believe it
+genuine, and so I am persuaded does Senor Hampton. One of my relative's
+wandering monks, going among the Indians, was enabled to succor the
+Chief of a wild tribe in illness, and this manuscript in a battered and
+curiously wrought silver tube that had been handed down among the
+Indians for centuries, was given him as reward."
+
+The boys were shown the manuscript, which was written in purple ink upon
+sheepskin, or, at least, what they took to be sheepskin. Don Ernesto,
+however, was inclined to believe it was the skin of the alpaca, which is
+a wool-bearing animal of South America. So crabbed was the hand, and so
+curious the spelling and formation of the letters, that the boys, even
+Jack with his fine knowledge of Spanish, could make little of it.
+Ferdinand's eyes, however, glistened at this first sight of the
+manuscript, and he pored over it for hours.
+
+The two older men announced it would be necessary for them ere departing
+to visit Valparaiso for several days, and the boys were left to their
+own devices. However, the time was not to hang heavily on the hands of
+the boys, as barely had they been left alone than Ferdinand received an
+invitation from Adolfo Rodriguez, a friend living at Almahue, to visit
+him and witness a reception to a distinguished delegation of North
+Americans who were touring the South American republics.
+
+This delegation was aboard the special train leaving Santiago which the
+four youths boarded in the morning. Arriving at Almahue in the
+afternoon, the delegation was received at the Rodriguez country home, a
+beautiful mansion standing in the midst of a large park. Young
+Rodriguez, a slender, dark-eyed lad of Ferdinand's age, flew to greet
+them.
+
+"His mother is an Englishwoman," Ferdinand told them, in an aside. "And
+he has been to an English school. I have not seen him for some years."
+
+Greetings between the two friends were warm, and then the American lads
+were introduced.
+
+"How jolly," said young Rodriguez, "I thought this reception thing would
+be a bore. But with you fellows here, it will be a lark, after all. Come
+to my rooms, and you can prepare for dinner."
+
+On entering the great salon, Jack, Bob and Frank were surprised beyond
+measure. They found themselves in a profusion of palms, cypresses and
+willows, with chrysanthemums in prodigal profusion, the whole so
+tastefully arranged as to give the impression of a scene from fairyland.
+Music was played by hidden musicians during the dinner, and after the
+speeches there was to be a musicale. Young Rodriguez, however, managed
+to withdraw with his companions before the arrival of the speech-making.
+
+"After-dinner speeches are a beastly bore, always," he said
+emphatically. "I considered you fellows would be as glad to escape as I.
+Now these are your rooms, and you will find whatever you require. You
+have had a long day, and as there will be much to do and see tomorrow, I
+imagine you will want to get some sleep."
+
+With that he left them, taking with him Ferdinand. The boys realized
+young Rodriguez was eager to talk over old times with his chum, and that
+they would be up half the night chattering. Nevertheless, that was not
+hard to forgive, and as they really were tired by the unaccustomed
+scenes and bustle, they turned in after some comments on the dinner, and
+soon were sleeping soundly.
+
+The next day, the boys were up and about early, for young Rodriguez
+wanted them to breakfast with him before the visitors reached the table.
+They were surprised to learn the estate covered 15,000 hectares, and
+employed more than 400 tenants and laborers.
+
+With the visitors, the boys visited the schools of the estate, three in
+number, at one of which the boys and girls of the tenants were in
+attendance, and at the others the children of the laborers. Finding they
+could ride, young Rodriguez obtained them mounts from the stable,
+although the visiting delegation was taken about in carriages. They
+visited the beautiful church of the estate, inspected the model homes
+and recreation grounds for the overseers and laborers, and spent some
+time at the stables. Senor Rodriguez was a lover of horses, and with
+pride his son pointed out to the boys a number of race horses of famous
+pedigree.
+
+"My mother wanted me educated in England," he explained, "my father in
+South America. Finally, they struck a compromise. I was to be sent to an
+English school, but to a South American university. And so, Ferdinand,
+next year will find me with you at Lima."
+
+The other nodded with satisfaction. They had discussed this the night
+before.
+
+"You three fellows are chums," said Ferdinand, "and you can realize my
+delight."
+
+"At school in England," said young Rodriguez, looking at a famous racer
+which he had brought the boys to see, "they used to be surprised when I
+spoke of home. They imagined that everything in South America was savage
+beyond words."
+
+"To tell you the truth," said Bob, frankly, "I had false ideas about
+South America, too. These things you have been showing me, and others
+Ferdinand showed us in Santiago, make my head swim. I'm beginning to
+wonder where we can get adventure in a country like this."
+
+Ferdinand, who had told his chum of the proposed expedition, laughed
+heartily. So did Rodriguez.
+
+"My dear fellow," said the latter, "wait. You will encounter the
+mightiest mountains in the Western Hemisphere, mountains to dwarf your
+Rockies. You will disappear from all human habitation. You will cross
+trackless deserts; perhaps, you will find rivers never explored by white
+man. You may run foul of unconquered Indians. Perhaps, you may discover
+a new race. Anything is possible in this fascinating and little known
+land. All this that you see, all Santiago and Lima and our other
+cities--what, after all, is it? Nothing but the fringe of a vast
+continent. But, come, let us return, for this afternoon there will be
+something worth seeing."
+
+The prediction was borne out for, after luncheon, the band began to play
+and young folks from the estate appeared to dance the _cueca_. This is a
+dance peculiar to Chile, in which the dancers perform individually. It
+is reminiscent of other South American dances--the _bolero_, the
+_habanera_, the _bambuco_, the _jota_, the _torbellino_, and the
+_fandango_. It is danced with more grace and animation, and with deeper
+intensity than the _tango_, that dance peculiar to the Argentine.
+
+"Look at that little Spanish senorita, Jack," whispered Bob,
+mischievously, to his chum. "She certainly reminds me of your flame,
+Senorita Rafaela. Hey?"
+
+Jack grinned at his comrade's teasing. In reality, however, he never
+heard the name of Senorita Rafaela mentioned that he did not feel
+sentimental. And this dancing girl did have a coquettish lift of the
+fan, a twist of the head, a raising of the eyebrow, that reminded him of
+her. Senorita Rafaela, however, was far away, on the Mexican estate of
+her father, from whom Jack and Bob two years before had rescued Mr.
+Hampton when the latter was a political prisoner. It was no use to think
+of her now.
+
+After the dance at the home, four hundred tenants, mounted on splendid
+horses, many with handsome Spanish saddles and spurs of silver, escorted
+the party to a nearby spot where two platforms had been erected for
+dancing. Here the men, young and old, participated in foot and horse
+races. Then the young folks went to dancing, while many barbecue fires
+for the cooking of meat were lighted, wine was distributed, and the
+tenants made festa. It was a truly patriarchal scene, and one never to
+be forgotten.
+
+"This is a true example of life on the great Chilian estates," Ferdinand
+told the boys, on their way back to Santiago.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV--HO FOR THE ENCHANTED CITY!
+
+
+"But, father, we thought you intended first to explore this town of
+Potosi for the buried treasure left there by the fugitive Incas before
+they fled to the South," said Jack.
+
+"I know, Jack," Mr. Hampton explained, "but Don Ernesto and I have
+talked the matter over from every angle, and have decided against going
+to Potosi at this season. The summer months are January and February.
+And even in summer, it is bleak in that region. The hottest day ever
+recorded in Potosi went to only about 59 in the shade. The elevation is
+great; Potosi is built on top of a mountain, and there is no fuel. The
+mountains are bare of timber, and a camping expedition would run grave
+danger of freezing.
+
+"For three hundred years, Potosi has been the center of a silver mining
+region that has given up wealth seemingly without exhaustion. More than
+two billion ounces of silver have been taken from the mountain on which
+it stands, and the mines are still in operation. It is probably the most
+famous mountain in the world, this Cerro of Potosi.
+
+"It was from Bolivia," Mr. Hampton added, "that the Inca civilization
+started on its career of conquest. Combination of two Indian races, the
+_Aymares_ and the _Quibchuas_, the first warlike and the second
+industrious, the Inca nation absorbed other civilizations, brought wild
+tribes under subjection, and set up an empire remarkably like that of
+Rome. And yet," added Mr. Hampton, "there were earlier civilizations of
+which next to nothing is known, which also had reached a high state of
+development." He spoke not only of the Chimu civilization of which
+Ferdinand earlier had told the boys, but added that ruins on the shores
+of Lake Titicaca in Bolivia showed there was a civilization in that
+region antedating that of Egypt.
+
+"However," said he, "I digress. The point is that, because of the rigors
+of winter in Bolivia, we shall not try for the hidden Inca treasure but
+shall seek to make our way at once to the Enchanted City."
+
+The above conversation took place several days after the boys had
+returned from Almahue, and when Mr. Hampton and Senor de Avilar got back
+to Santiago.
+
+"The discovery of this manuscript," Mr. Hampton continued, "is what has
+lifted the legend of the Enchanted City out of the mythical. It may be a
+hoax, of course. There is always the possibility that someone went to
+infinite pains to perpetrate a joke. Yet the evidence is against that.
+Apparently the manuscript is very ancient. And Senor de Avilar's
+experts, to whom he has submitted it, say that the writing and spelling
+are those of an educated Spanish gentleman of the period of the
+Conquerors. There were few enough educated men at that time; Pizarro and
+Diego de Almagro, his comrade, you know, could neither read nor write.
+Yet there were educated men, of course, and one such must have been this
+Luis de Pereira, gentleman adventurer, wrecked with de Arguello.
+
+"Since two men, reaching Concepcion in 1557, first gave the outside
+world the tale of the Enchanted City, many expeditions have set forth in
+search of it. None were successful. At length, a century and a half
+later, Fray Menendez, a Franciscan explorer and missionary, after two
+years of systematic search, declared the story mythical. And that has
+come to be the general opinion. Yet early in the nineteenth century,
+silver drinking cups were found among a tribe of forest Indians in the
+south, and once more a party of explorers set out. This time, they
+started from Punta Arenas, in Patagonia, trying to follow northward the
+route pursued by de Arguello. They disappeared, were never heard of
+again."
+
+"Perhaps they reached the Enchanted City and stayed there," suggested
+Frank, who, like Jack and Bob, was listening with absorbed interest.
+
+"That may have been the case," said Mr. Hampton, "supposing, of course,
+that such a place existed. But, what I was going to say, was that the
+discovery of this manuscript of Luis de Pereira puts a new complexion on
+the matter. While he was not a geographer, and could not give latitude
+and longitude, yet he was a keen observer. And his manuscript gives very
+definite natural locations of mountains and river, by which we can be
+guided. Further, we know the Enchanted City lay on the southern borders
+of the land of the Auraucanos."
+
+"Oh," interrupted Jack, "those are the Indians, the great fighters, that
+Ferdinand told us about."
+
+"Yes," said his father, "and it is a good thing for us that they are
+more amenable today, or we would not even consider an expedition that
+would bring us into touch with them. They are the only unconquered
+people of South America."
+
+"And the Incas never conquered them, in spite of their powerful armies?"
+asked Jack, more in the hope of drawing out his father than by way of
+surprise, for the answer to his question Ferdinand earlier had given.
+
+"The Incas were a great people," said his father, not averse to
+informing the boys about a race with the modern descendants of whom they
+presently might come in contact, "but they could not conquer the
+Auraucanos. Neither could the Spaniards, despite armor and cannon. Not
+even the Chilians, with the improved weapons of modern times could
+conquer the Auraucanos. They are the finest tribe or race of Indians
+inhabiting the southern portion of the continent, and it is their
+intermarriage with the whites in the last forty or fifty years which has
+helped make Chile what it is today--a country with many qualities which
+distinguish it from its sister republics.
+
+"The Auraucanos were a nomad, pastoral race, numbering some 400,000 at
+the time of the Incas, some writers estimate. They were imbued with a
+high order of intelligence, and with a courage unsurpassed. The value of
+military organizations was appreciated by them. Indeed, in later years,
+of which we have record, they developed several very fine generals,
+military tacticians of a high order, such as Latuaro and Caupolican.
+Although nomads, they had a ruling family from time immemorial, and from
+this family the Chief always was drawn. The hereditary principle
+obtained, and the eldest son of a departed Chief ruled in his father's
+place unless he was incapable of assuming command of his fellow
+warriors, in which case the strongest and bravest warrior was selected.
+
+"When Valdivia, the conqueror of Chile, crossed the river Biobio and
+started to penetrate Auraucanian territory, the Auraucanos opposed his
+passage. In the beginning, in pitched battle, the Auraucanos with their
+bows and arrows, their stone tomahawks, and their wooden sabers edged
+with flint, were defeated by the mounted Spaniards, clad in armor. Then
+they took to the forest and adopted guerrilla tactics, picking off
+single Spaniards and small parties. Every foot of the way was contested,
+and when the Spaniards had penetrated a hundred miles south of the
+Biobio, the Auraucanos gathered in massed columns and by their daring,
+courage and disregard of death overwhelmed the Spaniards and annihilated
+them.
+
+"During the Colonial period, the Spaniards renewed the warfare at
+frequent intervals, but without success. The Indians had learned how to
+use the weapons which they had captured, and obtained repeated
+victories. In the end, the Spaniards made peace. The river Biobio was
+fixed as the boundary between Auraucania and the colony of Chile.
+
+"The Chilians also were unable to overcome the Auraucanos. In the end,
+however, in 1881, the Auraucanian tribal chiefs held a grand council,
+and decided to cast in their lot with the people who had overthrown the
+Spaniards. They incorporated themselves as citizens of Chile. Probably,
+German colonists had something to do with the change of attitude. For
+after the unsuccessful revolution of 1848 in Germany, a number of ardent
+German revolutionists fled to Chile and settled the city of Osorno, in
+Auraucanian territory. They intermarried with the Auraucanos, and today
+more German than Spanish is spoken in that part of Chile, and there are
+many German-language newspapers printed there."
+
+"Oh," said Jack, in a tone of disappointment, "then they are civilized
+Indians today."
+
+His father smiled.
+
+"That is one of the most flourishing parts of the Republic of Chile," he
+said. "Yet along the Andes, there is a branch of the Auraucanos that is
+still recalcitrant, and whose freedom no government has thought fit to
+challenge, because of the apparent barrenness of that mountainous
+country. However, that is the region into which we must penetrate. I
+don't know whether Ferdinand has told you, but old accounts of the
+Enchanted City declare that the Indians of the neighborhood were well
+paid by the Incas to preserve inviolate the secret of the location of
+their city. This tribe of recalcitrants may be those Indians."
+
+Frank had been sitting with his chin in his hand, thinking. Now he spoke
+up.
+
+"Do you think, Mr. Hampton, that there is any likelihood the Enchanted
+City is still flourishing?" he asked. "That it is still inhabited by
+descendants of the ancient Incas and the Spaniards?"
+
+"That is a hard question to decide, Frank," was the reply. "It would
+seem likely that if it continued to flourish, some of its sons would
+yearn to see the outside world, and would make the journey and bring
+forth news of his home. Inasmuch as nothing of the sort has occurred,
+the probability would seem to be that in some fashion or other the
+population was wiped out and the Enchanted City fallen to ruin and
+decay.
+
+"As I say, that seems by far the most likely supposition. It does not
+seem possible, in the first place, that a great city could continue in
+existence unknown to the rest of the world for centuries. Curiosity is
+one of the basic qualities of human nature. The older folks might be
+content to let well enough alone, to remain secluded and unknown in
+their city, ringed round by mountains, protected from intrusion by the
+great tunnel, by trackless forests, arid deserts and staggering
+precipices. But the more adventurous younger spirits, as I say, would
+want to know what lay over the hills, and would adventure forth."
+
+"But what would wipe them out?" asked Bob, always the practical.
+
+Mr. Hampton shrugged his shoulders. "Perhaps a plague. Perhaps the
+Auraucanos. Who knows? Maybe, some cataclysm of nature like an
+earthquake. There are cities in South America today that we know of,
+which were ruined in a matter of minutes, by earthquake.
+
+"No, the probabilities all are that, if we do find the Enchanted City,
+we will find it in ruins and uninhabited except by wild beasts. Yet what
+a wonderful experience it would be to explore those ruins, and what
+treasure would be stored there."
+
+Frank nodded.
+
+"Just the same," he said, "I'd like the experience of stepping out of
+the present into the past, of walking from a mechanical civilization
+into an Inca city."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V--RADIO INVADES THE MONASTERY
+
+
+Preparations for departure from Santiago did not occupy long, as it was
+not intended the expedition should be outfitted at the Chilian capital.
+On the contrary, the starting point was to be the isolated Andine
+monastery, presided over by Don Ernesto's relative, who had obtained and
+forwarded the old manuscript of Luis de Pereira.
+
+"At this old monastery," he told the boys, "we shall spend some time
+going over maps, talking with missionary monks who have penetrated
+portions of the wild region into which we plan to march, and gathering
+our expedition together. Our winter, which corresponds in point of time
+to your summer, is drawing to a close. By the time we are ready to move,
+spring will have come, and we can travel without too great inconvenience
+due to the weather.
+
+"Your father," he explained to Jack, "regrets delaying your return to
+college, but he feels that such an expedition will be worth a great deal
+to you and your friends."
+
+Mr. Hampton nodded.
+
+"If all goes well," he added, "you fellows will get back to Yale after
+the Christmas vacation. Even if you were to miss a whole year of class
+work, it would be worth while merely for this unusual experience."
+
+With this the boys were in hearty agreement. Farewells, then, were said
+to Santiago. The party, consisting of the two older men, the four boys
+and two trusted _huachos_, Pedro and Carlos, set out for the Monastery
+of the Cross of the Snows. The Longitudinal Railway, in the valley
+between the Cordilleras and the Andes, carried them south to Tembuco in
+the Auraucanian land, and thence they made their way by automobile to a
+tambo or inn in the Andes, where mules which had been arranged for were
+obtained. After a ten-day journey on mule back over trails that skirted
+terrible precipices, climbed cliffs seemingly impassable and by means of
+rope suspension bridges crossed gorges in the bottoms of which roared
+torrents over rocky beds, they at length reached the monastery.
+
+The Abbot, Father Felipe, was a jolly fellow, rotund as a keg, his face
+rosy and sparkling with good cheer. They were welcomed warmly. Far
+though they were to the south, and despite the fact that they were not
+in the loftiest of the mountains, the winter had been rigorous. Had it
+not been that it was what is known as an "open winter," in fact, the
+trip at that time of year would have been impossible.
+
+The trail by which they reached the monastery was free from snow, but on
+the lofty peaks above and in the distance glistened great blankets of
+snow, while during the forepart of their journey great Aconcagua's hoary
+head had sparkled far away on their left for days.
+
+"Ah, my friend," said Father Felipe, to his relative, as the party
+dismounted from mule back in the great courtyard of the monastery, "you
+are lucky, indeed, to have had such weather for travel, else would it
+have been impossible. Yet what terrible insanity possesses you, what
+fever for running up and down the land like a flea is in your blood,
+that you should attempt such an expedition. Well did I know how it would
+be with you, when I sent you that bit of ancient writing. 'Now the crazy
+man will leap upon his mule and come galloping at once to our gates,'
+said I to myself. 'And he will cry to Father Felipe to show him the way
+to this lost land at once.' Is it not so, my friend?"
+
+And Father Felipe laughed so heartily that his stout frame in its corded
+robe shook like a jelly. Don Ernesto, too, laughed, and leaping from his
+mule embraced the good priest, at least embraced as much as possible of
+his ample form.
+
+"You are always the same, Felipe," said he. "How do you manage to keep
+so cheerful in this isolated spot, surrounded by these great mountains,
+with their eternal snows? It is a great mystery."
+
+Father Felipe laughed again.
+
+"Ah, my friend," said he, "you should have my equable disposition.
+Besides, the food is good, the wine excellent. But, come. Let me know
+your friends, and then you shall be taken to the guest rooms. Everything
+is prepared for you. After you have rested a little from your journey
+you shall try my fare, and then tonight you shall tell me how it goes in
+the great world beyond our snows."
+
+Of the weeks drifting into months which the party spent here, there is
+no need to tell in detail. Delays of one sort or another, a belated
+intensity of winter, operated to keep the party from making a start. But
+the life of the monastery was a novelty to all the boys, even to
+Ferdinand, and they found much to interest them. Moreover, from Brother
+Gregorio, a great linguist, the boys learned the Auraucanian tongue as
+well as much of the Inca lore, with which he was saturated. So that, by
+and large, they were far from being bored. Moreover, all three practiced
+at speaking Spanish until they became extremely proficient in it.
+
+Nor did they come empty-handed. For while the good monks were doing
+their best to equip the boys with a knowledge of Spanish and of the
+Indian language of the region into which they would penetrate, the three
+chums had something of vast interest to impart to their instructors.
+That was a knowledge of Radio.
+
+It was Jack who thought of it first. One night, as he and Bob and Frank
+sat with Ferdinand and Brother Gregorio before a roaring fire in the
+wide chimney place of the guest room assigned them as sitting room, he
+introduced the subject. Brother Gregorio looked blank at first. Then, as
+Jack in his eagerness to make himself understood, launched into a
+description of how speech was transmitted through the air without the
+means of wires, the good monk crossed himself.
+
+"Of the telegraph I have heard," he said, "but of this other thing, not
+one word. Can it be right? Is this not the work of the Fiend?"
+
+The boys were inclined to laugh, but, as if moved by the same impulse,
+forebore lest they wound his feelings. Ferdinand intervened. He was a
+devout churchman, and knew how best to disarm Brother Gregorio's
+suspicions and lay at rest his fears.
+
+"It is not the work of the Fiend," said he, "but a great discovery of
+which the whole world rings. The Holy Father at Rome himself has
+manifested an interest in it, and it is but a development of the
+wireless telegraph which a good son of Holy Church, Signor Marconi,
+earlier invented."
+
+"Ah,"
+
+Brother Gregorio's face cleared. Then eager interest shown in his eyes.
+
+"Tell me about it," he begged.
+
+Jack at once launched into an explanation. He had with him, in his
+baggage, moreover, several textbooks of radio. These he produced, and
+pressed upon Brother Gregorio, whose knowledge of English would make it
+possible for him to study them.
+
+"Best of all, though," added Jack, "we have our field outfit of
+generator, tubes, spark coils, batteries and wire with us."
+
+"With that device of yours, Jack, you won't need an aerial," said Frank.
+"You can hook in on the electric light socket."
+
+"Righto," said Jack. "That makes it easier."
+
+The monastery had its own electric light and power plant, turbines
+utilizing the power generated by a nearby waterfall in the mountains.
+The device referred to by Frank was a plug to be inserted in the
+ordinary electric light socket, from which wires led to the aerial post
+of the instrument. This plug was so constructed that the alternating
+current, fatal to the instrument, did not pass through it. Thus the
+electric wiring of the house could be employed as aerial. No antenna and
+no clumsy lead-in was necessary.
+
+"Look here," said Jack, "Dad has a good receiving outfit with him I
+know. He has packed it with him throughout the trip, and has taken
+precious good care of it, too. He and Ferd's father are in with Father
+Felipe at this time. Just excuse me, and I'll be right back. We ought to
+be able to make use of that outfit right now."
+
+The whole party returned with Jack, and he and his father, assisted by
+Bob and Frank, set rapidly to work. As they worked, Jack talked
+excitedly.
+
+"We shall have something here presently, Father Felipe, that will
+astonish you and Brother Gregorio. How silly of me not to think of it
+before. Probably, however, I did not consider there would be any radio
+broadcasting in this part of the world to listen to. But I remember now.
+_La Presna_, the great newspaper of Buenos Ayres, recently built a great
+broadcasting station, and I read in a scientific article recently that
+it can be heard clear across the Argentine Pampas, thousands of miles,
+to the mountains.
+
+"Here we are in the mountains now. And with this device of mine for
+hooking up, and Dad's outfit, we ought to be able to hear _La Presna's_
+concerts. Now for the loud speaker, Dad. Let's hook her up, and we'll be
+ready."
+
+While Jack feverishly manipulated the controls, the others looked on
+with varying expressions. Not a word was said. All crowded around.
+Suddenly there was a faint whirring as of the buzzing of bees. Then that
+gave 'way to a noisy crackling. That, too, disappeared, and in its place
+there floated out into that ancient stone-walled room a rich,
+mellifluous tenor voice singing an air from "Manon."
+
+Father Felipe and Brother Gregorio were so astounded that their mouths
+opened and they stood, thus, speechless, while the song continued. At
+its conclusion, a voice in Spanish emanated from the loud speaker,
+announcing the next number on the programme would be orchestral, and
+immediately the room was filled with the dashing rhythm of a wild
+Argentine melody. Number succeeded number until, in conclusion, the
+voice announced the concert for the following evening.
+
+Brother Gregorio's face was radiant, but in the presence of his
+superior, he refrained from speech. Father Felipe, however, was under no
+restraint. He was delighted beyond measure. Moreover, he showed that he
+was a man of imagination.
+
+"To think," said he, "that all we heard was in far-distant Buenos Ayres.
+Who knows but that some day we can hear Rome just as easily? Who knows
+but that some day now the Holy Father himself can speak to us, his
+children, in his own voice, though we dwell at the ends of the earth?
+Yet men foolishly say the day of miracles has passed. This is as truly a
+miracle as anything that has ever happened."
+
+He spoke with energy. His face was flushed, his eyes alight. Don Ernesto
+regarded his cousin slyly.
+
+"How now, Felipe," said he, "you show all this enthusiasm over hearing
+operatic music or the dance of the Pampas guachero within monastic
+walls?"
+
+Father Felipe smiled.
+
+"Ninny," said he. "Why not? It was good music. Yes," he added,
+energetically, "and tomorrow night, if our good young friend will
+arrange it, we shall have all the brethren assemble in the Great Hall
+and hear this concert."
+
+"I am rebuked, Felipe," said the other. "You are, indeed, a father to
+your brethren. How they will enjoy this."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI--A SENDING STATION BUILT
+
+
+And enjoy it, the monks did, the following night. But to make it
+possible for all in the Great Hall to hear, Jack and Bob and Frank
+worked hard the next day. A number of ram's horns were obtained, the
+ends cut off so that an aperture an inch and a half in diameter was
+left, and the interior bored out. These were then placed in various
+parts of the Great Hall and connected by wires to the magnavox. The
+result was that the nightly concert broadcasted in distant Buenos Ayres
+could be heard in the remotest part of the Great Hall as clearly as if
+singer and orchestra were in the room itself.
+
+"What marvellous music," Frank exclaimed, later that night, as, the
+concert ended, they sat once more before their fire.
+
+Mr. Hampton nodded.
+
+"Better than any broadcasting programme in our country by far," he said.
+"And with reason. Buenos Ayres is one of the great artistic centers of
+the world. It possesses the finest opera house in the world. The Colon
+Opera House surpasses the best in Europe. Its auditorium is larger than
+any in London, Paris or Berlin, and its equipment and appointments are
+of the most luxurious and artistic.
+
+"Yet this great opera house is not the only musical outlet of the
+Argentine capital. In the winter season there are always at least three
+grand opera houses in full swing, with world-famous artists at each. In
+addition, there are minor operatic performances all the time. In fact,
+Buenos Ayres is one of the leading operatic centers of the world, and
+many a famous opera singer has graduated from its conservatories. These
+latter are more than a hundred in number, conducted by teachers of note.
+So you see _La Presna_ has a wealth of the best artists and musicians to
+draw upon for its radio concerts."
+
+"But, Mr. Hampton," said Frank, astonished, "this newspaper must be
+awfully powerful and important to obtain the services of these fine
+artists. And rich, too."
+
+"Yes, Frank, _La Prensa_ is, indeed, powerful, important and rich," said
+Mr. Hampton. "It occupies a position far different from newspapers in
+New York or in any other North American city. Like the best of South
+American newspapers, it is less provincial and less sensational than our
+own newspapers, and more cosmopolitan and educative. It occupies what is
+by all odds the handsomest newspaper building in the world,--a building
+as magnificent as the finest palaces of Europe. Among other of its many
+features, it has in that building a private theatre where visiting
+singers, actors and lecturers give private performances. _La Presna_
+will give no publicity whatsoever to any such public characters unless
+it considers them worthy. Doubtless, these radio concerts are given in
+that private theatre."
+
+"Well," said Jack, "at all events, these concerts certainly break the
+monotony of the long nights here in the monastery. It is wonderful that
+Father Felipe permits us to give them. Yes, even urged us to do so.
+Isn't that acting in a pretty broad manner for the head of a monastery?"
+
+"These missionary monks, Jack," his father explained, "are not of the
+ascetic type. They are very human persons, indeed; in fact, they
+resemble the parish priests of the United States in that respect. You
+remember that Father Collins of the parish near us at home built a
+Community Hall where he gives motion picture shows and radio concerts?"
+
+"Yes, I know," Jack said. "But monks! It is hard for me to reconcile
+this jolly, wholesome houseful of men with my preconceived ideas of a
+monastery."
+
+"Just because a man does good for mankind, you should not expect him to
+be a perpetual cloud of gloom, Jack," said his father. "Another thing
+which you must remember is that these men, Father Felipe, Brother
+Gregorio, and the others, are South Americans. That is, they come of a
+race in which the love of music is ingrained. No people on earth are so
+fond of music as these. Nowhere is music so universally accepted as
+here.
+
+"Moreover, these men are Chilians and Argentinians. That means a good
+deal, for Chile and the Argentine are the two South American countries
+in which the proportion of white blood is highest. Spanish, Italian,
+French and German are the predominant strains, and all represent
+music-loving races."
+
+It is to be feared, however, that the boys, while paying polite
+attention, in reality were thinking of other matters. Bob had a hand up
+to shade his eyes and was dozing. Jack was gazing into the leaping
+flames in the fireplace, and there was a faraway look in his eyes as his
+thoughts traveled back to those days when he rescued his father from the
+palace of Don Fernandez y Calomares in the Sonora mountains of Old
+Mexico, and met the charming Senorita Rafaela during the course of his
+mission. As to Frank, it was not difficult to gather from his next words
+of what he had been thinking.
+
+"Look here, Jack," said he, as Mr. Hampton finished his little lecture,
+"what's to prevent our utilizing the water power and the power plant of
+the monastery, and setting up a radio sending station? It would be lots
+of fun, and would help pass the time until the expedition is ready to
+start."
+
+Jack's eyes lighted up with enthusiasm, as his thoughts came back from
+faraway Mexico. Bob's head snapped up with a jerk.
+
+"Good idea," approved Jack.
+
+It was Mr. Hampton, however, who added the crowning touch.
+
+"Your suggestion is fine, Frank," said he. "And with such a station at
+our base, and a field radio equipment to keep us in touch with each
+other, we should be safeguarded against almost any accident. If we
+become lost, injured in attack from savages or in accidents due to
+wilderness travel, or if we suffer any big misfortune necessitating
+help, we can communicate the facts of our predicament to the base here.
+Father Felipe is a resourceful man, and undoubtedly would find some way
+to come to our aid."
+
+For some time longer, plans for the construction of the proposed station
+were discussed. The biggest item to be supplied would be wire, but this
+Mr. Hampton considered they probably could find at the monastery, as the
+institution, because of its isolation and the difficulty of bringing in
+stores from the outside, would have a considerable stock on hand at the
+power plant.
+
+Such, indeed, proved to be the case, and early the next day work on the
+proposed sending station was begun. Several of the monks who were clever
+artisans, were assigned by Father Felipe to the work. At the monastery,
+all inmates had trades in which they were proficient, and all the work
+of farming, building, electric wiring, etc., was done by monks.
+
+Day by day the work progressed, halted only at times when storms swept
+down from the mountains and buried the monastery in a blanket of snow.
+To the boys it was interesting and enjoyable, of course, but to the
+monks it was far more. As they worked under the boys' directions, it
+seemed to them they were helping effect a miracle.
+
+Moreover, the nightly concerts continued, and of these Brother Gregorio
+said to the boys:
+
+"When our plant is completed, we must send a message to _La Presna_,
+telling of our gratitude. Perhaps, too," he suggested timidly, "you will
+let me speak to the editor of this invention of yours whereby we were
+enabled to utilize our monastery wiring instead of running up what you
+call it--an aerial?"
+
+Jack shook his head, smiling.
+
+"Other men have been working on that same device," he said, "at least on
+that same idea. Presently some firm will perfect one and put it on the
+market in the United States. Then it will be farewell to the aerial with
+its poles and lead-ins, arresters and ground switches. Outside aerials
+and clumsy indoor loops will be things of the past."
+
+"Why didn't you market this device yourself, Jack?" asked Frank. "You
+worked it out toward the end of the year at Yale. If you had patented
+it, and put it on the market, you could have made a fortune."
+
+"Perhaps I could have made a fortune, as you say, Frank. But the truth
+of the matter is that when Dad mentioned the possibility of his
+expedition, every other thought fled out of my mind. And it was just as
+well, for to have put this on the market would have meant repeated
+conferences with manufacturers, trips to Washington, and one thing and
+another. I would have had to give up making this expedition, and I
+couldn't bring myself to do that."
+
+Frank nodded.
+
+"Imagine doing that," he said. "I'd sooner kiss the fortune goodbye.
+Besides, what a chance here to make a fortune, if we find the Enchanted
+City! And that will be a lot more romantic way of making it than by a
+business move."
+
+Mr. Hampton, who had approached in time to hear the conclusion of this
+conversation, shook his head, but smiled, nevertheless.
+
+"Won't you fellows ever grow up?" he asked.
+
+Jack grinned.
+
+"You're a fine one to talk to us like that, Dad," he said. "Look at your
+own case. Here you are, an engineer of international reputation,
+exacting princely fees for your services. Yet you go and sacrifice what
+probably will amount to a whole year of your time, in order to make this
+expedition."
+
+Mr. Hampton returned Jack's broad grin with interest.
+
+"I am properly rebuked, Jack," he said. "Well, what's more fun than
+doing what you like to do, once in a while? When I was a boy I had to
+work pretty hard, for my people were poor. I worked my own way through
+college. All the time, I dreamed of adventurous and romantic
+expeditions, but I had no chance to make them. My nose must always be
+between the covers of a textbook at night. My thoughts must be on
+business during the day.
+
+"As a matter of fact, my recollection of my own youth actuated me in
+giving you this chance. I know what a boy wants. I was denied it myself,
+and I mean you shall have better luck."
+
+Turning abruptly, he walked away. The boys were silent. When he was out
+of earshot, Frank said earnestly:
+
+"Jack, your father is a prince."
+
+"I never heard him talk quite so freely of his own youth before," said
+Jack, thoughtfully. "I want to know more about it."
+
+Without further explanation, he, too, set off in his father's wake.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII--THE EXPEDITION GETS UNDER WAY
+
+
+With the coming of the first warm weather, delightful and interesting
+though their stay at the monastery had proven to be, the boys were eager
+to get under way upon the last stage of their hunt for the Enchanted
+City. Don Ernesto and Mr. Hampton, though less enthusiastic on the
+surface, were no whit less desirous to be moving on than the boys.
+
+Father Felipe, reluctant to part with them, for they had enlivened the
+placid hours of life in the lonely monastery immeasurably, nevertheless
+saw that it would be useless any longer to interpose objections to their
+departure.
+
+"Good weather has arrived," he said, at length, one balmy day. "I know
+the mountains. There will be no more snow or cold winds. Rain, yes. For
+on this western slope of the Andes we always have showers and
+thunderstorms. But snow, no. Spring is definitely here.
+
+"I wish I could dissuade you, my friend," he said to Don Ernesto, in a
+graver tone than was customary for the jolly Abbot to employ. "I wish,
+indeed, you could be persuaded to turn aside from this foolish
+adventure. I have a feeling that grave danger will come to you. My
+spirits seem depressed."
+
+"Ah, Father Felipe, you have not dined well today," said Don Ernesto, in
+a sympathetic tone belied by his dancing eyes. "A trace of indigestion,
+maybe. I, too, often feel depressed for like cause."
+
+"Nay," said Father Felipe, indignantly. "A little fish, coffee--what is
+there in this to give me indigestion? But you must joke, you crazy man,
+eager to run up and down mountains and poke your nose into places where
+white men have never trod. There will be trouble, I tell you, trouble."
+
+And the good Abbot sighed like a miniature earthquake.
+
+Brother Gregorio, also, was reluctant to see the party set out. The
+boys, all four of them, had endeared themselves to him. Especially was
+he fond of Frank, in whose quick, responsive mind and sensitive spirit
+he seemed to sense a kindred strain.
+
+The boys found him at the power plant, pottering around, when they told
+him of their imminent departure. His face fell, and for a time he could
+find no words to utter. He had known, of course, that their stay would
+not be forever. But so long had it lasted during the winter months that
+it had seemed to him as if matters would continue in _statu quo_ or
+without change for an indefinite period. Now to be told that they were
+going to leave within the week was a blow.
+
+At length he walked away from the group, and stood on the brink of the
+pool into which cascaded the water from the falls, his hands behind him,
+his back to the group.
+
+"He takes it hard," said Jack. "Frank, he likes you best of all. We'll
+leave you here with him."
+
+Frank nodded.
+
+"I guess that's a good idea," he said soberly. "Brother Gregorio is a
+fine fellow, and we understand each other."
+
+As the others departed, they looked back and saw Frank go up to the monk
+and place an arm over his shoulders. They stood thus for a long time, no
+words interchanged.
+
+When it came to the point of packing for the journey, there was much
+that could not be taken along. Brother Gregorio, indeed, would have
+loaded each man like a pack mule with his gifts of this, that and the
+other--of clothing, boots, ponchos, prayer books and what not, of
+medicine cases and packages of herbs and simple remedies. Nor were
+Father Felipe or the many other monks to whom the various members of the
+party had endeared themselves, the less behindhand in their offerings.
+
+"We can't take all this stuff," said Jack, in comical dismay, as he
+stood in their common sitting room, surrounded by bundles, boxes, heaps
+and bales. "What'll we do with it? Every single thing that I take up, I
+say to myself, 'Well, this will be absolutely useless, and just in our
+way. But if we don't take it, we shall break Brother Gregorio's heart or
+Father Felipe's heart or somebody's else heart.' What are we going to
+do?"
+
+Mr. Hampton shook his head.
+
+"There are only eight of us, Jack," he said. "And we can't overload
+ourselves. We have difficult country through which to make our
+way--country that for a large part is trackless and uncharted. We can
+afford to take only essentials."
+
+"Yes, but, Dad, Brother Gregorio and the rest of them consider all they
+have given us as essential."
+
+Don Ernesto laughed.
+
+"Bale up what we can't take, and leave it here against our return," he
+said. "Let none of the monks see what has been taken and what left
+behind. Thus no feelings will be hurt."
+
+Jack's face brightened.
+
+"Good idea," he said. "Well, come on fellows. Now this we can't take,
+and this and this."
+
+For hours they were busy sorting out the useless gifts, and for other
+hours busy packing them securely and stowing away in the sitting room to
+await their return.
+
+At length the expedition was ready to start. The mules were packed,
+Carlos, Pedro and the monks being expert in the art. Besides the
+necessary food supplies and camping equipment, the luggage contained
+field radio equipment of various sorts. There was a tube transmitter,
+several sizes of spark coil, coils of fine wire, and duplications of the
+standard U. S. Army field radio--several sets of hollow, light steel
+poles in collapsible sections, a hand-operated quarter-kilowatt
+generator, headphones and batteries being the main articles.
+
+"With the tube transmitter we can reach you at our base here, Father
+Felipe, for short distances," said Mr. Hampton. "But for long distance
+work, the tube transmitter and batteries would not be strong enough. In
+that case, this little generator will be the thing to employ. You might
+consider us foolish to take all these duplications of equipment, but
+they do not weigh much and, we have so distributed all among the mule
+packs, that even if part become lost, we shall still have others upon
+which to fall back."
+
+Father Felipe looked about him at the assembled monks, and smiled.
+
+"If you get into a tight place," he said, "call on us for help. It may
+seem foolish to offer you the help of men of peace, yet we are no puling
+men here, but strong, stout fellows all. Even should you be taken
+prisoners and require stout arms to rescue you, call upon us. There be
+many here who have soldiered in the past and who could strike a right
+good blow in a righteous cause, I warrant you."
+
+"I can easily believe that, Father Felipe," answered Mr. Hampton with a
+smile. "Well, bid us Godspeed, and we shall be on our way."
+
+The Abbot embraced Mr. Hampton, Don Ernesto and the boys unaffectedly.
+Brother Gregorio and Frank did likewise. The other monks raised a cheer.
+Then there was a period of silence while all knelt with uncovered head,
+and Father Felipe prayed aloud for the safe return of the expedition.
+
+Not until then did they swing off along a trail up the side of a
+mountain that would presently vanish upon a bare mountain top, they were
+assured, after which they would have to trust to their own energy and
+resource for getting forward. At a bend in the trail all halted and
+faced about for a last look at the monastery.
+
+"It makes me feel as if I were living in mediaeval times," said Frank.
+"The stout Abbot and his jolly monks, us setting off afoot with a mule
+train, the prayer delivered over us as we start. Boy, this is the way to
+live."
+
+Jack reached over to clasp his chum's hand strongly, and Mr. Hampton
+regarded the two with a little smile of sympathy.
+
+"I feel the same way, boys," he said. "This is something I've always
+wanted to do. Yes, it is good to be alive and starting out on an
+adventure of which no man can guess the end."
+
+"Just a boy, you are, my friend," said Don Ernesto, jestingly. "But I,
+too. I, too. Come, let us get forward."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII--JACK HAS A MISHAP
+
+
+Of that trip during the ensuing days there is little of moment to
+record. Sometimes they advanced less than five miles a day. Sometimes,
+where the going was easy, through a valley leading in their general
+direction, perchance, where there was little underbrush and the
+benchland along the stream gave firm footing, the distance travelled was
+considerably more.
+
+But, whether the going was easy or hard, whether few miles were covered
+or many, there was not a foot of it all that was not intensely
+interesting to the boys, and not only to the three New York lads, but to
+Ferdinand as well.
+
+Steadily they mounted higher into the mountains, skirting precipices of
+which sometimes the bottom could not be seen. On one occasion, as they
+made camp at night upon a lofty meadow against the shoulder of a
+mountain on one side, and with a precipitous drop on the other, they
+looked over the edge into the abyss and drew back frightened.
+
+"Why, you can't even see the bottom," exclaimed Jack. "It's hidden by
+the clouds."
+
+Which was true; for five hundred feet below lay a fleecy stratum of
+cloud, through which on the edges projected the tops of trees, but which
+in the middle was as unbroken as a placid sea. Across the valley the sun
+was setting in the west, its rays red as blood upon the side of the
+mountain behind them and upon their faces. Then the sun seemed quite
+suddenly to slip below the mountain top, the sky became colder in
+appearance, and a chill wind swept down out of the mountains, while the
+cloud sea below began to stir and toss a little under the wind's
+fretting.
+
+"By Jiminy," said big Bob, "I'll bet it's so deep down there, if I toss
+this stone overboard you'll never hear it fall."
+
+He suited action to word. The stone ripped through the clouds and the
+boys held their breath to listen. Not a sound came back to them.
+
+"Whew," shivered Frank. "Come on, let's get away from the precipice
+before some demon pushes us in. Up here I begin to believe in demons and
+warlocks, kobolds and gnomes."
+
+They hurried toward the fire which Carlos and Pedro had built.
+
+On another occasion, as they were climbing early one morning out of a
+high valley over the shoulder of a mountain, Jack slipped on a rock that
+turned under his foot, and, falling to his side, began sliding down
+hill. Not far away was another precipice, with a sheer drop into a rocky
+ravine where there were not even any trees to break his fall.
+
+Mr. Hampton made a leap for his son, but he was too far away to be able
+to reach him in time. Jack meanwhile was clawing desperately at the
+ground, in an attempt to stay his downward progress. Frank, who was
+nearer than Mr. Hampton, also started for Jack, impeded, however, by the
+necessity of watching his own footsteps to prevent slipping. It was big
+Bob, however, who saved his comrade, and he did it in a novel way.
+
+At a glance, his quick eye took in the situation. He saw that the ground
+sloped so sharply that whoever should run to Jack's rescue might merely
+hasten his descent by further loosening the loose rocks that lay
+everywhere about and sending them down on the sliding figure.
+
+Further, would there be time for a man to reach Jack? He believed not.
+
+But by his side, over a pack on the mule with which he had been keeping
+pace, hung a coiled lasso. Two years before, during their stay in New
+Mexico, Bob had been fascinated by the manipulations of the lasso, of
+which his cowboy friends were capable. He had worked under their
+tutelage, and had acquired considerable dexterity. On his present trip,
+he had amazed the monks by his skill, and had kept his hand in with
+constant practise.
+
+Seizing the lasso, he measured the distance, swung once, twice, thrice
+around his head, and then let fly. The coil straightened out through the
+air. The noose descended over Jack's upflung arm and trunk. His feet
+braced, Bob let the rope out gently, while Jack slid a matter of several
+feet more.
+
+Thus Bob prevented too great strain being put upon the rope that might
+upset him, and also refrained from injuring his chum.
+
+Jack came to rest, outstretched, one arm pinioned by the lasso, which
+passed beneath the other armpit. His feet were already over the edge of
+the precipice.
+
+"Give me a hand, Frank, and you, Mr. Hampton," panted Bob.
+
+They sprang to obey.
+
+Inch by inch at first, Jack was pulled back from the brink, until he was
+sufficiently far removed from it to warrant him in gaining his feet.
+Then he made his way, limping, helped by the steady tug on the rope,
+back to his comrades.
+
+"Bob, you saved my life," he said. "I won't forget."
+
+Then he sat down weakly, and dropped his head to his hands.
+
+"Here, Jack," said his father, "take a sip of this. It will steady you,"
+and he set a flask to Jack's lips.
+
+Presently, Jack regained his feet, and with a shake, pulled himself
+together.
+
+"I'm all right now," he said. "But--for a moment or two there--I felt as
+if I still were on the brink and just toppling over. I tell you, that
+was no joke. There wasn't even a stunted bush to grab at as I slid
+down."
+
+Day succeeded day, sometimes sudden storms forcing them to seek shelter
+in mid-day, before they contemplated going into camp. These storms in
+the mountains come up suddenly. The sky would darken, thunder roll
+reverberatingly along the hills, lightning flash, and then would come a
+tremendous downpour of rain. Quickly as the storm arose, however, it
+went as quickly.
+
+Always as they pushed ahead, they climbed higher into the mountains.
+
+"But, Dad," protested Jack one day, "can it be the Enchanted City was
+among these lofty peaks? Would de Arguello's expedition, for instance,
+have gotten so high?"
+
+"Patience, Jack," explained Mr. Hampton. "Tomorrow, I believe, we start
+descending. We are almost at the top of a range of mountains now. Today,
+several times, I caught glimpses of a snow-clad range beyond--so far
+away, indeed, that I believe there must be a great central valley
+between. Somewhere in there, if our vague directions left by de Pereira
+are of any value, lies the Enchanted City."
+
+That a great central valley did intervene between that range and the
+next was proven next day when, coming through a pass, they discerned a
+tossing, forest-clad wilderness of scarp and mountain, lake and river,
+cut up by mountains irregularly scattered about, spread out below them.
+The next regular chain of mountains, paralleling that through which they
+had been making their way, lay far beyond, and their peaks were white
+with snows.
+
+"We shall have difficulty exploring this wilderness below us," said Don
+Ernesto. "This is beyond any regions where white men go. There are
+hostile branches of the Auraucanos down there--somewhere. Somewhere down
+there, too, lies the Enchanted City, however. And if it is to be found,
+we shall find it. Game and water, at least, shall not be wanting. Come."
+
+They set off as into a promised land.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX--SURPRISED IN THE FOREST
+
+
+"I wonder where Dad is?"
+
+For the twentieth time in the last hour, Jack, striding up and down in
+the little forest glade, high up in the mountains, where camp had been
+pitched the day before, came to a halt before Frank and Bob,
+out-sprawled and napping in their hammocks, and asked his question. They
+had reached this spot after weeks of travel from the monastery.
+
+"Yes," said Ferdinand, coming up, "and my father?"
+
+He, too, had been doing a restless sentry-go to and fro, unable to
+remain quiet.
+
+Three hours before, shortly after dawn, the two older men had left the
+camp in company with Carlos, to hunt small game. They had promised to
+return in a couple of hours.
+
+"Oh, they're just an hour or so overdue, Jack," said Frank, putting
+aside a book of old Inca tales which he had been reading, and examining
+his watch. "I don't think there is anything for you two to worry about.
+They'll be back shortly."
+
+"Yes," said Bob, comfortably, stretching and yawning, "they probably
+went a little farther than they expected to, that's all."
+
+Jack shook his head.
+
+"I haven't heard the report of any firearms since they left," he said.
+"I'm afraid they may have wandered too far afield, not finding any game
+close at hand, and in these great trackless forests they may easily have
+become lost."
+
+"What does Pedro say?" asked Frank.
+
+With an exclamation, Ferdinand called to his retainer in Spanish, and
+the latter approached. There was a rapid interchange of conversation.
+Pedro shook his head in negation, and spread out his hands.
+
+"No, Carlos has never been in these mountains."
+
+Ferdinand's expression became worried. He shook his head, as he turned
+to the others.
+
+"What shall we do?"
+
+"We will have to start looking for them," said Jack, determinedly. "They
+are lost. There is no doubt about it. But in these forests they may have
+swung about in a circle, and be near camp without realizing it. I'll
+climb this great tree here in the clearing, and look around first. Then,
+if I cannot see them, four of us can set out to the four quarters of the
+compass, while the fifth remains in camp to fire off a gun at frequent
+intervals. That will serve to keep the searchers in touch with camp, and
+also will act as a guide to the others, in case they are within sound of
+the gun."
+
+Jack's spirits had sunk low, despite his confident tone. He had a
+premonition of evil. The fact that no gun shots had been heard, led him
+to believe that the party at the very least had gone far astray. In that
+case, of what use for the searchers to stay within sound of a gun. The
+possibility of finding traces of a trail which could be followed,
+however, occurred to him. Without further words, he sprang into the tree
+and began clambering up the great trunk.
+
+On the Chilian side, the mountains of the south are forest-clad and,
+because of the heavy rainfall on the west coast, there are numerous
+streams and lakes cutting them up. On the eastern or Argentinian slope,
+however, so little rain falls that the mountains are almost entirely
+bare of verdure.
+
+The spot in which the party had pitched camp was a thickly-forested
+valley through which flowed a clear mountain stream. They had been
+unable, because of the density of the forest, to see much of their
+surroundings on arrival late the previous afternoon. In the morning,
+therefore, the two older men and Carlos had gone scouting as much as in
+search of game.
+
+Before their departure, Mr. Hampton had called Jack to him.
+
+"Undoubtedly, Jack," he had said, "we are getting close to our
+destination. Somewhere in this region must lie the Enchanted City. Once
+let us find a valley containing one great lake and three smaller ones,
+as described by de Pereira, and we shall have the first of our definite
+landmarks. However, although we must be close to our destination, it has
+never been found yet so far as outsiders know, and we may not succeed,
+either.
+
+"It is possible," he had added, thoughtfully, "that some descendants of
+the old Incas may still reside in the Enchanted City, just barely
+possible. If so, I have sometimes thought, there may be a reasonable
+explanation for the failure of any reports of their city to reach the
+outside world. Few as are the men who push into these trackless forests
+and vast mountains, there yet must have been some who did so in the last
+two or three centuries. They may have been captured and either killed or
+imprisoned, in order to guard the secret of the city."
+
+Jack was thinking of these words of his father as he continued to climb
+higher and higher into the tree, and his heart sank. That premonition of
+evil which weighed him down! Did it mean, perhaps, that there really
+still did exist dwellers in the Enchanted City, and that his father's
+party had been surprised and captured? He would not let himself believe
+they could have been killed, but resolutely set his face against the
+thought.
+
+Arrived at a height beyond which, because of the thinning of the trunk,
+which already swayed under his weight, he did not dare to go, Jack at
+last found time to look about him. He hooked one arm about the trunk of
+the tree, twined his legs about it, and with his free hand fumbled at
+the case slung by a strap about his neck, which enclosed the field
+glasses.
+
+Meantime, his gaze roved over the scene. Down-stream he could see the
+break in the mountains through which they had entered the valley. To
+either side, the tree-clad heights sloped up. But ahead----
+
+An exclamation broke from him. It was that direction which his father
+had taken, following down the stream. Now he could see what had not been
+discernible from the ground, namely, that ahead the forest walls
+narrowed to a pass. And through this he could see the glint of sunshine
+upon water.
+
+He set the glasses to his eyes and adjusted the focus. The water now
+resolved itself into what evidently was a considerable body, the ends of
+which he could not see. For a considerable time he gazed upon it,
+without discerning any signs of life or movement. Then, sweeping the
+hills, but without result, he descended.
+
+"Look here, fellows," he said, "that other plan of mine to strike out in
+four directions in the belief that, perhaps, the others became lost and
+wandered in a circle, is unnecessary. There is only one direction in
+which to look for them I am convinced, and that is directly ahead."
+
+Thereupon, he described what he had seen.
+
+"You see, it isn't likely that they would have wandered in a circle,
+because the sides of this valley are so close together that they would
+soon have been upon a slope, and have realized their predicament.
+Moreover, although the sky was gray and overcast when they set out, yet
+the sun since has dispersed the clouds."
+
+Investigation of his father's effects earlier had shown Jack that he had
+set out without his pocket compass, probably feeling that the stream was
+sufficient guide. And it was this fact which had brought Jack's anxiety
+to high pitch.
+
+"Well, the best thing then is for us to go downstream, isn't it?" asked
+Bob.
+
+Jack nodded.
+
+"One of us should stay in camp," said he. "Which shall it be?"
+
+Frank thought a moment.
+
+"You and Ferdinand must go with the search party," said he. "Both of you
+are worried about your fathers. Bob and Pedro and I will draw straws."
+
+Then Pedro unexpectedly objected.
+
+"Master Ferdinand," he said, in an anxious tone, plucking the other by
+the sleeve. "You know I am no coward. Yet I have the feeling all is not
+well. And I do not care to stay here alone."
+
+"Why, Pedro, nothing can happen to you," said Ferdinand. "You will be in
+this clearing where nobody can approach unseen. And you will be armed."
+
+Pedro shrugged, but was silent.
+
+"Have you seen anything to make you fear?" Ferdinand asked, gazing at
+him keenly.
+
+Pedro's voice was low.
+
+"No," said he. "Naught have I seen. But I feel it. Here." And he placed
+a hand upon his breast. "There is some evil in these forests."
+
+"Here, here," said Frank, interrupting. "This search must not be
+delayed. I'll stay."
+
+"And I'll stay with you," said Bob. "Three's enough for the search."
+
+Frank threw him a grateful look, knowing well that it was consideration
+for him which prompted his big chum's proffer. Nevertheless, he started
+to protest, but Jack interrupted.
+
+"Good idea," he said. "Well, let's go. If we get into any sort of
+trouble, we'll fire three times in rapid succession. As for guide, if we
+follow the stream, we cannot go astray."
+
+He did not put it into words, but Pedro's premonition of evil had
+effected him, coming as it did in confirmation of his own vague yet
+powerful fears. He wanted to plunge ahead without more delay. Therefore,
+with Ferdinand and Pedro at his heels, he set off rapidly down the
+stream.
+
+As their friends disappeared, Frank, looking thoughtful, turned to his
+chum.
+
+"Bob, I don't know what to make of all this," he said. "But I have a
+hunch it would not be a bad idea for us to keep some sort of watch,
+instead of merely dozing. So I'll take the first watch for an hour, and
+then you can relieve me."
+
+"Suit yourself," said Bob, indifferently. "I don't see what's the matter
+with all you fellows, though. Mr. Hampton and Ferdinand's father
+couldn't find any game close at hand, and kept on pushing farther ahead
+than they had expected to go. That's all it is. Nothing to worry about."
+
+Despite his friend's easy manner, however, Frank could not shake off the
+feeling of worry that possessed him. Most sensitive of all the boys, it
+was he who was accustomed to feel first of all the influence of evil
+close at hand. And, in fact, it had been so in the present case. But he
+had cloaked his feelings in order not to aggravate Jack's worry
+regarding his father.
+
+Now, while Bob lay on his back, his hands under his head, in the
+hammock, and talked in scattered sentences, Frank sat with his rifle
+across his knees, on a stool before the tent, with his bright eyes
+roving over the clearing, searching the trees and underbrush.
+
+Suddenly he leaped to his feet and threw his rifle to his shoulder,
+while big Bob, startled into wakefulness by the abrupt movement, rolled
+out of his hammock to the ground.
+
+Then out of the woods stepped a young man clad in a soft white tunic,
+belted with a golden girdle, wearing shoes of soft untanned leather that
+came almost to his knees, and having gold bracelets about his arms above
+the elbow, and anklets of gold about his legs.
+
+"Forebear, Senor," he commanded, in a rich yet imperious tone. "You are
+surrounded."
+
+Archaic though the Spanish was, Frank could understand. Especially, as,
+following with his gaze the wave of the other's hand about the clearing,
+he saw step from the trees a ring of forms similarly clad.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X--IN THE HANDS OF THE INCAS
+
+
+Even then Frank and Bob would have fought for their freedom, stupefied
+though they were. In fact Bob, who had fallen to the ground in tumbling
+from the hammock, had seized his gun which was standing against the
+tree, but the commanding voice of the glittering stranger again bade him
+forebear.
+
+"Behold, we, too, have fire sticks that speak with tongues of flame and
+carry the unseen death."
+
+He swept his hand again around the clearing. And the two young fellows
+saw in the hands of the score of men ringing them 'round, weapons
+mounted in silver and gold and ancient in appearance, yet firearms,
+nevertheless, it was not to be doubted.
+
+"Lower your gun, Bob, but don't relinquish it," whispered Frank, in
+English. Then in Spanish, and seeking to put into his voice all the
+imperiousness which he could summon, he added:
+
+"We are travelers on peaceful business. By what right do you steal upon
+us like this? Surely," he added, in a tone of scorn, "you are not
+thieves who would rob us of our few belongings."
+
+"You come into a land whence no man may bear report abroad," said the
+other, darkly. "Yet fear not. Your lives are not in danger, if you will
+but yield peacefully. And"--he added, simply--"if you would fight, these
+would die for me. Though some be killed, yet can you not hope to
+escape."
+
+The two looked at each other.
+
+"Ask him where the others are," said Bob. "I can hardly understand his
+lingo. Sounds like Spanish, all right, yet it's a new kind of Spanish to
+me. You get along better than I do, so fire away."
+
+"We had some friends," began Frank. But he was interrupted.
+
+"They are alive and in our hands," said the stranger. "Speak. Will you
+fight or submit?"
+
+"And you promise we shall not be slain?" asked Frank.
+
+He realized that such a promise would not be worth much, perhaps, yet
+that it would be suicidal to attempt to fight. As the stranger had said,
+though they might kill some of the enemy, yet inevitably they must
+themselves be slain. They were hemmed in, and without shelter, and the
+men ringing them 'round were determined-looking fellows of military
+bearing.
+
+"I have said," answered the leader.
+
+"Then we surrender," said Frank. "But I warn you that we are citizens of
+the United States and that our government will demand an accounting for
+us."
+
+The leader regarded them with a slight trace of bewilderment. Then his
+face cleared, and he said:
+
+"I do not understand your words. But suffice it you are in the Forbidden
+Land. Now lay down your sticks of fire."
+
+The boys complied. As they bent over, their heads close together, Frank
+whispered in a low voice:
+
+"We're up against it, Bob. He never heard of the United States."
+
+At a sign from the leader, two men advanced to the sides of each of the
+boys, deprived them of their revolvers, and then, disdaining to tie
+their hands, led them to one side. There Bob and Frank stood, a soldier
+on each side of him, clad in tunic and soft leather boots, and looked on
+while the others of the company packed up the camp baggage, struck the
+tents, led up the mules from their pasturage nearby, and loaded them.
+Camp was struck in an incredibly short time, and they started downstream
+and out of the valley.
+
+The leader of the party had a proud, hawklike face, and as he strode
+ahead, Frank's eyes kept returning fascinatedly to that profile.
+
+"Bob," he said, "I'll bet we've fallen into the hands of the Incas."
+
+His speech was in English, but at the concluding word the soldiers
+guarding him looked sharply at Frank. The leader, too, spun around. He
+glanced sharply at the boys, then once more looked away. No word was
+said. But both boys noted the glances cast at them, and both were quick
+to understand.
+
+Incas! Frank had guessed correctly.
+
+"Did you see that?" asked Frank.
+
+Bob nodded.
+
+"Well, Bob, we're in for the experience of our lives. And as long as
+Jack and his father and the rest of the party are all right, I can't say
+that I object. We've stumbled on the Enchanted City, or I miss my guess.
+At least, we've gotten near it, and have been taken prisoner by the
+inhabitants. But think of finding descendants of those old boys, after
+all these centuries, hidden away from the world, and not a soul knowing
+anything about it.
+
+"Why, Bob, there has been nothing like it in history."
+
+Bob nodded, but his voice was more sober as he replied:
+
+"Yes, it's a pretty safe guess that we've found what we came searching
+for. But from all appearances, we may not be able to leave it. Didn't
+that chap call this the 'Forbidden Land?'"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And didn't he say something about our being in a place of which no
+report was allowed to get out?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"That's what I thought. But I couldn't understand him very well. My
+Spanish isn't the best in the world, anyhow."
+
+"He speaks what I expect is very ancient Spanish," Frank replied. "You
+know the story--how those old Spaniards stayed and intermarried. Well,
+the language has been handed down. It's hard for me to understand, but I
+can make out what he means well enough."
+
+Both boys had been careful not again to mention the word "Inca," which
+originally had stirred the interest of their captors. They walked along
+in silence, until Bob presently resumed.
+
+"Well, what I started to say was that it looks to me as if the reason
+why no report of the Enchanted City has ever gotten out is that they
+have captured whoever came near them and either killed them or taken
+them into the tribe."
+
+"Tribe?" Frank laughed. "These aren't wild Indians. They are members of
+the strangest race in the history of the world, or I miss my guess."
+
+"What do you think we'll find?"
+
+"I don't know, Bob. But you can count on its being something marvellous.
+Look how these men obey their leader. He must be a prince of the royal
+blood. But look what we're coming to."
+
+The travel along the stream carried them into an ever-narrowing valley
+which finally became a gorge, and now, as Frank let the exclamation
+escape him, this gorge broadened out suddenly on the other side and a
+beautiful valley lay below. In the middle shone a great lake. It was
+this which Jack had seen from his lofty eyrie in the treetop. Farther
+off shone other and smaller lakes. Frank counted them. Three.
+
+"The valley told of by de Pereira," he exclaimed.
+
+"Look, Frank."
+
+Frank's gaze followed Bob's outflung hand. A little way ahead was a
+considerable body of men of the same sort as their captors. They were
+resting on a meadow beneath the shade of a gigantic tree. In their midst
+the boys could make out a number of forms--Jack, Mr. Hampton, the de
+Avilars, father and son, Carlos and Pedro.
+
+Frank and Bob raised a glad shout of "Jack, Jack. Hello, fellows."
+
+At the same moment, they were seen. Answering cries came to them. They
+marched down into the meadow, and the two parties came together. A
+confused medley of handclasping followed. Evidently, their arrival had
+been expected, for preparations for moving on at once were in evidence.
+
+The leader of the party who had captured Bob and Frank now approached
+Mr. Hampton and Senor Don de Avilar.
+
+"We shall embark in boats," said he. "I have your interest in mind, and
+you will be permitted to converse one with another, even in the tongue
+of the young men which is strange to us."
+
+"Don Ernesto," said Mr. Hampton to his friend, "you seem to understand
+this chap better than any of us. Will you ask him where we are being
+taken?"
+
+Don Ernesto nodded, then turned to the other. After a few sentences,
+their voices dropped and they drew apart. When Don Ernesto rejoined the
+group, and the other turned to issue some orders to his men, his eyes
+shone.
+
+"Senor Hampton," said he, in an awed tone, "it is as you surmised. These
+are Incas of the Enchanted City into whose hands we have fallen. This
+chap is a prince of the royal house. I am not certain, and I had but
+little time for conversation, yet from something he said, I gather that
+the reigning family has in it the blood of de Arguello, leader of that
+old band of Spaniards, as well as the royal Inca strain. Doubtless, too,
+the nobles have Spanish blood, but that is merely surmise. As to where
+we are being taken, we are bound for what this chap, Prince Huaca, calls
+'The Fair City,' We are to cross the lake in boats, and, when we arrive
+at the landing, we shall be blindfolded, he says, and led 'through the
+mountain.'"
+
+"By George," said Mr. Hampton, "we're in for it. Well, we may as well
+put a brave face on the matter. It looks dark now, yet we have found
+what we came to look for; and remember, you boys, the battle is never
+lost until defeat is admitted."
+
+This he said to hearten the boys. Yet the advice was unnecessary. They
+had listened to Don Ernesto with close attention, and as Mr. Hampton
+gazed from one to the other, he found their eyes alight.
+
+"Why, I don't believe you boys are worried at all," he said,
+banteringly.
+
+"Why worry, Dad?" said Jack. "As you said, 'the battle isn't lost until
+you are counted out.' I, for one, am tickled to death with the
+adventure. And I know Bob and Frank and Ferdinand are the same."
+
+The others nodded.
+
+"Well, here we go, down to the boats," said Frank. "So, as long as we
+may talk to each other, tell us how you fellows were captured, and we'll
+give our story."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI--INTO THE MOUNTAIN
+
+
+The accounts of how Mr. Hampton and Don Ernesto and Carlos, and of how
+Jack, Ferdinand and Pedro were captured, differed little from the tale
+of the capture of the camp. Each party had been surrounded by an
+overwhelming number of the Incas, and had seen the folly of putting up a
+fight and so had surrendered.
+
+As they moved in the midst of their captors down the sloping meadow to
+the shore of the great lake, sparkling and calm under the mid-morning
+sun, these stories were quickly told. At the shore, the Incas embarked
+in several great canoes holding a score of men each. The prisoners,
+however, were placed aboard a state barge in which Prince Huaca also
+embarked. The barge rowed forty oars, twenty to a side.
+
+Paddles dipped in unison, and the canoes were off. The oars of the great
+barge flashed in and out in perfect time, and it, too, moved away in
+stately fashion, with the prisoners left to themselves on the half-deck
+at the bow, while Prince Huaca took his post on the other half-deck at
+the stern. The rowers could be seen bending back and forth, back muscles
+rippling under their tunics, in the waist of the barge.
+
+"Am I dreaming?" said Frank.
+
+Mr. Hampton nodded.
+
+"It is hard to believe, isn't it, Frank?"
+
+"Hard? It's impossible to believe. Why, this is like stepping back
+thousands of years to the shores of the Mediterranean and the Greek
+galleys of the days before Christ."
+
+"These fellows seem like Greeks or Romans, too," mused Mr. Hampton. "The
+commoners, with their bobbed hair, their tunics and sandals, and Prince
+Huaca, proud and stately as a Roman noble, are not exactly what one
+would expect to find in the world of today."
+
+Don Ernesto agreed. The remark opened another line of thought.
+
+"See how openly they operate on this lake, and in this valley," he said.
+"Look around you, too. So far as I can observe, there is only the one
+entrance of the pass through which we were brought. Can it be that the
+Incas maintain frontier guards, so to speak, on perpetual watch to
+capture any intruders into this wild region who threaten discovery of
+their secret? I begin to believe so. Perhaps guards are on duty on the
+mountain tops about us, and others in the valley beyond the pass."
+
+This, they later learned, was the actual state of affairs. Not only were
+frontier guards kept on constant duty about the great valley in which
+they now found themselves, but also about the inner valley holding the
+Enchanted City, to which they were being taken. Moreover, such watch had
+been maintained down the centuries.
+
+The prospect that greeted their eyes was wonderfully beautiful. The lake
+itself was some five miles long, but only one in width. As they now
+approached the shore opposite, they descried a stone jetty, for one side
+of which the canoes headed, while the barge was brought up on the other.
+They were disembarked and marched ashore under escort of Prince Huaca
+and twenty men. The others remained by their craft.
+
+At the end of the jetty a guard house of stone was passed. What
+surprised the boys beyond measure was to see the half dozen sentries
+drawn up in military formation, present arms with their silver-mounted
+muskets as Prince Huaca passed.
+
+"I can't believe it," muttered Frank. "Incas presenting arms!"
+
+Mr. Hampton offered a solution.
+
+"Perhaps some adventurer captured by them, as were we, has instructed
+them in military tactics."
+
+Ahead through a copse of trees lay a country home of stone, and toward
+this Prince Huaca bent his steps. On nearer approach they could see the
+stone was beautifully chiselled, and the house nobly proportioned with a
+broad portico in front, through the supporting pillars of which they
+could see a courtyard, around the sides of which the dwelling was
+constructed.
+
+At the command of Prince Huaca, the guard halted at the foot of a broad
+flight of stone steps with the prisoners, while the prince mounted and
+disappeared into a door on the left of the courtyard. The captives now
+had a chance to look about them. Although about the house, or, better,
+the mansion itself, no figures were to be seen, there was a constant
+coming and going in what they took to be the servants' quarters which
+lay considerably to the left.
+
+Horses were being watered in one spot, out of a great trough, and then
+led back to the fields which stretched on every hand. Don Ernesto
+exclaimed at this sight.
+
+"Those are Argentinian horses," said he, with conviction. "The early
+Spaniards who colonized the region of La Plata were enjoined by their
+monarchs to bring over a certain number of head of horses and of cattle
+for their own use, and a certain number to be turned loose to breed.
+Thus the great herds of wild horses and cattle which used to thunder
+over the Pampas, but since have been largely exterminated or brought
+under herd, came into existence."
+
+"And you think----"
+
+"Yes, Senor Hampton, that is what I believe. These horses either
+wandered thus far across the mountains, which seems preposterous, or, as
+is more likely, were captured by scouting parties and brought hither.
+The intermixture among the Incas of Spaniards in de Arguello's early
+expedition or of adventurers captured since, as is more likely, told the
+Incas of these horses, and mayhap even helped to capture them."
+
+"This valley is certainly marvellous," declared Mr. Hampton, shading his
+eyes with his hand, as he gazed about him in the bright sunlight.
+"Notice those irrigation ditches, carrying water to the fields
+everywhere from the lakes. Why, this is so intensively cultivated, it
+can raise sufficient food for a great city without difficulty."
+
+Don Ernesto nodded.
+
+"The ancient Incas were fine agriculturists," said he. "They practised
+irrigation, and had a very good knowledge of culture of the soil. These,
+their descendants, seem to be no whit behind them."
+
+At this moment they were interrupted by an exclamation from Frank, who
+pointed to two figures approaching them across the lawn. They were
+Prince Huaca and another young man dressed as he, evidently a noble. He
+was regarding them with curiosity. He did not address them, however, but
+the two halted at a little distance and concluded their conversation,
+during all of which time the stranger regarded them with bright quick
+glances.
+
+Then he bowed to Prince Huaca, and the latter issued a command at which
+the guard started forward with the prisoners in their midst. They moved
+down the great driveway from the mansion to a highroad crossing the
+valley to the encircling mountains. Jack looked back as they reached the
+highroad, and saw the figure of the young noble, immobile, staring after
+them.
+
+"He certainly was curious," he commented.
+
+Frank, who marched beside him, shook his head.
+
+"I believe I know what was in his mind," said he.
+
+"What?" Jack glanced at him curiously.
+
+"I don't know--maybe I'm wrong--but it seemed to me there was a look of
+longing in his eyes--as if he wondered about the great outside world,
+perhaps, from which we came."
+
+Mr. Hampton, who had overheard, threw Frank an understanding and
+approving glance.
+
+"You have an observant mind, Frank," he said. "It is not unlikely that a
+gallant young fellow like that noble would wonder about the world
+beyond, and think at times that he would like, perhaps, to penetrate it.
+And your words give me an idea. We will bear in mind the possibility of
+young blood becoming irked at this self-immurement, no matter how
+idyllic the conditions. Perhaps, if no other way of escape suggests
+itself, we may induce some such young fellow to aid us by painting to
+him the wonders of the world to which we can introduce him."
+
+The party moved along in silence, until Bob declared:
+
+"Fellows, did you ever see a finer road?"
+
+The highway upon which they had entered from the estate drive was,
+indeed, a fine thoroughfare. It was made of concrete, and so broad that,
+a procession of farm carts drawn by horses, approaching from the
+opposite direction, was enabled to pass, although they moved three
+abreast.
+
+"Ah, these Incas once more resemble their ancestors," said Don Ernesto.
+
+"Yes, they were great road-builders," said Mr. Hampton.
+
+"Great road-builders, indeed," Don Ernesto rejoined. "When the
+Conquerors entered the Peruvian empire under Pizarro, they found the
+Incas had built a road not then equalled in any part of the world,
+perhaps not even equalled today. It was a road even finer than anything
+built by Rome. For more than twelve hundred miles it extended, bringing
+into communication all the provinces of the empire.
+
+"Moreover, it must be remembered that road was built at a great
+elevation through the mountains, all of which added to the difficulty of
+the enterprise. At some places it was more than 12,000 feet above sea
+level. It went northward from Cusco to a point beyond Quito, in the
+province of Guaca, and southward from Cusco to Chuquisaca, not far from
+the mines of Potosi.
+
+"You boys," he added, "can better appreciate the magnitude of this road,
+if I tell you it was as far as a road from Calais to Constantinople, and
+through mountainous country immeasurably more difficult to travel than
+any country in Europe. In some places, the beds of concrete or mezcla,
+of which the road was formed, went down from 80 to 100 feet. The rains
+have since washed the earth away from under the concrete, for, I am
+sorry to say, the Conquerors and the later Viceroys of Spain did not see
+fit to care for this highway. Yet masses of it today are left suspended
+over washouts like bridges made of one stone, as the historian Velasco
+said.
+
+"There was also a lower road, about forty leagues distant from the
+other, which traversed the plains country near the sea. And along both
+these roads, at equal distances, were built stone inns, called tambos by
+the natives. The word has persisted, and is still used throughout the
+Inca country, to describe a post house on a highroad.
+
+"In fact," he concluded, "it was the existence of these roads which,
+ironically, helped to destroy the Inca Empire. For over them the
+invading armies of the Spaniards were able to move with speed."
+
+As Don Ernesto had talked, they had continued moving forward at a brisk
+pace, and had drawn close to the base of a lofty mountain. Now the road
+began to mount, in some places the going being so steep that concrete
+stairways were built. Up this the guards with the prisoners, and with
+Prince Huaca at the head, moved steadily. With each upward step, they
+were enabled to see more of the valley outspread below them, the great
+lake, the three smaller bodies of water, the irrigation ditches like a
+network of bright ribbons, the little clumps of trees surrounding other
+country mansions like that they had stopped at, and everywhere laborers
+were at work in the fields.
+
+"Truly a marvellous sight," said Mr. Hampton, as they came to a halt at
+length on a wide concreted terrace with a low stone wall at the front,
+very thick, and loopholed, and with a stone building of fortress-like
+strength built at the back, seemingly into the side of the mountain.
+Here the path up which they climbed appeared to end.
+
+"Senor," said Prince Huaca to Don Ernesto, in his archaic Spanish, "here
+you will be blindfolded, your hands will be tied, and we enter the
+mountains. Fear not. There is no evil intended."
+
+"Very well," said Don Ernesto with a shrug.
+
+Guards tied each man's hands behind his back, blindfolds were adjusted,
+shutting out all light, and then, with a man on each side to act as
+guide, they were led up a flight of steps, into what they took to be a
+fortress, and presently, after treading across a wide room, passed
+through a doorway and, by the cool and slightly earthy feel of the air,
+surmised they were in a tunnel.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII--IMPRISONED IN THE ACROPOLIS
+
+
+"What a tremendous engineering feat to have been accomplished without
+modern machinery," said Mr. Hampton, at one stage of their journey
+through the tunnel. The words were surprised from him. "It seems," he
+added, "like an impossible task."
+
+Jack, who was close to him, heard the remarks, and agreed with his
+father.
+
+"I hope," he added, "they haven't brought us this long distance, merely
+to tumble us into some bottomless pit in the heart of the mountain."
+
+"Don't worry, my boy," his father replied. "I have only a hazy idea as
+to what our fate is to be, but I am certain it is not that."
+
+"What do you think they will do with us, Dad?"
+
+Mr. Hampton considered.
+
+"Probably give us the option of becoming citizens of their state," he
+said, "or of refusing our parole and being imprisoned, and put to work
+under guard."
+
+"Wouldn't they kill us, if we refuse to become citizens?"
+
+"I don't know, Jack, but I doubt it."
+
+In reality, Mr. Hampton was beginning to be filled with dark
+forebodings, as successive developments impressed him more and more with
+the power of this unknown race. But he did not want Jack to experience
+any fear, and spoke in a tone of conviction which he was far from
+feeling.
+
+The progress through the tunnel seemed interminable, especially inasmuch
+as they were blindfolded, while their captors, they knew, bore lighted
+torches. But long as was the journey, they at length emerged from the
+tunnel and into another fortress. That such was the case, they could
+tell from the difference in the atmosphere. Their blindfolds, however,
+were not removed, nor were the lashings binding their hands behind them.
+
+They were halted in a great room, while around them was a buzz of
+voices.
+
+"When are they going to take off these blinkers?" Bob muttered.
+
+"I imagine, Bob," said Mr. Hampton, who overheard, "that we will be led
+elsewhere before the blindfolds are removed. They will want to hide from
+us the secret of the exit through the tunnel. Once we are in the city,
+we shall be as if sealed up."
+
+Such, indeed, proved to be the case. From the guardhouse, they were
+taken out into the open air. They could feel the hot sun beating upon
+them. For a considerable distance they were marched through the streets
+of the city. They could hear the exclamations of the populace, as they
+passed along, in the midst of their guards, and they had the feeling
+several times of crossing great open squares.
+
+No demonstrations occurred, and at length they were led up several
+flights of stairs, in through a great gateway where soldiers evidently
+were stationed, as challenges were given and answered in the Inca
+tongue, across a stone-flagged courtyard, and into a building.
+
+Here at length the blindfolds were removed, their wrists untied, and
+they could look about at their surroundings. They were in a lofty-ceiled
+room, walls and roof of which were of stone. The room was of great size,
+and there were scores of soldiery scattered about, mending tunics,
+polishing arms, or gossiping. It was the great assembly hall of a
+fortress. Had they known, this was at the exit of the tunnel, and the
+tour through the city had been made to confuse them.
+
+Prince Huaca approached, and addressed himself as before to Don Ernesto,
+whom he evidently took to be the leader of the expedition.
+
+"Senor," said he, "you are now in the central fortress of the city. You
+will be given quarters and food. Tomorrow I shall call upon you, and
+explain. Until then you will consider yourselves prisoners, but, as you
+are under my protection, no harm need be feared."
+
+Turning abruptly, he motioned a man bearing a great brass ring from
+which depended a number of heavy keys, to approach. He delivered a
+command in the Inca tongue, to which the other listened respectfully.
+Then once more he addressed Don Ernesto.
+
+"You will follow this man."
+
+Led by the jailer, and escorted by a half dozen armed men, the party
+crossed the great hall, passed through a doorway into a dark corridor,
+lighted only by unglazed slits in the walls, mounted a flight of stone
+steps, proceeded along another dark corridor, and then entered a room
+luxuriously furnished. The jailer motioned them in and, by signs,
+indicated this was to be their quarters.
+
+Thereupon, he left, swinging shut a tremendous metal door. The key
+grated in the lock. They were alone. The first thing, Jack went up to
+the door, and a moment later, he exclaimed in excitement:
+
+"Dad, it's bronze."
+
+Mr. Hampton moved to his side.
+
+"By George, that's so."
+
+Meantime, the others were examining the room. The floor was of stone,
+and here and there were thick woven rugs of alpaca wool, died in
+brilliant colors. About the sides stood wooden couches with thick
+mattresses upon them, over which were thrown covers in vivid dyes. In
+the middle of the room was a great table of stone, of beautiful
+work-manship, Food was set upon it, ready for their coming, but as
+Frank, who was first to make the discovery, approached the table, his
+eyes almost popped from his head and his voice shook with excitement, as
+he cried:
+
+"Fellows, look here. Gold and silver dishes, or I'll eat my hat."
+
+He was correct. Salvers, platters, great bowls, all were of gold, and
+the spoons of silver.
+
+Frank clasped his head in his hands with a melodramatic gesture.
+
+"They oughtn't to spring everything on us at once," he said. "I can't
+stand much of this."
+
+All gathered around the massive table, and from each was wrung some
+expression of surprise and delight. The dishes were examined closely as
+possible, although numbers of the larger articles could not be taken up
+and handled because they contained food.
+
+"Well," said Don Ernesto, at length, "I, for one, am famished. Suppose
+we dine before the food becomes cold."
+
+He stirred the contents of the largest bowl with a great silver spoon.
+
+"Apparently a vegetable stew," he said. "The odor is delicious. Come, I
+shall fill these smaller bowls and let each help himself. I promise you
+I shall eat heartily."
+
+"Would they poison the food, perhaps, Father?" Ferdinand inquired.
+
+"That is a foolish idea, Ferdinand. They might have disposed of us
+otherwise long ere this. Come, eat."
+
+All fell to with a good appetite, the two Chilian huachos, old retainers
+of Don Ernesto, taking their bowls apart and sitting on one of the
+great couches, talking together in low tones. The others stood
+about the table, exclaiming at this and that, the excellence of
+the food, the beauty of the dishes, while Don Ernesto--a polished
+conversationalist--held forth at length upon the advantages of a
+vegetable diet.
+
+"You see, there is no meat here," said he. "Perhaps these Incas are
+vegetarians. For such dieting goes with civilization. It is only the
+savages who eat nothing but meat."
+
+Presently, Bob and Frank, having finished their meal, wandered off to a
+loopholed wall at the far end of the room. These loopholes were long and
+narrow slits, and at their first glimpse through them, both boys cried
+out excitedly.
+
+"What is it?" cried Jack and Ferdinand, running up. The older men also
+approached.
+
+"Look here, Jack," said Frank, while Bob made place at his loophole for
+Ferdinand. The older men found others through which to gaze--long, narrow
+apertures in the solid masonry.
+
+Because of the thickness of the walls, the view was limited. Apparently,
+however, they were located on a side of the fortress which formed one of
+the outer walls, and because of the distance to the city seen below,
+this wall evidently crowned a great rock. Later, they were to learn that
+the rock upon which the Acropolis was built had been quarried and
+squared until it rose 200 feet above the city, the walls sheer, and
+approachable only upon one side.
+
+The hour was past noon, and from the direction of the sun they could see
+the valley in which lay the Enchanted City stretched east and west. They
+faced the east and, high though their altitude was, they could see in
+the distance lofty mountain peaks crowned with snows.
+
+But it was the city itself which caused each man to gasp at first sight.
+Everywhere nearby, showing the Acropolis was at the center of things,
+were great stone palaces, some private dwellings and some quite
+obviously public buildings. And the roofs shone in the sun as if made of
+gold.
+
+"Copper," explained Mr. Hampton, succinctly. "Probably they have a mine
+somewhere near."
+
+Beyond the palaces could be seen streets and squares and smaller houses,
+all of stone. Trees grew everywhere, adding to the charm of the scene.
+
+Greatest sight of all, however, was the huge central square at the base
+of the Acropolis. Due to their height, only that part of the square
+opposite could be seen. Yet that view was sufficient to give an idea of
+the size of the square.
+
+Opposite the fortress stood the Temple, a broad stone structure
+approached by a great flight of steps, at the top of which was a
+sacrificial altar. A lesser stone building on one side were the cloister
+of the vestal virgins. On the other side was the Inca's palace. From his
+knowledge of Inca history, Ferdinand was enabled to guess that such was
+the character of the buildings, and in this supposition they were later
+confirmed.
+
+In all the square, however, and in those thoroughfares of the city which
+they could observe, was no sign of life and movement.
+
+"It looks like a city of the dead," said Jack. "If I didn't know
+differently, I would believe we had stumbled upon an abandoned city. But
+the fortress certainly has occupants, as we have seen. What do you make
+of it, Dad?" he inquired, walking over toward his father.
+
+Mr. Hampton shook his head, and Jack turned inquiringly to Don Ernesto.
+The latter looked thoughtful.
+
+"There is a possibility," he said, as one cudgeling his brains to recall
+something once known but long out of memory. "Yet--I don't know--it seems
+foolish."
+
+"What?"
+
+"That these descendants of the Incas should be keeping the great annual
+religious ceremony of their ancestors? Yet, it is the same time of
+year."
+
+"Oh, Father. The annual festival of the Sun?" cried Ferdinand.
+
+Don Ernesto nodded.
+
+"Tell us about it," said Jack. "I'd like to learn all I can about these
+people."
+
+"Very well," said Don Ernesto. "Sit down, and I'll tell you what I can
+recall. The religion of the Peruvian Empire," he continued, when all had
+found seats around him, "expressed the feelings of the people toward
+their heavenly protector and their earthly ruler. They worshipped the
+sun and adored the reigning Inca as his descendant upon earth. For the
+term of Inca, you will doubtless recall, did not apply to every member
+of the empire, but only to those of royal blood. The legend was that the
+sun looking down upon the savages took pity upon them for their mode of
+living, and sent to earth a son, Manco Capac, and a daughter, Mama
+Oello, children of his own, to civilize and instruct mankind. They came
+to earth near the Lake of Titicaca. He gave them a rod of gold and bade
+them go whither they pleased, but, to remember that when they came to a
+place where this rod should sink into the earth, that was the place at
+which he wished them to abide. The legend has it that the rod
+disappeared in the earth at Cusco. Therefore, there they stayed,
+bringing the savages together, instructing them, and building up the
+great city that afterwards became the capital of the empire.
+
+"The worship of the sun was inevitable. Yet, you must remember,
+Sun-worship was not confined to Peru, but was universal. The Chaldeans,
+the Babylonians, the early Hindus--all worshipped the sun. Yet
+Sun-worship, with most races and tribes, in time passed either into some
+lower form of idolatry or became humanized and spiritualized. It was
+only amongst a few, the most remarkable of which were the Persians and
+the Peruvians, that the development of religion was arrested at a period
+when the sun was the visible, un-humanized Deity, not translated into
+manlike terms.
+
+"The principal religious ceremony was the annual celebration of the
+Feast of Raymi, at Cusco. To that great city, where the palaces were all
+built of huge blocks of stone of a dark slate color, came every year
+from all quarters of the empire the principal nobles and military men,
+as well as the great men of each subject race. For the Incas, you know,
+did not blot out the subjugated, as did their Spanish conquerors, but
+absorbed all that was best of the conquered into the empire. Preceding
+that feast was a fast, emblematic of the suffering which precedes great
+joy. This fast lasted three days, and during that time, Fire, which was
+related to the Sun, and, therefore, divine, was not used by anyone."
+
+He paused, evidently having concluded his explanation, so Frank spoke up
+quickly.
+
+"But, Senor, you say the use of fire was not permitted. If these
+descendants of the Incas keep their fast now, how is it our food has
+been cooked?"
+
+"I cannot say," smiled Don Ernesto. "Perhaps, though, it was some
+especial provision made for us prisoners."
+
+By now it was late afternoon. Already the sun had disappeared behind the
+western rampant of mountains, and twilight had come over the city below.
+Only the tops of the eastern mountains were tipped with fire.
+
+The two older men drew apart, conversing in low tones. The Chilian
+huachos, Pedro and Carlos, already had disposed themselves upon a couch
+and were asleep. The four boys stood for a long time at the loopholes,
+gazing down at the dimming city, in which no sign of movement was to be
+observed, until it was too dark longer to see.
+
+"Not a light in all that city," said Frank the sensitive. "This is
+certainly an eerie experience."
+
+"I wonder what tomorrow will bring," said Jack.
+
+"Prince Huaca said he would call then," added Bob.
+
+"Well," said Ferdinand, philosophically, "I suppose we might as well
+dispose ourselves for sleep. There is nothing else to do."
+
+"Here's my flashlight," said Bob, throwing its rays about. "Had it on me
+when I was captured. At least we can see our way to the couches."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII--THE FEAST OF RAYMI
+
+
+"Fellows, what's that?"
+
+Bob rolled over drowsily, then fell to the stone floor with a thump that
+effectually awakened him. He looked up. Jack stood above him, grinning.
+Bob rubbed his hip ruefully, then got to his feet. Frank, with whom he
+had been sleeping, also clambered out of bed.
+
+Gray light coming in through the loopholes to the east lighted the room
+only dimly. Ferdinand and his father still slept on the couch which they
+had shared together. Mr. Hampton, who had slept with Jack, was not
+awake, nor were the two huachos.
+
+"What in---"
+
+Bob was still rubbing his hip.
+
+"Listen," said Jack. "There. That dull humming sound. What is it? I lay
+awhile, half asleep, half waking, before I got up. Then I stopped to
+shake you fellows awake. Come on, let's look out of these loopholes."
+
+"The Sun's not yet up," grumbled big Bob. "Why in the world do you have
+to beat him? Having such a good time of it, that you hate to miss a
+minute?"
+
+Nevertheless, he followed Jack and Frank to the loopholes.
+
+The humming sound referred to was louder. For several moments they
+stared through the apertures, unable to see anything in the dark square
+below. But the light grew momentarily stronger, as the sun neared the
+top of the eastern rampart of the valley. Then objects began to grow and
+took form in the lessening shadows.
+
+"Whew," exclaimed Bob, in an awed tone. "Did you ever----"
+
+"And I said last night it looked like a city of the dead," said Frank.
+
+As for Jack, he deserted his loophole and, gaining his father's side,
+shook him into wakefulness.
+
+"Come here, Dad. What a sight."
+
+What a sight, indeed! The others were roused and summoned, too. For the
+great square was packed with humanity, rank upon rank of people, on
+their knees, facing the Temple and the east. At that moment, the sun
+shot above the horizon. And all that great multitude of people bowed
+forward, touching their hands to their lips, and then flinging their
+arms wide to the Sun.
+
+The serried ranks were dressed in gorgeous costumes. Many wore wreaths
+upon their heads. Many wore ornaments of gold and silver that reflected
+back the light of the sun in myriad flashings. And on standards high
+above the multitude flapped great imperial banners, stirring lazily in
+the breeze that brought the dawn.
+
+"Ah," said Don Ernesto, breaking the silence of stupefaction which had
+enthralled them, "I was right. Now we shall see something. It is their
+great festival. The fast has come to an end."
+
+"Look," said Jack excitedly, "Who is that?"
+
+He pointed to a figure, upright amidst all those kneeling figures, the
+only dark spot, moreover, amidst those gaily-clad hosts. He wore a robe
+descending to his feet, so darkly crimson that it appeared to be black.
+
+"That," said Don Ernesto, "is the Inca."
+
+But Jack had run back to the table and picked up the field glasses which
+he had placed there on retiring the night before.
+
+"No. The Inca?" he cried. "Why, it is--No, not Prince Huaca, but he looks
+so much like him. Yet he is older. And, wait. There is Prince Huaca near
+him. Look, Father, that man on the left."
+
+Meantime, a fascinating ceremony was transpiring in the square. From the
+hands of Vestal Virgins, clothed all in white, the Inca took two great
+golden goblets filled with wine. Lifting the one in his right hand to
+the sun, as if drinking a pledge, he set it to his lips. Then, solemnly,
+he poured the wine from the goblet into a wide-mouthed jar of gold.
+
+"Why is he doing that, I wonder?" cried Frank. "Do you know, Don
+Ernesto?"
+
+"I don't know for certain. But I believe the wine is supposed to flow
+through a golden conduit into the Temple. Thus the Sun may drink the
+wine pledged to him."
+
+Next the Inca drank from the goblet in his left hand. Then turning to
+the nearest of the kneeling figures, those wearing capes of darkest
+crimson, of which there were eight, including Prince Huaca, he poured
+out the remainder of the wine into goblets which they held extended.
+
+"They must be members of the royal family," surmised Bob
+
+"Yes," agreed Don Ernesto. "The other nobles, and the common people will
+get a lesser wine, as well as the special bread made for this occasion.
+Ah, my reading all comes back to me now. But who would think to see that
+ancient ceremony of the Feast of Raymi reproduced today by the
+descendants of the Children of the Sun?"
+
+As he had prophesied, so it came to pass. For now young women all in
+white could be seen making their way through the kneeling throng. But
+their mission was not yet to be carried out. They merely took their
+appointed stations. Then those of royal blood arose and moved in slow
+and stately procession behind the Inca toward the Temple. At the base of
+the steps they removed their sandals. They then entered the Temple.
+
+"Probably to make offerings to their Deity," said Don Ernesto.
+
+The multitude continued kneeling, indicating that the ceremony was not
+yet over. Presently the Inca and the members of his family returned to
+the square. They came out of the Temple empty-handed.
+
+"Those goblets from which they drank," said Don Ernesto, who at the
+moment had the field glasses. "Those have been left behind. Those were
+their offerings."
+
+Following the Inca came a patriarchal man in a white robe bordered with
+crimson, upon his head a golden disk from which protruded a great number
+of golden spikes. This they took to be the High Priest. Following him
+were attendant priests bearing a large number of animals, including a
+black lamb. This was slaughtered first, and examined by the High Priest
+for the auguries. Then the other animals were sacrificed, certain parts
+being offered on the altar to the Sun, the balance distributed by the
+lesser priests among the multitude to be roasted at great fires which
+now were lighted in the square. At the same time, the women in white,
+the Vestal Virgins, who earlier had taken station in the throng, began
+distributing the special bread of the festival.
+
+All this required a long time in the doing, but the boys and their
+elders watched with unabated interest, moving about a little now and
+then from one loophole to another to converse, shifting position
+occasionally to relieve the irksomeness. As for Pedro and Carlos, they
+had produced a deck of cards and, squatting on the stone floor, were
+playing a game between themselves, untouched by the romance of the
+spectacle in the square.
+
+Presently, the feasting having come to an end, the Inca, the members of
+his family and other nobles in the multitude withdrew toward a side of
+the square which, from the loopholes, was not under observation. Then
+the throng broke up in scattered groups, here and there spaces were
+cleared, while the observers packed themselves around in dense formation
+and, in these cleared spaces, dancers appeared.
+
+"Ah," said Don Ernesto, "now the festival has begun. They will make
+merry for a long time. See, wine is being distributed to everybody."
+
+But at that moment, Pedro called to his master, and Don Ernesto turned
+about. So did Mr. Hampton and the boys.
+
+The door had been opened to admit Prince Huaca. He stood within the
+room, while the door swung to again behind him, his face inscrutable.
+After a moment of hesitation, Don Ernesto advanced to meet him.
+
+"We have been looking," he began.
+
+Prince Huaca bowed slightly.
+
+"Yes?"
+
+"At your great festival."
+
+Prince Huaca smiled.
+
+"For the common people."
+
+"I do not understand."
+
+"Perhaps, some day----"
+
+Prince Huaca made a slight gesture with his right hand, as if to dismiss
+the subject.
+
+"Senor, sit here with me," he said, indicating a couch. "I would talk
+with you. Let these others watch a little longer. Then my servants will
+bring you food, so that you, too, may feast."
+
+"I am honored," said Don Ernesto. However, he hesitated to be seated.
+
+"Pardon me," he said, "if I point out that these"--indicating Mr. Hampton
+and the boys, who were at the far end of the room--"are my son and my
+very good friend and his young men. Perhaps, what you wish to say is for
+their ears, too?"
+
+"Ah, I did not understand," said Prince Huaca, courteously. "Then they
+are not your servants?"
+
+"No, only these two," answered Don Ernesto, indicating Pedro and Carlos,
+who had withdrawn from their vicinity. "And they are old family
+servants."
+
+Prince Huaca considered.
+
+At that moment the great bronze door again was opened, and a number of
+servants entered, bowed low before Prince Huaca, removed the dishes from
+the table and then returned bearing other dishes, this time including
+meat. Throughout the process, Prince Huaca sat silent, nor did Ernesto
+venture to disturb him. When the servants at length had withdrawn, the
+prince arose.
+
+"Eat," said he, "and, when you have refreshed yourselves, my servants
+shall bring you and your friends to me. Assure your old servants they
+have nothing to fear in being separated from you."
+
+When he had gone, Don Ernesto lost no time in communicating the purport
+of the conversation to Mr. Hampton and the boys. Pedro and Carlos took
+the news philosophically. The food was excellent, the meat roasted and
+hot. All ate with good appetite. There were goblets of mild, honey-like
+wine, which Don Ernesto recommended highly. At the conclusion of the
+meal, the servants returned bearing ewers of water and rough towels,
+with which they bathed face and hands. Then, one of the servants
+gestured that Don Ernesto and his companions were to follow, and,
+bidding Pedro and Carlos have no worry, the party set out.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV--PRINCE HUACA FRIENDLY
+
+
+"Look here, Jack," said Frank, as the three chums kept step together
+along the corridor, while Ferdinand walked ahead with Mr. Hampton and
+his father, Don Ernesto. "Look here, what do you think our chances of
+escape are going to be?"
+
+"I don't know."
+
+Jack shook his head. As for big Bob, he growled a comment.
+
+"Why worry? I'm having a good time. I want to learn all about this city.
+And the treasure, too, that we came for, it----"
+
+"Oh, we'll have to give up that idea now," said Jack. "We can't rob
+these people. If the Enchanted City had been abandoned and in ruins, and
+we had discovered it, that would have been a different matter."
+
+Frank took no part in this discussion. It wasn't treasure of which he
+was thinking.
+
+"Just the same, Bob," he interrupted, "we ought to be thinking of how we
+can escape, for I have an idea that these people intend to keep us
+imprisoned for life or, as Don Ernesto says, persuade us to join the
+nation."
+
+"Why not?" said Bob. "I'd like to be a captain in this man's army. These
+Incas look like fine material for soldiers, and with our military school
+knowledge we ought to be able to drill them in modern tactics."
+
+"And with our knowledge of radio and other modern inventions and
+discoveries," supplemented Jack, "we would be invaluable. We could rise
+to high positions in the state."
+
+"What," exclaimed Frank, "and stay here all our lives?"
+
+"Well, why not?"
+
+"Oh, he wants to go home to Della," said big Bob, mentioning the name of
+his sister, with whom Frank was in love.
+
+Frank flushed, but did not reply.
+
+"I'm not keen on staying here forever, either," said Jack quickly; for
+his thoughts more and more during their South American stay had turned
+to Senorita Rafaela in her Sonora mountains, and Bob's reference to
+Frank and Della had brought her again to mind. "Just the same, this
+would be a paradise of a place in which to live if it were brought in
+touch with the outside world."
+
+"So you think you'd get to be a big gun here and then open the Enchanted
+City to civilization?" asked Frank.
+
+"It might be done," said Jack.
+
+"Well, after seeing that religious ceremony, I doubt it. The Incas would
+not want to give up their supreme power, and they know they would have
+to do that if their country were opened up. Chile or Argentine would
+absorb the country."
+
+"Oh, not necessarily," answered Jack. "This country might remain
+independent, an inland empire."
+
+"An absolute empire couldn't survive long in a land of republics," said
+Frank, "especially when this country is small."
+
+"Small, yes," agreed Bob. "But it is powerful. The Incas in the
+beginning were few in number, but good fighters with fine military
+organizations. From their mountain heights in the North they overflowed
+and conquered their tremendous empire. Perhaps their descendants aim to
+step out some day from these mountain heights in the South, and do the
+same."
+
+"What folly, Bob," said Frank. "They would be up against modern nations
+with modern implements of war."
+
+"Well, can't they learn to make modern war?" asked Bob. "They've got
+some able instructors in military tactics here to teach them."
+
+Jack and Frank, recalling that in anything pertaining to military
+science Bob had beaten both at Harrington Hall, smiled at each other.
+Some men apparently are born warriors. And Bob was of the number.
+
+Further conversation along this line was halted by their coming up with
+the others. They had been moving up and down corridors and short flights
+of steps while talking, and had taken little note of the length of the
+passage to Prince Huaca's apartments. Mr. Hampton, however, commented on
+that fact as they approached. The boys seemed surprised.
+
+"What are we waiting for?" asked Bob.
+
+"To be announced."
+
+For the first time the boys noticed they stood before a great closed
+door on either side of which Inca soldiers, six feet tall, impassive of
+countenance, mounted guard. Their guide had disappeared within. Then the
+door was opened and they were ushered into an anteroom, of which they
+had no time to take particular note, except to see that a number of
+young nobles stood about in groups, talking, for they were taken at once
+through this room and into an inner chamber.
+
+Here sat Prince Huaca at a table, writing. It was a small table of
+polished wood, the top mounted on the back of a crouching lion,
+beautifully carved. The room itself, while large, was considerably
+smaller than their apartment, and was severely furnished. A number of
+couches stood about. To these Prince Huaca motioned, with the request
+that they be seated, and meantime continued his writing. Presently,
+having finished the task, he sanded the paper to dry the ink, then
+rolled it into a scroll, about which he tied a cord of gold and purple
+threads. The missive then was handed to the man who had guided them,
+with an order delivered in the Inca tongue, and the man departed,
+leaving them alone with the prince.
+
+"Be not dismayed," he said, turning to his guests. "I would know what
+brought you to the Forbidden Land. Few are the men who have come
+thither, for our fastnesses are impregnable and the outer valley where
+you were captured can be stumbled upon only by accident. And of those
+whom I have captured in the past or my fathers before me, none within
+two hundred years came seeking us, but found their way thither only by
+accident. You, however, I am certain, came seeking us. Is it not so?"
+
+Directly appealed to, Don Ernesto agreed.
+
+"Your Highness, it is."
+
+"Call me Prince Huaca," said the other, simply. "Yes, it is as I
+thought. And it was this which led you?"
+
+He held a manuscript aloft. It was the de Pereira manuscript, in archaic
+Spanish, Spanish as old as that spoken by Prince Huaca.
+
+"It was that which brought us."
+
+"Senor," said Prince Huaca, "I cannot believe that you came expecting to
+find a nation in existence."
+
+"We thought but to find abandoned ruins."
+
+Prince Huaca was silent, thoughtful.
+
+"Pray, Prince Huaca," said Mr. Hampton, speaking for the first time,
+"may we not state our surprise to find that a powerful people exists
+here unknown to the world at large and unsuspected? Moreover, surpassing
+in my mind the mystery of how you have kept your secret through the
+centuries----"
+
+"Eternal vigilance," interrupted Prince Huaca.
+
+"Well," continued Mr. Hampton, "surpassing that mystery, I say, is that
+of how you have maintained a healthy and, doubtless, growing population
+within this restricted territory."
+
+"State supervision and control of families, lands, everything, but----"
+
+Prince Huaca arose abruptly, and moved up and down before them, his face
+dark, his sandals making no sound. He paused before them.
+
+"We need more land," said he. "Some of us are for marching out with our
+armies to conquer. But some, like myself----Ah, you have come at a
+critical time in our life." He paused, his eyes searching their faces
+keenly. "I do not know why I talk to you like this," he said. "But
+something within bids me have faith, bids me trust you.
+
+"Ah, I would know of the world beyond our mountain fastnesses. Without
+knowledge a man is like a worm crawling in the soil. But when he knows,
+it is like the Sun shedding his beneficent light into the gorges of our
+mountains and dispelling the gloom. You come from this outside world.
+You are not commoners, like the one or two we have captured in the
+Forbidden Land in other days. No, you are nobles, men of knowledge and
+power. This I can see from certain objects among your possessions."
+
+He waved his hand to a corner of the room, which hitherto had not been
+noticed. The boys and the older men looked whither he pointed. There
+stood all their luggage.
+
+"In your possessions are many strange objects," Prince Huaca continued.
+"Books in the royal tongue, for so," he added, proudly, "we call the
+Spanish which only those of Inca lineage intermarried with de Arguello
+and his Conquistadores speak. These books puzzle me, for, though they
+are in Spanish, yet it is changed from the Spanish which I speak. In
+truth, as you note, we have some little difficulty in understanding each
+the other. It is only this," and he held up the de Pereira manuscript,
+"which is in the tongue I learned."
+
+"And there are other objects. Strange threads that gleam and cannot be
+broken."
+
+"Our copper wire for the radio outfit," said Jack, involuntarily.
+
+He spoke in English. Prince Huaca stared puzzled.
+
+"I do not understand."
+
+"He speaks in another tongue, Prince Huaca," said Mr. Hampton.
+
+"Still another than Spanish?"
+
+"Yes. In the world without are a hundred different tongues."
+
+Prince Huaca was dumbfounded. He stared at Mr. Hampton, as if in
+disbelief.
+
+He turned to Don Ernesto.
+
+"And is this so?"
+
+"Yes, it is the truth."
+
+Prince Huaca abruptly returned to his seat, and placed his head in his
+hands. He sat, bowed in thought. None interrupted. Presently, he again
+looked up.
+
+"And are all these peoples powerful?"
+
+"Their numbers are as of the sands of the sea," said Don Ernesto,
+thinking to quote an impressive figure. But Prince Huaca merely appeared
+puzzled, and the Don hastily remembered he could know nothing of the
+ocean, and amended himself: "They are in number like the leaves of the
+forest. They have built mighty cities. There is one beyond your
+mountains to the east called Buenos Ayres where dwell more than two
+million souls. They----"
+
+"But can they read and write, can they do this?" cried Prince Huaca,
+eagerly. "Our ancestors, the ancient Incas of Cusco, kept accounts only
+by means of quippus, knotted strings. But we of Inca lineage here have
+that knowledge of reading and writing handed down to us by the three
+priests of de Arguello. This is knowledge, and power."
+
+"Today, the simplest of the commoners can read and write in that world
+beyond your mountains," said Mr. Hampton. "Even Pedro and Carlos, my
+friend's servants, have this knowledge."
+
+Once more Prince Huaca was silent, digesting this. Then he said:
+
+"But has not too much learning made them weak, so that they are like
+women and cannot fight?"
+
+"On the contrary, Prince, they fight with weapons that slay at great
+distances, with ships that fly in the air like birds and drop death upon
+those below. And yet," added Mr. Hampton, "they seek these peoples, to
+live in peace with each other. No longer is it considered great to make
+war. Those who set out to conquer find all other peoples banded together
+against them."
+
+Prince Huaca once more fell into a manner of abstraction, from which the
+others made no effort to arouse him. Presently, he lifted his head, and
+there was an expression of resolution on his features.
+
+"Senor," said he, "that is all for the present. These matters that you
+have told me, however, I shall lay at once before the Council. Do you,
+therefore, hold yourselves in readiness to appear and be questioned?
+Meantime, I shall order your possessions restored to you, on one
+condition."
+
+He paused, expectantly.
+
+"What is that?" asked Mr. Hampton.
+
+"That these strange devices be explained to me, and that they be not
+used to cause evil to us."
+
+He lifted aside a heavy cloth of gold from an end of this table,
+revealing beneath portions of the radio outfit brought by Mr. Hampton.
+The others looked at each other. One thought was in every mind. How
+explain the phenomenon of radio to an idolator to whom it could mean
+nothing other than witchcraft and wizardry? Then Mr. Hampton had an
+idea.
+
+"In these South American forests," said he, "particularly in that jungle
+land beyond the mountains whence came your ancestors, Prince Huaca, the
+Indian tribesmen have a method of communicating to each other without
+the use of runners. They place along the bank of a river a hollow log,
+upon which they tap certain tappings with a hammer. Miles away, with his
+ear to another hollow log upon the river bank, a man hears that
+message."
+
+"Of this I have heard something," said Prince Huaca.
+
+"The sound," said Mr. Hampton, "travels along the water. But this device
+before you is for the purpose of sending sound through the air, as if a
+man had a voice which could be heard from here to ancient Cusco,
+thousands of miles distant. This is only one of the many wonders known
+to the world outside your mountains today."
+
+He stopped, unwilling to venture upon a detailed explanation that could
+not be understood, fearful that, perhaps, he already had said too much,
+that Prince Huaca would consider him either a great liar or a great
+wizard, and would act accordingly.
+
+The prince, however, did not change expression.
+
+"Could you call men from beyond the mountains to Cuso Hurrin?"
+
+"To what place?"
+
+"That is the name of our city."
+
+Mr. Hampton struggled with himself. If he admitted the power that the
+radio outfit put at his command, doubtless Prince Huaca would take it
+from him, and their chances of bringing rescuers, if that proved
+necessary, would vanish. Nevertheless, he was a truthful man.
+
+"Yes," said he, simply. "It could be done."
+
+Prince Huaca was silent.
+
+"And who among you understands this best?"
+
+Once more Mr. Hampton hesitated. Perhaps the prince planned to slay
+whichever member of the party he considered was the operative.
+
+"I mean you no harm," said Prince Huaca, rightly interpreting his
+hesitancy. "I would but learn more of this marvel."
+
+"These boys," said Mr. Hampton, indicating Jack, Frank and Bob. "They
+are familiar with this marvel and even have added to it by little
+improvements."
+
+"Then," said the prince, "I shall ask them to come to my quarters here
+and teach me. Perhaps we shall employ your marvel. I would learn about
+it. It may be useful. I shall keep it here. Meantime, do you go to your
+apartment while I go to the Council. And hold yourselves in readiness
+for my summons."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV--BEFORE THE COUNCIL
+
+
+The balance of that day was one filled with foreboding. Mr. Hampton and
+Don Ernesto, an hour or so after their dismissal by Prince Huaca, were
+summoned by a servant again to his apartments with the understanding
+that they were to be escorted thence to appear before the Inca's
+Council. Left to themselves, the four boys chatted together at first
+about their strange interview; but, as the hours passed with no word
+from the older men, they grew more and more to feel as if some evil
+impended, and lapsed at length into a gloomy silence.
+
+Bob flung himself on a couch in a doze, Ferdinand stood at a loophole,
+gazing out upon the great square where the merriment continued unabated.
+It would last eight days, Prince Huaca had said. Jack and Frank tried to
+find oblivion in books among their belongings, but with ill success. As
+for the two huachos, Pedro and Carlos, they took the matter
+philosophically, and continued their endless game of cards.
+
+"This is driving me mad," said Jack, at length, tossing aside his book.
+"The afternoon is going fast, and it will soon be night. Already the
+square is in shadow below, and it is too dim to read. Where can they be?
+What can have detained them?"
+
+An interruption came in the form of the servants, who had brought their
+food previously, and who now again entered, cleared the table, and set
+out food once more. For a moment, the wild idea of attempting to
+overcome them and make a bolt for Prince Huaca's apartments, in search
+of his father came to Jack. But he quickly put it aside, for in the
+outer corridor he glimpsed the armed guards who had accompanied the
+servants.
+
+"Thank goodness, they brought a light," he ejaculated, after the
+servants had departed, leaving behind, beside the food, a gold vessel
+filled with oil in which burned a wick that gave a clear, bright flame.
+"Well, you fellows that are hungry, fall to. I couldn't eat a bite."
+
+Frank went up to him and put an arm over his shoulders.
+
+"Come on, old man," he said. "I know how you feel. But it is foolish to
+worry. Your Dad has just been spinning so many fairy tales about the
+modern world that he has these old boys sitting there with their eyes
+popping out, and they won't let him go; they want him to tell them some
+more yarns. He'll be back, all right, presently, and the Inca probably
+will be coming along with him to see what we look like. 'The Young
+Wizards, hey?' he'll say. 'Pleased to meet you. Trot out a few tricks
+for us.' And you want to have a full stomach, then, or how can you
+perform well? Come on, come on."
+
+And, laughing and jollying, Frank pushed Jack to the table, and in
+similar fashion rounded up Ferdinand, then tumbled the snoring Bob to
+the floor, whereat Pedro and Carlos chuckled, and under the spell of his
+geniality, a measure of confidence and cheer was restored to the group.
+
+As they were in the midst of eating, the key once more grated in the
+lock and Jack, with an eager cry, sprang toward the door, Ferdinand a
+close second. Nor were they disappointed, for Mr. Hampton and Don
+Ernesto were ushered in by the guard.
+
+"Well boys, did you think we were never going to return?" asked Mr.
+Hampton, cheerfully. A glance at Jack had revealed to him the worry in
+his son's face.
+
+A chorus of replies answered.
+
+"Jack would have it that the pair of you were cut up in mince meat to be
+fed to the Inca," said Frank, after the chorus had died down. "But I
+told him the Inca was probably feeding out of your hand."
+
+"Not quite that," said Mr. Hampton. "But we are hungry. Let us have a
+minute's chance to eat a bit, and then we'll tell you what happened."
+
+The boys were eager to hear, but forebore until it appeared Mr. Hampton
+and Don Ernesto had satisfied their appetites. Then the dishes were
+pushed to one end of the table and, standing about the other end, upon
+which reposed the lamp, or leaning upon it, for there were no chairs in
+the apartment, they began to ply the two older men with questions.
+
+"What was it like?"
+
+"Could they all speak Spanish?"
+
+"What did they ask you?"
+
+"Did you tell them about the modern inventions?"
+
+"Anything said about radio?"
+
+Mr. Hampton and Don Ernesto threw up their hands.
+
+"One at a time, one at a time," protested Mr. Hampton. "And, perhaps,
+you had better let us tell this in our own way. No, Jack, there was
+nothing about radio. Prince Huaca cautioned us not to speak of it. I
+don't know--but I think he wants to hold that back for some purpose of
+his own. And I, for one, am perfectly willing to abet him. For, after
+what we learned today, it looks as if we would need a friend."
+
+"That is right," agreed Don Ernesto.
+
+"Why, Dad," asked Jack, anxiously, "What do you mean?"
+
+"Well, it looks as if there were two parties at court. In fact, really
+three."
+
+"What, Dad? What are they?"
+
+"Well, first I must tell you we did not see the Inca, but only the
+Council. Two parties are for starting out of this isolation and
+conquering a lot of land, in order to make room for the growing
+population, which, despite all efforts of the State--such as keeping many
+young women from raising families by putting them in the Convent of the
+Vestal Virgins--is becoming a problem. One of these parties is blindly
+confident the world has not advanced and that the Inca's armies can
+assert their power. The other recalls the history of the coming of the
+Spaniards to old Cusco, which caused their forefathers to flee thither,
+and believes it must arm itself with white man's knowledge first. This
+we learned from Prince Huaca."
+
+"But what is the danger to us in that? We know how foolish either
+project would be?"
+
+"Yes," said Mr. Hampton gravely, turning to Frank who had asked the
+question, "but the party which is blindly confident of the Inca's
+ability to sweep all before him, would prefer to make a beginning with
+us. They would like to sacrifice us to the Sun God before setting forth.
+And what happened to the Incas after that would not matter very much to
+us."
+
+"Whew," said Bob, "the bloody rascals."
+
+"And the third party, Dad?"
+
+"Prince Huaca heads the third party," Mr. Hampton said. "That is the
+party which, like the others, believes the centuries-old isolation of
+Cusco Hurrin must be broken up, in order that the inhabitants may have
+more territory in which to grow. But it is against attempting to use
+force of arms, believing my words that the outside world is too powerful
+to be overcome. It is inclined to discuss the possibility of sending
+ambassadors to the surrounding nations and opening relations, provided
+it can be assured that such a course will not be merely to invite
+destruction as was the case in old Cusco when the Inca Atahualpa opened
+his country to Pizarro, only to be destroyed treacherously by the
+Spaniards."
+
+"And they told you all this?"
+
+"Oh, no, Jack," Mr. Hampton said. "There were ten men in the Council,
+all of Incarial blood, the highest nobles of the country. Prince Huaca
+is a nephew of the present Inca, who is childless, and thus is his heir.
+He is the Captain of the Fortress, holder of the Tunnel Way. But I can
+see he has bitter enemies, and some of them have the ear of the Inca,
+chief among them being the High Priest, Cinto. Much that I have told you
+was not brought out directly at the Council, but was told us later by
+Prince Huaca, with whom we have been alone a second time since leaving
+the Council, and for a considerable period."
+
+"Did they question you about the outside world? And what did you tell
+them?"
+
+"Yes," said Mr. Hampton, "it was that of which we spoke. We told them in
+a general way of cannon, airplanes, steamships, automobiles and so on.
+But we did not speak of the telegraph or of radio."
+
+"Because Prince Huaca asked you not to?"
+
+"That was the reason, yes. You see, he is a remarkable man. With no
+previous knowledge of the wonders of the world, he has accepted without
+question what we have told him. At once, apparently, after our first
+interview, the one which you boys attended, his mind busied itself with
+some plan or other, of which I haven't the least idea, to use radio for
+his own purposes. And he wants any hint of it kept secret from the other
+members of the Council."
+
+"I wonder what he has in mind," said Jack.
+
+"I cannot guess," replied his father. "Father," said Ferdinand, "what is
+your opinion of Prince Huaca?"
+
+Thus appealed to, Don Ernesto, who had kept silence, permitting Mr.
+Hampton to act as spokesman, smiled a little.
+
+"He is a very wonderful man," said he. "As my friend, Senor Hampton,
+says, he has accepted as true and natural whatever we have told him.
+Members of the Council were inclined to scout our words, to believe us
+liars. Their minds were not big enough to compass the wonders of which
+we spoke. But it is not so with Prince Huaca. There is a man of great
+native intelligence, one who with education would be a genius. He seems
+to me born to rule, a natural leader of man, with a dominant
+personality."
+
+To this estimate, Mr. Hampton gave emphatic assent.
+
+"As he told you boys," he added, "archaic Spanish is handed down in the
+Incarial families. The ten members of the Council speak and understand
+it in a measure. But none so well as he. He frequently acted as our
+interpreter. And not only does he know Spanish, but Latin, for the
+priests of de Arguello's expedition were learned men and had with them
+some textbooks which, written on parchment, have been preserved. From
+these he has educated himself, and, though his pronunciation of Latin is
+not the best in the world, he has done surprisingly well. He showed us
+an ancient Latin dictionary, and a Caesar's Gallic Wars."
+
+Bob groaned.
+
+"And he has read 'Caesar'?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"All I can say is he's a better man than I am," said Bob, who had
+entered Yale with a condition in Latin.
+
+Frank and Jack laughed. In the momentary silence that followed, the
+shouts and laughter of the great crowd in the square below came up to
+them.
+
+"Listen to that, will you?" said Bob. "And they'll be keeping that up
+all night, too, I expect."
+
+"For eight days," said Mr. Hampton.
+
+"Look," said Frank, who had approached a loophole. "See that fellow with
+a wreath of golden leaves around his head, holding up the wine cup. Gold
+it is, too. He's reciting. See them all laugh and applaud. What a scene,
+that ring around him, the firelight on them! He must be a poet or
+minstrel. Golly, how I wish I could be down there, dressed in a tunic
+and sandals, and mixing around in that crowd. Say, but wouldn't that be
+an experience for you?"
+
+"Surely would," said Jack, looking over his shoulder. "Listen, though,
+somebody coming."
+
+The key turned in the lock of the great door.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI--RADIO A LINK TO THE PAST
+
+
+All swung about. It was their jailer, a pleasant-faced fellow, who, like
+all within the fortress, Prince Huaca had assured Mr. Hampton, was loyal
+to his commander. He indicated by signs that the boys and the two older
+men were to follow. Don Ernesto turned to Pedro and Carlos.
+
+"Do not fear," said he. "I expect that Prince Huaca wants to see us. We
+shall return."
+
+"We would go with you," said Pedro.
+
+When they started to do so, however, the jailer waved them back.
+
+Pedro shrugged.
+
+"It is fate," said he. "We shall sleep."
+
+"Fear not," Don Ernesto reassured him. "I shall look after you."
+
+As they moved along the corridor, it became apparent from the direction
+that their destination was, as Don Ernesto had surmised, Prince Huaca's
+apartment. But what could he want with them? Had anything untoward
+occurred in the Inca's Council? Were his enemies on the move against
+him? These questions occurred to all.
+
+"It is unexpected, his sending for us," Mr. Hampton said. "He gave no
+indication, when dismissing us the last time, that he would send for us
+again so soon."
+
+The jailer bore a torch which flickered and smoked as they passed
+loopholes at turns in the corridor, making the silent passageways, with
+their walls of stone, where none but themselves moved, seem even more
+ghastly and far from civilization than otherwise would have been the
+case. There was little conversation. Unlike their first trip over this
+route, the boys kept silent. What they had been told of the Council
+meeting had sobered their spirits. From these stone hallways within that
+vast fortress, standing in the heart of the Enchanted City, for so they
+still termed Cusco Hurrin among themselves, it was a far cry to New York
+or even Santiago. To more than one it seemed as if the possibility that
+they would ever return to the outside world was in the gravest doubt.
+
+Instead of taking them through the anteroom into Prince Huaca's
+apartment, the guide turned aside before the guards were reached,
+pressed a stone in the wall of the corridor, which swung back, revealing
+the entrance to a narrow secret passage and then stepped in and beckoned
+the others reassuringly to follow. Once all had entered, he swung the
+stone back into place. Then he led the way a short distance to another
+stone which he also swung aside. They stepped through the doorway and
+found themselves in the prince's inner chamber, alone.
+
+With a nod, the guide bade them be seated, and disappeared the way he
+had come. The stone swung back into place.
+
+Before they had time for conjecture, Prince Huaca appeared from the
+antechamber.
+
+"Ah, Senores," said he, as they rose at this entrance, "I have sent for
+you. Be seated."
+
+He sat down by the table and was silent for a space, staring keenly from
+one to the other.
+
+"Tonight," said he suddenly, "affairs have come to a crisis in Cusco
+Hurrin. The Inca is old. The High Priest, Cinto, who has his ear, fears
+me. He has made capital of my appearance today with you before the
+Council. To the Inca who, like an old man, clings with love to life and
+finds it sweeter as it grows to an end, he has said that I am in league
+with devils and that you are evil spirits, and not men from the outside
+world, who spoke as you did in order to aid my plans to seize the
+supreme power and slay the Inca.
+
+"Tomorrow I am to be asked again to bring you before the Council, and
+then we shall be seized and slain.
+
+"But palaces have ears, and all that was said by this evil man, Cinto,
+has reached me. And I would forestall him."
+
+He paused. Mr. Hampton looked puzzled.
+
+"But, Prince Huaca," he objected, "must you not obey the Inca's command
+and appear with us, or place yourself in rebellion?"
+
+"It is so," agreed the prince. "Nor do I wish to rebel. Yet if I am
+slain, my people will be destroyed, for there will be only foolish men
+to guide them."
+
+"Then you will rebel?"
+
+"The fortress troops are loyal to me," said Prince Huaca. "And I hold
+the Tunnel Way, without which food from the country district cannot
+reach the city. That is why they would seize me by stratagem and
+treachery. Open attack upon me here by the palace guard which Cinto's
+nephew Guascar commands would be folly. Long have my enemies plotted to
+compass my downfall, but insidious though they were, the Inca had not
+reached that stage of suspicion of me that he could be asked to cause my
+death.
+
+"Now, however," he added, "Cinto has taken my championship of the truth
+of what reports you bring from the outside world to work upon the Inca's
+credulous mind.
+
+"No, I do not wish to rebel, and cause bloodshed among my people. I do
+not desire power for itself alone, but in order that I may help my
+people, not enslave them."
+
+He was silent, thinking, and Mr. Hampton and the others respected his
+silence.
+
+"Too long," he resumed, "have we lived cut off from the world. These
+marvels of which you have told me, these advantages shared by common
+men, I want them for my people."
+
+"And if you are killed," said Mr. Hampton, "what will happen?"
+
+"Ruin," said the prince. He arose. "But it shall not be," he added, with
+energy. "I shall not be slain. And, on the contrary, I shall lead my
+people out of ignorance, aye, out from the ignorance of bondage." He
+strode up and down. "And you," he added, halting suddenly before the
+others, "you shall help me."
+
+"Willingly, Prince Huaca," said Mr. Hampton. "But in what way?"
+
+"You say the peoples surrounding us are peace-loving?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"If their leaders knew of Cusco Hurrin, they would not seek to conquer
+and enslave us as did the Conquerors to ancient Cusco and Inca
+Atahualpa?"
+
+Mr. Hampton looked at Don Ernesto and bowed.
+
+"Prince Huaca," said the latter, "I have not told you. But I am the
+brother-in-law of the President of Chile. That is the nation within
+whose boundaries lies Cusco Hurrin. The President is the ruler. He rules
+not by force of arms, not by divine right, but because the people have
+selected him to administer affairs of State for them. I can assure you
+that no conquest of Cusco Hurrin will be attempted, if you seek in peace
+to break from your isolation."
+
+"But, Father," objected Ferdinand, quickly, "it would take a long time
+to send a message to Uncle, and meanwhile there would be civil war
+here."
+
+Ferdinand spoke so rapidly that Prince Huaca was unable to follow him.
+
+"What says the young man?" he asked.
+
+Don Ernesto repeated. Prince Huaca pointed to the radio outfit, still on
+his table.
+
+"But, cannot the voice-through-the-air carry your message?"
+
+So it was something like this which Prince Huaca had in mind? This,
+then, was the reason for his interest in the subject of radio? This was
+why he had asked them not to speak of radio before the Council? Mr.
+Hampton looked dubious.
+
+"It cannot carry the message far enough," said he, slowly.
+
+Over Prince Huaca's face came a shadow of despair. He sat down suddenly,
+leaned his elbows on the table, and buried his face in his hands. He was
+like a man famished for water, to whose lips a cup had been held, only
+to be withdrawn as he was about to drink. Jack felt immensely sorry. He
+wanted to be of help. At the same time, his brain was revolving an idea.
+
+"But, Father," he began.
+
+Ere he could complete his sentence, however, Prince Huaca interrupted.
+He jumped to his feet and stood with his hands firmly gripping the
+table.
+
+"I will not let myself be overcome," he said. "If the
+voice-through-the-air cannot carry the message, then you, Senor de
+Avilar, must go to your brother-in-law and tell him what I desire, that
+he shall come in peace but with an army sufficient to overawe Cinto.
+
+"Ah," he cried, "I can trust you? They will not come to loot Cusco
+Hurrin and slay my people, but to make friends and teach them?"
+
+"Only so will they come," said Don Ernesto, deeply moved at the other's
+sincerity and earnestness. "I promise."
+
+"It will be long," said Prince Huaca. "But," he added, resolutely, "I
+shall defend the fortress and, if there be bloodshed, yet will it be
+less than if Cinto had his way."
+
+As he ceased speaking, Jack found his opportunity.
+
+"But, Prince Huaca," he said excitedly, "the voice-through-the-air can
+be made to carry your message."
+
+"What?"
+
+Prince Huaca whirled to face this new speaker. It was a habit of his to
+stare steadily and searchingly into the eyes of whomever he conversed
+with.
+
+"Yes, it can be done," said Jack.
+
+"But how?"
+
+It was Don Ernesto who asked.
+
+"Very simply," said Jack. "Let me explain so that Prince Huaca can
+comprehend. This outfit, sir"--and, rising and walking to the table, Jack
+indicated the radio outfit reposing there--"can receive messages sent
+from very far away, but it cannot send messages except for a
+comparatively short distance, 150 miles at most. It was that which my
+father had in mind.
+
+"However, at the Andine Monastery of the Cross of the Snows, Don
+Ernesto, you will remember that we built a sending station by utilizing
+the water power in the falls and the turbines of the power plant. I
+cannot explain more clearly to you, Prince Huaca," he added, addressing
+the latter, "without going into too great detail. But this will make it
+clearer to you. We can send the voice-through-the-air to another
+station, which in turn, will send it farther, just as one runner carries
+a message which he transfers to another."
+
+Prince Huaca nodded, his eyes bright and expectant.
+
+"And from the monastery, Jack?" suggested his father.
+
+"Why, Father, you yourself told me that _La Prensa_, the great newspaper
+of Buenos Ayres, doubtless had established a radio station at its branch
+office in Santiago, the Chilian capital. Although when we were in
+Santiago," added Jack, "we were so busy with other matters I did not
+hear of it, or go to investigate."
+
+"True, Jack," said Mr. Hampton. "Don Ernesto has told me _La Prensa_ had
+installed a radio station at Santiago. Of course, too, there is a
+commercial station at Valparaiso."
+
+"But the one at Santiago can reach the President more quickly," said
+Jack.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII--THE FIGHT ON THE PARAPET
+
+
+So it was decided to set up the field radio and attempt to raise the
+monastery. Prince Huaca had had the party brought to his room by way of
+the secret passage, in order to avoid having them appear among the young
+nobles in waiting in his anteroom. As the boys would have to be taken to
+the roof to set up the aerial, he first dismissed those in the anteroom,
+then called servants to carry the outfit to the battlements.
+
+Don Ernesto, however, begged permission that Pedro and Carlos be
+summoned to assist, instead of servants who could not understand them.
+Prince Huaca acquiesced, and sent the jailer for the two faithful
+huachos.
+
+He, himself, was eager to observe every preparatory step. Self-contained
+though he was, and despite his matter-of-fact acceptance of the
+phenomenon of radio, yet it was plain to be seen that he was highly
+excited over the matter. Everything had to be explained to him.
+
+For his field outfit, Mr. Hampton carried both batteries and a
+quarter-kilowatt generator, such as is in use in army operations. In
+fact, the outfit paralleled an army field outfit in a number of
+respects, including the umbrella type of aerial. This consisted of only
+one pole of hollow steel, and constructed in collapsible sections that
+made transportation an easy matter. From the top of the pole, the wires
+of the aerial were carried to the ground at some distance from the base,
+where they were attached to porcelain insulators. Thus, the wires served
+the double function of aerial and guy wires.
+
+While the boys busied themselves erecting the aerial, a difficult matter
+because the battlement was all of stone and at first glance there
+appeared to be nothing to which the insulators could be fastened, Mr.
+Hampton conversed with Prince Huaca, explaining this, that and the other
+about the outfit and about the reasons for doing certain things.
+
+The prince pointed to what Jack and Frank were doing, and asked the
+reason for it. The boys were forcing wedge-shaped wooden blocks or pegs,
+to which insulators were fastened, into cracks between stones of the
+turret floor. Originally, these pegs were so made to be driven into the
+ground, thus affording anchorage for the aerial-guy wires. Had it not
+been for the cracks, they would have been unable to erect the aerial, as
+all about them was stone.
+
+When this work was completed, the boys, working furiously, set up the
+generator on a pair of legs sufficiently high to give clearance for the
+handles by which it was to be turned. Wires were then run to the
+transformer, tuner attached, the headphone wired on, and the aerial and
+ground connections made.
+
+Part of the outfit was not yet in use, and Prince Huaca pointed to the
+box and batteries questioningly.
+
+"Are these objects not employed?" he said.
+
+Mr. Hampton explained he had brought both batteries and generator to
+serve as sources of energy. They had been packed separately upon mules,
+so that in case one was lost the other might still remain. When the
+batteries were used, it was necessary also to use the tube transformer,
+he said, indicating the oblong box in which the tubes were mounted on
+springs. But when the generator was used, only the transformer and key
+were necessary.
+
+"And why is this used rather than the other?" Prince Huaca wanted to
+know.
+
+"The generator supplies more power," said Mr. Hampton, simplifying his
+explanation as much as possible. "It is a little man with a big voice
+that carries far, while the batteries represent a big man with only a
+medium voice."
+
+Fast though the boys went about their preparations, in the light of
+torches held by servants, the time sped by more rapidly than they had
+expected. All the time there came up to them the shouts and laughter of
+those in the great square far below, where the festivities of the Feast
+of Raymi continued unabated.
+
+Several times one or the other would wander to the parapet and stare at
+the scene below, where great fires burned, casting grotesque dancing
+shadows on the fronts of the Temple and the palaces surrounding the
+square, with the merry-making crowds surrounding poets and singers here
+and there, or dancing to the music of the minstrels who played queer
+stringed instruments.
+
+As big Bob turned away from the parapet on one of these trips, to rejoin
+his comrades, he believed he discerned the shadowy form of a skulker in
+a nearby embrasure. He could not be certain, however, because his eyes
+were dazzled from staring at the scene below. All about him was starlit
+darkness, the moon had not yet risen. His friends, surrounded by the
+ring of torchlights, were some distance off.
+
+What could a skulker be doing here? That was the question that leaped to
+mind. No sentries were posted, at least none had been seen so far. Nor
+was any other member of the party absent, as he could see in a quick
+glance to estimate their number.
+
+The perilous situation in which Prince Huaca was placed recurred to his
+mind. Perhaps, after all, the prince was over-optimistic when he said
+that all within the fortress were loyal to him. Perhaps, in the
+loosening of the restraints of discipline, bound to come with the advent
+of the festival season, the soldiers below had permitted, altogether
+unawares, of course, some assassin intent on taking Prince Huaca's life,
+to enter the fortress, to slip by them unseen.
+
+Bob stood, pressed against the parapet, his eyes on the spot, some yards
+distant, where he believed he had seen the skulking form. He was
+thinking. Not a sign of movement. Could he have been mistaken? Should he
+investigate? If someone lurked there, with evil intentions against
+Prince Huaca's life, he would be armed. Bob was without weapons. On the
+other hand, he realized he would not have to face firearms, but only a
+knife thrust or sword. And he was confident in his ability to take care
+of himself in a rough or tumble combat, a confidence bred of victories
+in the past, not only in school and college, but against ruffians in the
+surprising adventures into which they seemed fated perpetually to fall.
+
+"I'll have a look," he muttered to himself. "No harm in making sure."
+
+Stealthily, he removed his shoes, set them against the parapet where
+they could easily be found later, and began creeping noiselessly along
+the low wall toward the embrasure.
+
+With beating heart, and muscles taut and ready for a spring, he reached
+the spot. Should he peer around the edge or get on top of the parapet
+and stare down? Either way held danger, supposing the embrasure
+occupied. Then he had an idea. As he had stolen along the parapet he had
+come across a broken lance butt, some two feet in length, discarded by a
+sentry. This he had carried with him as a club. Now he took off his cap,
+put it on the end of the stick, and cautiously thrust it ahead of him
+around the edge of the embrasure.
+
+Nothing happened. Bob was disappointed. Could it be he was mistaken? Had
+his eyes played him tricks? No, he felt certain he had seen a dark form
+skulking there. Perhaps he had the wrong embrasure. No, he felt certain
+this was the one. Casting caution aside, he thrust his head forward and
+took a quick look at the interior. It was empty.
+
+As he stood, staring, uncomprehending, something soft and thick
+descended over him, a club came down on his head, a body fell upon him
+from above, and strong hands gripped his throat to prevent outcry. Like
+a flash of lightning, the truth was borne in upon him. He had not been
+mistaken. He had seen a form skulking there. And this man, seeing him
+come spying, had slipped to the top of the parapet and had leaped upon
+him.
+
+Bob's first thought was to cry out; but a fold of the enveloping bag was
+in his mouth, and he felt certain the muffled sound he made could not be
+heard. He realized, as in a flash, that whoever had attacked him, here
+in the center of Prince Huaca's stronghold, would be intent on silencing
+his lips and would have no mercy on him.
+
+These thoughts sped through Bob's mind with lightning speed. The big
+fellow, on the other hand, reacted physically to the attack. He began
+fighting at once, and in a way that must have been totally unexpected by
+his antagonist. Instead of plucking at the other's hands, which were
+clutched about his throat, he crumpled up as if overcome and sank to the
+stones.
+
+The other retained his grip on Bob's throat, a cruel pressure that set
+the blood to pounding in the boy's temples. Nevertheless, he was thrown
+off his balance, his body followed Bob's, bent above him.
+
+The moment he touched the stones, Bob sank to the ground, drew up his
+legs with a convulsive effort, and then shot his feet upward with a
+tremendous thrust. He felt his bare feet strike a lightly-clad body.
+There was a grunt. Then the hands about Bob's throat were torn loose
+from their grip, and the attacker went hurtling backward.
+
+There was a thud, a dull groan, as the other struck against the parapet.
+Bob was tearing frantically at the covering over his head, which was a
+thick woolen sack. Meantime, he was emitting roar after roar of purest
+rage.
+
+"Bob, Bob. What is it? Oh."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII--ARMED AGAIN
+
+
+It was Frank's voice, and the exclamation was elicited by Frank catching
+sight of the figure against the parapet, now struggling to its feet,
+knife clutched in hand. Frank had been the first to reach his comrade's
+side. He did not pause but, unarmed though he was, sprang forward.
+
+Bob pulled the sack from his head, just in time to see Frank's rush bear
+the other to his knees. Then the others were on the scene, soldiers with
+torches, Prince Huaca, Jack and the rest. It was all over in a trice.
+The man was disarmed and in the hands of two soldiers, each holding him
+firmly by an arm. He was a stout rascal, with an evil face.
+
+Prince Huaca looked at him keenly.
+
+"One of the Palace Guard," said he. "I recognize his face and bearing,
+even though he is not in uniform."
+
+To his men, he added:
+
+"Take him below." As the prisoner was being led away, the prince turned
+to Mr. Hampton and Don Ernesto.
+
+"You see the crisis has come," said he simply. "This is the first time
+they have tried assassination."
+
+Then he went to Bob's side, a winning smile on his face.
+
+"I have you to thank for saving my life," he said. "I hope you are not
+hurt."
+
+"Not at all, thanks," said Bob, uncomfortably. "As to saving your life,
+sir--well, I guess he wouldn't have gotten much chance at you, with all
+your soldiers around."
+
+"How tell?" said the prince. "I have soldiers below, too. Yet this
+assassin gained the battlements."
+
+Then, temporarily dismissing the matter with a shrug of the shoulders,
+he said:
+
+"But, come, let us complete our preparations of the--what do you call it?
+Ah, yes. The radio."
+
+Turning, he led the way to where the station was nearing completion.
+While the boys resumed their operations, Prince Huaca again looked on
+between Don Ernesto and Mr. Hampton, and conversed with them. He seemed
+to have thawed to them greatly, and both men gained the impression that
+he was a lonely man and welcomed their friendship. To himself, Mr.
+Hampton thought that probably the prince was gifted with so much greater
+intelligence and vision than those surrounding him, that, indeed, he
+must lead a lonely life. And this diagnosis, in after days, he was to
+learn was correct. For years, Prince Huaca, of all of Incarial rank, had
+stood alone in opposition to the War Party, pointing out the folly of
+invasion of the outside world in the belief that it had stood still
+since the days of the Incas. Of friends of lesser rank, however, he had
+many like the lord of the outer valley, at whose home they had stopped
+the first day.
+
+As they stood there, Mr. Hampton was silent, turning these matters over
+in his mind, and considering their own and Prince Huaca's predicament.
+He was stirred by a real liking for the man, and by a great pity for
+him, too. Alone in this isolation, pitted against shrewd-witted men
+lusting for his downfall, what chance had he?
+
+"Prince Huaca, I want to be of help; we all want to be of help," said he
+suddenly. "Indeed, our very lives depend upon aiding you to overcome
+your enemies and defeat their plans. May I ask, therefore, what your own
+plans are? It is possible we may, by putting our heads together, find
+some additional way of helping you beside merely calling for aid that,
+after all, will take weeks to reach us."
+
+"I shall close the fortress, admit only a daily ration of food to the
+city from the farms, and notify the Inca and Council that negotiations
+with the outside world have been launched."
+
+"Ere that help can arrive, however," objected Mr. Hampton, "many days of
+waiting must elapse. Meanwhile, may not the fortress be attacked and
+treachery succeed, where tonight's attempt fortunately came to naught?"
+
+Before Prince Huaca could give answer, Jack approached.
+
+"Dad, we'll soon be in a position to broadcast and try to raise the
+monastery. It's a good thing we have got the quarter-kilowatt generator,
+for the monastery is all of one hundred and fifty miles distant as the
+crow flies, and, although we have a ten-inch spark coil, we couldn't be
+heard beyond fifty miles with it and the batteries for our source of
+energy, unless under freakish conditions. But, what I was going to ask
+is, What time is it?"
+
+Mr. Hampton looked at his watch.
+
+"Why, it's eleven o'clock."
+
+"What? As late as that?"
+
+Jack was amazed and keenly disappointed.
+
+"Why, I had no idea we had been working so long. I'm afraid, then, we
+won't be able to pick up the monastery tonight. _La Prensa's_ nightly
+concert will have been finished, and they'll all be in bed. What tough
+luck!"
+
+"Try, anyway, Jack," urged Mr. Hampton, in an anxious tone. "Time is
+invaluable to us. Perhaps," he added, hopefully, "Brother Gregorio will
+be pottering around and will catch your signal."
+
+Jack shook his head doubtfully.
+
+"The good monks used to be in bed at nine o'clock before we put in the
+radio set for them. And they've still got sleepy habits. But we'll see."
+
+He walked to where Bob and Frank were putting the finishing installation
+touches to the generator. Some six or eight inches in diameter, it was
+firmly planted on its legs, handles projecting on either side.
+
+"All ready, Jack," said Frank. "You take the instrument and Bob and I
+will get up steam."
+
+Interested spectators, the other principals, grouped themselves close,
+with the torch bearers forming a ring about them. Bob and Frank began
+pumping away at the handles.
+
+"Reminds me of making ice cream in the old freezer," said Bob.
+
+Brother Gregorio had been placed in charge of the radio at the
+monastery, and it was for him Jack called repeatedly, after tuning to
+the monastery's meter wave length, but no answer came back.
+
+"No use, I'm afraid," he said at last, disappointedly. "May as well ease
+up, fellows. They're all asleep, as I expected."
+
+"And that's the nearest radio station, too," said Frank. "There isn't
+another within our radius."
+
+"Well, we'll have to wait until tomorrow, that's all," added Bob.
+
+The matter was explained to Prince Huaca, who was disappointed greatly,
+and wanted the boys to make another attempt to raise the monastery. Jack
+complied, but again without success.
+
+"Ah, well," said the prince, resignedly. "It is in the hands of God."
+
+Don Ernesto glanced at him in quick surprise, and the prince rightly
+interpreted the look.
+
+"Nay," said he, "I am not as my people in religion, for I have read much
+in the Holy Book left by the holy men who came hither centuries ago with
+de Arguello. But of that we shall speak, perhaps, some other time. Let
+us now decide what shall be done with this radio tonight, and then
+return to my apartments."
+
+It was hardly likely that anything untoward would happen to the outfit,
+yet sentries were placed on guard from among the awed torch bearers.
+Then the party returned below. Instead of dismissing them to their
+quarters, along with Pedro and Carlos, Prince Huaca invited Mr. Hampton,
+Don Ernesto and the boys to enter his apartments again. When they were
+back in the inner room, he ordered the prisoner brought before him.
+
+Escorted by two guards, whom Prince Huaca dismissed to the anteroom
+during the examination, the prisoner was brought in. Of the examination
+itself, which was brief, and was conducted in the unknown Inca tongue,
+the others could make nothing. It appeared to all, however, that the man
+was visibly frightened, although he cloaked his fear under a mask of
+stoicism. Several times they heard the name of "Cinto" uttered by the
+prince. At length, the guards were resummoned and the prisoner led away.
+
+For a time after his departure, Prince Huaca sat silent, elbows planted
+on the table, his head in his hands, lost in thought. That it was none
+too pleasant could be seen from his expression.
+
+"It was as I thought," he confided at length. "The High Priest, Cinto,
+and his rascally nephew despatched this man to assassinate me. Should he
+have accomplished his deed, he was to have been given an officer's
+command in the Palace Guard. Ah, my poor uncle, what rascals surround
+him and prey upon his superstitions and his love of a fading life!
+
+"The fellow says he gained entrance by calling to see an acquaintance
+among my troops; and then, in the relaxation of the holiday which
+obtained in the guard room, he slipped into the interior of the fortress
+and made his way to the battlements, after seeing us go to them. This is
+lax discipline that permits of such things, and shall be inquired into
+presently.
+
+"And now it is late and you will want to retire. But before you go, I
+have something to give you. You see, I trust you utterly. Do you,
+therefore, Senor Hampton, open the cabinet behind you, and there you
+will find the weapons taken from you on your capture. These I trust you
+with, and enjoin you not to make use of except in case of direct
+necessity. Yet, after what has happened tonight, my faith in my defences
+is shaken. If one man may creep in thus easily, may not others have done
+so? I questioned the rascal as to that, but he denied it. Yet I am not
+convinced. I, myself, shall take precautions to guard myself tonight,
+and you with these weapons will also be safe.
+
+"They are, doubtless, far better weapons than those which we make after
+the pattern of the arms brought hither by the Spaniards in the early
+days?"
+
+It was more question than statement, and Mr. Hampton nodded.
+
+"They are, indeed, Prince Huaca," said he. "And these small ones, called
+pistols, are very deadly and can shoot a great distance. Will you permit
+me," he asked suddenly, "to tender you one of them? It can be carried
+concealed upon your person, and is better protection than anything; far
+better than a dozen trusty men even, provided they be not provided with
+modern arms."
+
+He advanced to the prince, carrying an automatic.
+
+"It is simple to operate," said he, "and will discharge a half dozen
+shots in succession without pause to reload."
+
+Briefly he explained the use of the weapon, and Prince Huaca accepted
+with thanks what he might have taken without a by-your-leave. He tucked
+it away, within his tunic and under his broad golden girdle.
+
+They then took their leave and were led by the jailer once more to their
+room, where they found Pedro and Carlos contentedly snoring away.
+
+"In the morning we shall radio," said the prince, on their departure.
+
+The others agreed.
+
+But----
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX--TREACHERY
+
+
+"What's that?"
+
+Frank sat up in bed, listened a moment, then shook the form of Bob
+beside him. He shook vigorously. Bob grunted.
+
+"Tumble out," said Frank, himself hitting the floor. And he raised his
+voice to a shout:
+
+"Everybody up."
+
+Springing to the nearest couch, where reposed Jack and his father,
+beginning to stir and blink at his shout, Frank shook them too. All the
+time he continued shouting: "Everybody up. Everybody up."
+
+All were awake by now, sitting up in bed or springing to the floor. And
+the sounds that had caused Frank to awaken could be heard plainly.
+
+Above the revelry in the square below, which had continued unabated hour
+after hour, could be heard a different hubbub, men shouting, and the
+sound of firearms being discharged. Ferdinand sprang to a loophole and
+stared out on a tossing, surging mass of humanity, lighted fitfully by
+the glare of the bonfires and the tossing flame of torches. All around
+the edges of the square, men, women and children were fleeing as if in
+panic. Before the great stairs of the Temple, where glowed the hugest
+bonfire of all, could be seen a force of men in gleaming armor--something
+which caused Ferdinand to rub his eyes and wonder if he were dreaming.
+They were close knit and firing to the rear as they advanced steadily.
+
+"Look, look," cried Ferdinand.
+
+All sprang to the loopholes.
+
+The armor-clad force set foot on the stairway and started upward, those
+in the rear continuing their rear-guard fight.
+
+"What is it? Who's fighting?"
+
+They craned to see the opposing force. Ah, there it was. A rabble of men
+from the direction of the fortress, some with firearms which they were
+discharging at the group mounting the Temple stairs, others armed only
+with spears. Some wore helmet or breastplate, but none were fully
+clothed in armor. They were shouting with rage, and it seemed to the
+onlookers there were cries of "Huaca, Huaca."
+
+What could it mean? They stared, fascinated, absorbed, beginning to grow
+alarmed. The force on the Temple stairs held together firmly. Several
+dropped as if wounded, but were lifted by comrades and supported into
+the Temple. The force reached the top of the stairway. Then, from the
+great pillars of the portico, gloomy and unlighted, above the glare of
+the bonfire, stepped numbers of men, similarly clad in armor, who took
+up position in serried rank along the top of the steps, and, at the
+command of a plumed leader in the middle, delivered with uplifted sword,
+started down the steps.
+
+Suddenly a new clash of steel, seemingly at the base of the fortress
+rock, immediately below the windows of the prisoners, broke out. It was
+succeeded by loud shouts. They craned, but could not see.
+
+"Sounds like an attack on the fort," cried Frank, withdrawing from his
+loophole to shout to Jack and his father at the next one.
+
+"But that isn't possible," Jack replied. "The only approach to the fort
+is up a winding stairway from the city. Below us is rock."
+
+"But, listen. Something's going on. Wish I could see."
+
+"Look, Frank, look." Bob pulled his companion back to their loophole.
+
+Frank followed the injunction.
+
+Back across the square, running pell mell, came the men who had pursued
+the armor-clad warriors into the Temple.
+
+"Those are soldiers from the fortress, boys," said Mr. Hampton, over
+Frank's shoulder. Frank and Bob turned about to see Jack and his father,
+who had approached from their loophole.
+
+"Do you think so?"
+
+"Yes," answered Mr. Hampton, speaking rapidly. "I believe that in some
+manner Prince Huaca has been captured and that force we saw disappear
+into the Temple had him in its midst. His soldiers followed, unorganized
+and enraged. Now a force in their rear has attacked the fortress,
+possibly at a sally-post below us of which we know nothing. Arm
+yourselves at once, boys, and barricade the door with the couches. If
+the fortress falls, we will defend ourselves."
+
+"Thank goodness Prince Huaca returned us our weapons and ammunition last
+night," said Bob, leaping to possess himself of rifle and revolver.
+
+"Last night?" said Frank. "Why, this is the same night."
+
+"Right you are, Frank. But things move so fast here, I lose track of
+time."
+
+While the others armed, and then barricaded the door, Mr. Hampton kept
+watch at the loophole. Prince Huaca's followers could no longer be seen.
+The armor-clad Palace Guard was sweeping across the great square, empty
+now of merrymakers, in a wave. But, though he could not see the soldiers
+of the prince, Mr. Hampton could tell what had become of them. For up
+from the foot of the Acropolis below his loophole came an increased
+sound of shouting and clashing steel.
+
+He looked again. The Palace Guard had increased pace. Evidently, all was
+not going well with the attacking party at the Acropolis, as the
+retreating soldiers from the fortress fell upon them in the rear. Would
+the soldiers of the fortress win back to shelter with their comrades? Or
+would the reinforcements of the Palace Guard arrive in time to break
+down resistance? Mr. Hampton trembled. Upon the outcome depended the
+fate of the boys in the room behind. Jack! His eyes misted. Well, they
+would sell their lives dearly.
+
+Straining to listen to the sounds from below, watching the oncoming wave
+of the Palace Guard, Mr. Hampton was unaware of what was transpiring in
+the room behind him. A hand fell on his arm. He whirled about. It was
+Jack.
+
+"Somebody's at the door."
+
+Mr. Hampton gripped his rifle, and sprang toward the barricade of
+couches behind which crouched the rest of their little force. The great
+door of the room opened outward. They could see the light of several
+torches shining upon helmet and lance point.
+
+At sight of the barricade, and of the rifles poking over it, there was a
+hasty scramble on the part of those in the corridor to get out of the
+way. Then a white flag was thrust up on a spear point, and Mr. Hampton
+saw it was borne by their jailer--the man whom Prince Huaca trusted with
+the knowledge of the secret passage into his inner apartment, the man
+whose kindly face, as he had dealt with them, had made them feel they
+had a friend in him, even though there was no common tongue between
+them.
+
+He made signs to indicate he came in peace, then beckoned another
+forward. This other, in the dress of a noble, seemed vaguely familiar to
+Mr. Hampton. Jack supplied the answer.
+
+"Why, Dad, it's the young noble at whose house we stopped when we were
+brought through the outer valley as prisoners. He's a friend of Prince
+Huaca."
+
+"What the deuce, though," said Mr. Hampton. "I can't speak to him in his
+language."
+
+It was unnecessary.
+
+In Spanish far poorer than Prince Huaca's, yet still understandable, the
+young noble explained he came in peace. Then he asked that he be
+admitted. Part of the barricade was removed, and he was brought into the
+room. He and Mr. Hampton and Don Ernesto withdrew to one side and
+carried on a low-voiced conversation.
+
+Presently, he bowed and withdrew from the room, the guard in the
+corridor going with him. The jailer, however, at his command, remained
+behind, and the door was left open. The boys looked inquiringly at the
+older men.
+
+"Tear down the barricade, boys, so we have something to sit on. The
+fortress is still in the hands of Prince Huaca's men. The prince, as I
+surmised, has been captured. This young noble, Michac, had heard a rumor
+out at his country home of impending trouble, and was so alarmed for
+Prince Huaca's safety that he started for the fortress at once. He
+arrived too late. Prince Huaca had been captured by a body of men who
+gained entrance to his sleeping chamber through the secret passage. How
+it was all brought about has yet to be learned. They carried him out
+through a postern, where a strong body from the Palace Guard was in
+waiting. That was the force we first saw make its way to the Temple.
+
+"Michac has gone to see the safeguarding of the fortress, and has
+assumed command, for the soldiers believe there was treachery among
+their offices and have deposed all. Michac is known to them, he has
+always held aloof from the Court, and they trust him, and offered him
+the command. He plans to send a messenger at once to the Inca with word
+that if Prince Huaca is slain, the fortress troops will starve the city.
+
+"The position of the fortress, controlling the food supply of the city,
+gives him the opportunity thus to preserve Prince Huaca's life. On the
+other hand, if he attacks, Prince Huaca would be slain. Thus, matters
+probably will be deadlocked. Michac says that from a letter sent him by
+Prince Huaca, he learned of the latter's trust in us, and thus has asked
+us to place ourselves at his disposal, as allies and advisers.
+
+"He will return presently. Now you have the whole matter before you. It
+looks dark, yet not entirely hopeless."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX--FRANK PLANS A MIRACLE
+
+
+Michac, however, was delayed far longer than he anticipated, and the
+remaining hours of the night passed without his return. None passed
+through their corridor. No messengers appeared with word from Michac.
+They were left in darkness as to the course of events.
+
+Sleep for most of them would have been impossible. Only Pedro and
+Carlos, apprised briefly by Don Ernesto as to what had occurred, could
+yield to slumber. They, however, with the stoic philosophy and
+acceptance of a situation that the boys on previous occasions had
+admired, turned in and slept soundly, ready for the next call to action.
+
+"Boy, how I wish I could do the same," said big Bob, glancing enviously
+at the slumbering huachos. "No use to try, though. I might get to sleep,
+but it would be only to have Frank chuck me out of bed the next minute.
+Seems to me I never yet got to sleep that he didn't go out and start a
+couple of bunches of fellows to fighting each other, just to spoil my
+slumber."
+
+Don Ernesto and Mr. Hampton fell into quiet, low-voiced conversation,
+and the boys posted themselves at the loopholes to watch for
+developments.
+
+The bonfires still blazed in the great square, fed ever and again by
+members of the Palace Guard. These latter, clad in complete armor, were
+posted at every street leading into the square. The fitful glare of the
+bonfires gleamed now and again upon breastplate or helmet.
+
+Of all that great multitude which had been making merry, none remained.
+Several had been wounded in the crossfire of the two opposing forces,
+but their bodies had been removed. Where before all was mirth and
+merry-making, now reigned an ominous, oppressive silence.
+
+Now and again the intermittent gleam of torches borne through the
+streets could be seen in the thoroughfares radiating from the great
+square. The boys wondered what it portended.
+
+"Perhaps the High Priest is ferreting out Prince Huaca's friends and
+arresting them," suggested Frank, on one occasion.
+
+Hours passed, while the boys kept moving about, talking, watching
+through the loopholes. At length, Bob, with a jaw-dislocating yawn,
+flung himself down on a couch, and went soundly to sleep. A moment later
+Ferdinand succumbed to the force of suggestion and to his overwhelming
+fatigue, and also lay down.
+
+Silence, while the jailer, crouching by the door in the position he had
+held for hours, seemed a graven image; silence, while Don Ernesto and
+Mr. Hampton sat forward, voiceless, lost in thought, their elbows on
+their knees, on a couch near the door; silence, while Frank and Jack
+leaned in a loophole, their heads close together, staring down at the
+Temple front and the portion of the square within their view.
+
+"Jack," said Frank at last, in a low voice, "I've been thinking."
+
+"Yes?"
+
+"We can get out to safety all right, probably, with Michac in command."
+
+"I suppose he'd let us go."
+
+"But we can't desert Prince Huaca."
+
+"That's right."
+
+"He's a white man."
+
+"He certainly is."
+
+"He trusted us, Jack, and we ought to help him."
+
+"We ought to, indeed."
+
+"I have an idea."
+
+"What is it, Frank?"
+
+"Don't laugh, Jack, will you?"
+
+"No, I won't laugh, Frank. This is pretty serious business. What is
+there to laugh at?"
+
+"I mean I don't want you to laugh at my idea."
+
+"All right, Frank, I promise. What is it?"
+
+A lengthy pause. Frank's shoulders began to shake. He looked at him
+curiously.
+
+"Why--why----"
+
+"Yes, Jack, I'm laughing myself. I can't help it. Oh, but this is too
+good. But"--Frank by an effort regained control of himself and resumed
+his normal expression--"just the same, I'm right."
+
+"Well, for goodness sake, what is it? What have you got in mind? I'd
+like to laugh, too."
+
+"Jack, you promised."
+
+"All right. Out with it."
+
+Jack was interested. His curiosity was piqued. What could Frank have in
+mind?
+
+"Well, Jack, you remember Pedro has false teeth? A full set, with a
+rubber plate that looks just like a palate?"
+
+"Yes. Go on."
+
+"And Carlos has a glass eye?"
+
+"Yes, yes."
+
+"And, Jack, you remember Don Ernesto's toupee?"
+
+"Well, what of it?"
+
+"It's a wonderful work of art, Jack. When he wears it, you would swear
+it was his own luxuriant hair. And when he takes it off----"
+
+"He's certainly bald, and his head shines like a billiard ball. Yes, I
+know. What of it? What's all this got to do with rescuing Prince
+Huaca--false teeth, glass eyes and toupee?"
+
+Frank stared at him.
+
+"Jack, don't you see?"
+
+Jack was sleepy, fatigued, and peevish.
+
+"No, I don't. What's the matter with you, anyway?"
+
+"Well, Jack, when you think of modern inventions, you think of the
+airplane and radio and steamers and locomotives and telephones, don't
+you?"
+
+"I suppose so."
+
+"But, Jack, the savages know nothing about glass eyes and false teeth
+and toupees. And I'm sure the Incas don't know anything about them,
+either."
+
+Jack looked at Frank, puzzled.
+
+"That's right, Frank. But how can it benefit us?"
+
+"Well, look here. Suppose we appeared before the Inca and his Council as
+a delegation from the fortress and demanded Prince Huaca's release on
+pain of working our magic on the Inca and all his forces. Then we'd give
+them a demonstration. Your father has a little pointed beard. He could
+make up to look like a magician. He'd make a few passes, utter some
+words in English--anything would confound them, as English is unknown to
+them--and then Pedro would pull out his teeth, Carlos would pluck out his
+eye, and Don Ernesto would scalp himself. Wouldn't that just give them
+fits? Wouldn't it just----"
+
+But Jack's bewildered expression had given way to one of mirth,
+uncontrollable mirth, and he laughed until he was weak, leaning back
+against the wall, his hands pressed to his aching sides. Frank, too,
+yielded to merriment, expostulating between spasms of laughter:
+
+"You promised not to laugh, Jack. You promised."
+
+The sound of their laughter reached Don Ernesto and Mr. Hampton, and
+they looked inquiringly toward its source; then, as the boys continued
+to go off into fresh gales of mirth, arose from the couch and approached
+them.
+
+"What's the joke, boys? Let us in on it," said Mr. Hampton, smiling.
+
+"Oh, I can't, Dad. I can't speak. Ask Frank."
+
+Jack was so weak he could hardly support himself. The ludicrous idea
+propounded by his friend, coming on top of his nervous strain, had
+induced a species of hysteria.
+
+The two older men grinned in sympathy with the boys, although in the
+dark as to the cause of their laughter.
+
+"Some boyish joke, I suppose," said Mr. Hampton, and was about to turn
+away, but Jack recovered himself sufficiently to lay a detaining hand on
+his arm.
+
+"Wait a minute, Dad. Give me a chance to get my breath. You must hear
+this."
+
+The two older men paused, expectant. Presently Jack recovered
+sufficiently to attempt an explanation.
+
+"Frank there," he said, pointing to his still quaking comrade. And then
+he explained what Frank had proposed.
+
+"I hope we won't give you offense, Don Ernesto," he said, with quick
+compunction.
+
+The latter, however, was a jolly sort. And he was struck with the
+originality of the idea. With a comical gesture he put his hand to his
+head, removed his toupee and held it aloft while Mr. Hampton, seeing
+what he was about, pulled a long face and made several mysterious passes
+before him.
+
+They had moved close to the table and stood revealed in the light of the
+rekindled lamp.
+
+A wild shriek came from the doorway. They swung about startled, Don
+Ernesto still holding his toupee aloft. The shriek brought Bob and
+Ferdinand to the floor. Even Carlos and Pedro sprang upright on their
+couch.
+
+"Great guns, I forgot the jailer was sitting over there," said Mr.
+Hampton. "Look at him."
+
+"Hurray," cried Frank. "It worked."
+
+"What do you mean? What worked?"
+
+It was Bob, rubbing his eyes.
+
+Frank, however, paid him no attention.
+
+"Look, look," he said, seizing Mr. Hampton's arm. "He saw Don Ernesto
+scalp himself and he's scared stiff."
+
+"I believe you're right, Frank," said Mr. Hampton, delightedly.
+
+They hurried to the recumbent form. The jailer lay on his face, his
+hands up to his eyes, as if shutting out an horrific sight. He was
+moaning like a man in the extremity of terror.
+
+"Let's try the teeth and the false eye on him, too," said Frank, carried
+away with enthusiasm at the unexpected proof of the plausibility of his
+suggestion.
+
+"No, no," protested Mr. Hampton. "The man is beside himself with terror
+now."
+
+Bending down, he began to pat the fellow on the back, and endeavor to
+induce him to raise his head. Don Ernesto, meanwhile, restored his
+toupee. Presently, although Mr. Hampton knew no words in the other's
+tongue, he had brought him back to some semblance of sanity. The jailer
+still trembling violently, was induced to get to his feet, but his hands
+were still to his eyes, as if he feared to gaze upon a terrible sight.
+
+The room grew lighter. A glance toward the loopholes revealed the sky
+was becoming bright in the east.
+
+"Look," said Jack, "it is dawn."
+
+At that moment, while Mr. Hampton still patted the trembling form of the
+jailer, steps were heard in the corridor, and the flickering light of
+torches was reflected on the walls. Frank looked out.
+
+"Here comes Michac with a bodyguard," he said. "Say----"
+
+He faced the room, glancing at the others.
+
+"What?" asked Jack.
+
+"Let's try the whole works on Michac and his escort."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI--TO GO OR NOT TO GO
+
+
+Jack laughed with the others, but, sobering, said:
+
+"I'd like to, Frank. But don't you think it would be rather mean to
+frighten our friends?"
+
+Mr. Hampton interrupted quickly.
+
+"The thought does you credit, Jack. But there is something else to
+consider. I really believe Frank's plan for aweing the Inca and his
+Council a good one. This is a matter of life and death. If the plan is
+to succeed it must be capable of thoroughly frightening these people and
+convincing them of our magical powers. And, as Michac and his escort are
+the same sort of people on whom our tricks would have to be tried in
+earnest, it is well to give a dress rehearsal, so to speak, and see what
+our luck will be."
+
+"Here they come," said Frank, looking out the door.
+
+"Very well," said Mr. Hampton, rapidly. "Pedro, Carlos, when I make
+mysterious signs and order you to remove your eye and teeth, do you do
+so as if unwillingly, but under compulsion. If you can grimace and
+pretend it pains you, so much the better. Ready. Here they are."
+
+As Michac appeared in the doorway, Mr. Hampton faced Don Ernesto, Pedro
+and Carlos, who stood shoulder to shoulder. He acted as if the young
+noble and the half dozen soldiers behind him had not been seen. Waving
+his hands like a mesmerist, in the faces of the trio, he began reciting
+a rigmarole of whatever words came into his head.
+
+The three controlled their features with commendable gravity, and,
+indeed, acted as if in fear of Mr. Hampton. Michac paused in
+astonishment. The soldiers betrayed mingled alarm and curiosity. As for
+the jailer, he moaned and cowered against the wall. The boys had all
+they could do to keep from laughing. Then Mr. Hampton made an especially
+fierce gesture toward Pedro.
+
+"Hocus pocus, abracadabra, pluck out thine eye," he commanded, in
+Spanish.
+
+Pedro grimaced as if in pain, brushed his hand across his right eye and
+brought it away with the glass eyeball in his fingers. He held it out to
+Mr. Hampton.
+
+The jailer, whose curiosity got the better of prudence, had withdrawn
+his hands from his eyes. Now he emitted another piercing shriek and once
+more cowered down, too stricken to move. The soldiers pushed back
+against each other, making little sounds of fear. Michac held his
+ground, but he became pale.
+
+"Pull out thy teeth and palate," commanded Mr. Hampton, ferociously,
+making a pass with his hands before Carlos.
+
+Out came the false teeth, with the palate of red gum, looking like the
+roof of his mouth. He opened his mouth wide, exposing the toothless
+gums.
+
+It was too much for the jailer. He had had enough. He turned and dashed
+wildly through the group of soldiers, and down the corridor.
+
+"After him, after him, he'll turn the fortress topsy turvy," cried the
+quick-witted Jack.
+
+Frank, who was nearest the door, was off like a shot. Nobody attempted
+to halt him. And he was fortunate enough to come upon the jailer within
+a few yards, for the latter in his blind haste had stumbled and fallen.
+
+The soldiers were on the verge of panic. Michac, too, was shaken, but
+held his ground, either out of a fascinated curiosity to see what would
+occur next, or else in the feeling that he must set an example to his
+men.
+
+"Now, take this knife and scalp thyself," Mr. Hampton commanded Don
+Ernesto, extending his pocket knife.
+
+The latter screwed up his face as if in agony, ran the knife blade
+seemingly around his head, then with a tug lifted off his toupee,
+revealing his hairless dome.
+
+It was too much. The soldiers fell over each other trying to get away.
+There were shrieks and cries, as they darted off with tossing torches.
+
+"Quick," cried Mr. Hampton, seizing Michac's arm urgently. "Command them
+to return. 'Tis but a trick."
+
+But Michac, although he had resolutely held his ground and refused to
+flee, was helpless. He was so stupefied that he could not move. He could
+not even speak. He opened his mouth, but no sound came forth.
+
+"Well, I guess they won't do any harm," said Mr. Hampton. "Let them go.
+Jack, get this chap a drink of water from the table."
+
+Michac accepted the cup gratefully, and put it to his lips, but his hand
+shook so badly that he spilled most of the contents.
+
+"There, you will feel better," said Mr. Hampton. "Now, Senor permit me
+to explain."
+
+Leading Michac to a couch, he explained as simply as he could how modern
+surgical science made false teeth and eyes possible, while the toupee
+was the outgrowth of a demand of fashion. Then he bade the others
+restore their original appearance, and they complied. In conclusion, Mr.
+Hampton explained Frank's idea that they proceed to the Incarial
+Council, demand Prince Huaca's release on pain of incurring the white
+man's vengeance, and then proceed to demonstrate their "magic."
+
+"Do you consider it would succeed?" he asked.
+
+Michac, a young man of intelligence and sense, grasped Mr. Hampton's
+explanation quickly, and his fear disappeared. He smiled broadly and
+delightedly.
+
+"Succeed, Senor? You will make Cinto and his priests die of envy. No
+such miracles can they perform."
+
+"Yes, but think you we can obtain Prince Huaca's release?"
+
+"Nay, I cannot say. They will be frightened, yes. Was not I? And I am a
+man not easily scared. Yet Prince Huaca is bitterly hated by Cinto and
+the Council. Not willingly will they give him up. I will be frank with
+you. I would like the attempt made. Yet if you fail, it is death. Have
+you no other magic greater than these?"
+
+They looked at each other nonplussed. Suddenly Jack's face brightened.
+
+"The radio outfit, Dad. Surely we can do something with that."
+
+Mr. Hampton nodded quickly,
+
+"Good, Jack, good. There must be a way to use it effectively."
+
+Michac, who had not understood the rapid interchange of remarks, looked
+inquiringly at Mr. Hampton.
+
+"Will you come with us to the battlement, Senor?" Mr. Hampton said,
+slowly, in Spanish. "Prince Huaca knows of further and greater magic,
+and left sentries on guard there last night over it."
+
+"I heard a strange tale from those men," said Michac. "For, yes, I found
+them there upon my inspection of the fortress during the night.
+Willingly will I accompany you."
+
+Jack interposed.
+
+"But first, Dad, perhaps Michac ought to round up his escort and prevent
+them from demoralizing the fortress troops with wild tales of what
+occurred here."
+
+"Right," said Mr. Hampton, and turning to the young nobleman, he
+communicated Jack's suggestion. The other nodded.
+
+"Await me."
+
+When he had left, the boys began to laugh over their recent experience,
+but Mr. Hampton and Don Ernesto were thoughtful. They looked at each
+other understanding and spoke together, low-voiced. Then Mr. Hampton
+turned to the lads.
+
+"We're afraid it can't be done," he said. "It was good fun, and all
+that. But the chances of failure are too great to warrant us in
+imperiling our lives. It is true, we might go to the Inca as a
+delegation under a flag of truce, but we have no guarantee its sanctity
+would be regarded."
+
+"Oh, Dad, everybody regards the sanctity of a flag of truce."
+
+Jack's tone was disappointed.
+
+But Mr. Hampton shook his head.
+
+"I'm afraid the risk is too great."
+
+"Look here, Dad, I've got an idea. You know my ring radio set? I've got
+it with me. We can take that along with us to the audience. Then we'll
+tell the Inca that the white man's god wants to speak to him, clap the
+ring on his finger, adjust the headphone for him, and, from our station
+on top of the fortress, order him to release Prince Huaca and punish the
+conspirators against him. Now don't say it can't be done, Dad, for it
+can, and you know it can. We've got plenty of wire, and can run up all
+the aerial necessary in a trice, stand the Inca on one of those gold
+flagstones in his palace and give him what he asks for."
+
+Mr. Hampton laughed.
+
+"Not so bad, Jack, but----"
+
+"Besides, Mr. Hampton," interposed Frank, "remember we have our
+pistols--and automatics are something these people aren't accustomed to.
+That is another marvel."
+
+"But we couldn't take those along under a flag of truce."
+
+"Why not?" asked Don Ernesto. "They would know nothing about them. The
+weapons could be tucked away out of sight. And, although to carry them
+would seem a breach of faith, yet if we would save Prince Huaca, the end
+justifies the means, it seems to me."
+
+At that moment Michac returned.
+
+"Ask him about a flag of truce, Dad, whether the Incarial forces would
+respect it?" suggested Jack.
+
+Mr. Hampton did as proposed. Michac straightened proudly.
+
+"It would be respected," he said.
+
+"Then, Dad, your major objection of the danger to us is overborne."
+
+"Yes, I see. But about the pistols, I don't know."
+
+Mr. Hampton shook his head. Then he had an inspiration. Taking out his
+pistol, he held it up for Michac to view.
+
+"Do you know what this is?" he asked.
+
+Michac regarded it curiously. He confessed ignorance. Then, on second
+thought, he added:
+
+"It is strange. Yet it looks like a tiny gun such as children might make
+were they expert gunsmiths. Is it a toy?"
+
+"The deadliest known to man," said Mr. Hampton. And he explained.
+
+"Would we be deprived of these if we went to the Inca's palace?"
+
+"Nay, I doubt it."
+
+"Then we can take them," said Don Ernesto, who had been listening
+closely. "That is good."
+
+"But, under a flag of truce----"
+
+"My friend," said Don Ernesto, "you are quixotic. We risk our lives in a
+quixotic venture, as it is, if we go to attempt to obtain Prince Huaca's
+release. At least let us take advantage of this fortunate circumstance
+that pistols are unknown here and carry our weapons as protection
+against treachery. For, though Senor Michac says a flag of truce will be
+respected, you must remember we are dealing with the High Priest Cinto
+and his nephew, not with the Inca, and they already have tried to
+assassinate Prince Huaca and then carried him off captive. Though why,"
+he added, "he was not assassinated this second time, but merely made
+prisoner, I cannot see."
+
+"Perhaps they thought better of it," said Mr. Hampton. "What think you,
+Senor?" he added, addressing Michac.
+
+"Nay, I do not know. The plans of this Cinto are beyond my
+understanding. Yet it may be he repented of having directed
+assassination and when his spies within the fortress reported failure of
+the plan, he was glad. For Prince Huaca is beloved of the people, and
+there might have been an uprising; whereas, if he be but prisoner, men
+will not so willingly put their lives in danger. An it may be, too," he
+added, as an afterthought, "that the man captured by you on the
+battlement was not sent to slay but to aid in the capture of Prince
+Huaca. It may be that the story he told of being sent to slay was false,
+and was told the prince in order to cloak the real design. For the man,
+as it has been proven, had little to fear. He was released from his
+fetters by traitors within the fortress, and escaped during the night,
+probably with those who carried off the prince."
+
+Mr. Hampton shook his head. "Palace politics are beyond me," he said.
+"Evidently this Cinto is a thorough-going scoundrel. But, to return to
+the matter of whether we go before the Inca with our pistols
+concealed----"
+
+He was interrupted by the appearance of a soldier at the door, evidently
+in great haste.
+
+The latter saluted Michac, and the latter gave him permission to speak.
+
+Then Michac turned to the others gravely, and interrupted.
+
+"The Inca has sent a messenger, calling upon me to surrender you to him
+at once, as you are Incarial prisoners. What shall I do?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII--INTO THE INCA'S COURT
+
+
+"Do?" cried Jack. "I'm for complying."
+
+"Jack, you are talking wildly," rebuked his father, sternly. "It is
+death."
+
+"But, Dad, don't you see? Now we need have no scruples about going
+armed."
+
+"I know, Jack," said his father, gravely. "But don't you realize that if
+we go now, we go as prisoners, and not under the protection of a flag of
+truce?"
+
+"I hadn't thought of that," said Jack, and fell silent.
+
+They looked at each other, but none spoke for the moment.
+
+"Senor Hampton," said Michac, resolutely, "I shall not comply with the
+Inca's command, though it be for the first time in my life I have failed
+to do so, and have put myself in open defiance of our supreme authority.
+Let him declare my life forfeit and place a price upon my head in the
+hope of finding traitors among the fortress garrison to slay me. I care
+not. I am concerned solely for the life of my friend, Prince Huaca. I do
+not ask that you go voluntarily and endanger yourselves in the hope of
+saving him, but I do appeal to you to help me save him in some manner.
+You are wiser men than I, with many wonders and marvels at your command,
+and----"
+
+"Think you, Senor Michac," interrupted Don Ernesto, "that if we reply to
+the Inca that we come as delegates from a great lord beyond the
+mountains with many marvels at his command, and that we wish to have an
+audience with him, but not as prisoners, he will give us safe conduct?"
+
+Michac's worried expression lightened.
+
+"And then----"
+
+"Having obtained an audience," said Don Ernesto, "we shall seek to so
+impress him with our power that he will be overawed and will either
+surrender Prince Huaca or promise that his life be spared."
+
+"It may be," said Michac.
+
+"Let us make the attempt, Senor Hampton," appealed Don Ernesto. "We are
+eight in number, capable all of us, armed with modern automatics. I
+believe we can protect ourselves, and, perhaps, even effect a gallant
+deed in the rescue of Prince Huaca."
+
+"Remember, Dad," said Jack, "that Pizarro, with a handful of warriors,
+overthrew a far mightier host than we will face. And in a less worthy
+cause, besides."
+
+Mr. Hampton looked at the three lads, at Jack and Bob and Frank. He
+thought of the responsibility devolving upon him of looking after their
+safety. Nevertheless, there was much truth in what the others urged. In
+the automatics, they had weapons the like of which were unknown to the
+Inca's people. In the marvels at their command, they had something with
+which to dazzle the others and convince them of the white man's greater
+power. Besides, there was Prince Huaca--a man who had endeared himself.
+Mr. Hampton rubbed his eyes. Was he living in the twentieth century? He,
+himself, matter of fact though he was, felt the influence of another age
+upon him. He could see the boys had entirely yielded to that influence
+and that Don Ernesto was slipping fast. He felt reckless. After all, as
+Don Ernesto had said, it would be a gallant deed to rescue Prince Huaca.
+And in the mood that was upon him, he felt as if the doing of a gallant
+deed was all that counted.
+
+"Very well, let us send a message to the Inca as you propose, Don
+Ernesto."
+
+"Hurray, Dad."
+
+"That's the stuff, Mr. Hampton."
+
+"Senor, it is fine to be a boy again, is it not so?" Don Ernesto clasped
+his hand.
+
+Michac was elated. The message was given the Incarial messenger, and he
+was sent back to the palace. Then they sat down to await developments.
+But not for long, as the boys recalled at once that they had not yet
+succeeded in calling the monastery, and all adjourned to the
+battlements.
+
+Almost at once Jack succeeded in obtaining a reply. And when Brother
+Gregorio's voice sounded in the receivers, he gave a cry of joy.
+
+"Senor Jack, is it you? Tell me. How have you fared?"
+
+"It's Brother Gregorio, fellows. Hurray," cried Jack, turning to the
+circle about him.
+
+"We've found it, Brother Gregorio," he replied, interrupting the other's
+eager flood of questions. "We are in the Enchanted City. And it is not
+in ruins, but inhabited. By the descendants of the Incas. Oh, a
+marvellous story. But I have little time now for conversation. Do you
+call Father Felipe at once, as Don Ernesto has much to tell him."
+
+Father Felipe, fortunately, was close at hand, and he and Don Ernesto
+soon were engaged in conversation. Rapidly and concisely, Don Ernesto
+related the sequence of their adventures, and what they now proposed to
+do. In conclusion, he asked Father Felipe to take minute note of the
+directions for finding the Enchanted City, and to communicate at once
+with his brother-in-law, the President of Chile. From Don Ernesto's
+remarks, those listening could tell that Father Felipe was protesting
+vehemently at the carrying out of the proposed visit to the Inca, and
+urging them not to do so. But Don Ernesto did not weaken.
+
+So long did the conversation continue, that before its conclusion a
+messenger appeared on the roof to inform Michac that the Inca's
+messenger had returned and awaited him below. Michac disappeared. When
+he returned, Don Ernesto still was talking, and Michac addressed himself
+to Mr. Hampton.
+
+"The Inca will receive you as delegates from the Lord Beyond the
+Mountains," he said. "You are to appear at once for audience."
+
+"And does he give safe conduct?"
+
+"So states the message, yet Senor----"
+
+"What?" asked Mr. Hampton, noting his hesitation.
+
+"I fear treachery from Cinto. Remember you were told by Prince Huaca
+that he and you were to appear for audience today--when apparently you
+would be safe--yet were then to be seized and slain. I repeat me, Senor,
+of urging you to make this visit. It is not yet too late to withdraw."
+
+Don Ernesto meantime had concluded his conversation with Father Felipe.
+
+"Treachery or not, Senor Hampton," he said firmly, "I believe we should
+make the attempt to save Prince Huaca. Honor demands it."
+
+"Yes," said Mr. Hampton, firmly. "I too, have decided in favor of it. We
+shall keep our eyes open and be on our guard."
+
+"Dad," interrupted Jack, "remember what I said about the ring radio?
+Well, I've got another idea. Let us give the Inca a present. That will
+be only natural. Now the box containing the tube transformers is a
+handsome piece of work, and will look impressive. Let us take it and the
+batteries and present it to him, string up an aerial and tell him the
+Lord Beyond the Mountains is so great he can speak and make his voice
+heard, although he isn't present. Then we'll get the Inca to put on the
+headphone and give him an earful from the battlement."
+
+"But who will speak from the battlement, Jack?"
+
+"I've thought of that, too, Dad. Of course the Inca understands this
+archaic Spanish that the high nobles speak. One of us might stay behind
+and spring Spanish on him. But I've got a better plan. Wouldn't it
+impress him to tell him that our Lord Beyond the Mountains is so
+powerful that he speaks all tongues, even that of the Incas--the most
+isolated people in the world?"
+
+Mr. Hampton nodded. Frank interrupted eagerly.
+
+"You mean----"
+
+"Yes, sir, I mean Michac," said Jack. "He isn't going with us. He can
+stay here and act the part of the Lord Beyond the Mountains, and speak
+to the Inca. Besides, that will be all the better. For he knows all
+about conditions here and knows everybody by his first name. He can show
+such familiarity with the Inca's affairs as to dumbfound the old boy. As
+for the generator, a couple of these husky soldiers can turn the handles
+and give him the juice. Now I know what you're going to say, Dad. You're
+going to object that Michac won't know when the Inca puts on the
+receivers, aren't you?"
+
+Mr. Hampton nodded, smiling slightly, for Jack's enthusiasm amused and
+warned him, and he could see his son had a plan already worked out.
+
+"Suppose, too," he said, "that the Inca refuses to don the headphones?
+What then?"
+
+"If he doesn't," said Jack, "what's to prevent us from bluffing this
+High Priest, Cinto, into putting them on? We can ask simply whether he
+is afraid. That ought to floor him. He won't dare admit fear of
+another's magic. For that matter, we can bluff the Inca into listening
+by the same method.
+
+"Anyway," Jack continued, "either of your objections can be met. We can
+say that the Lord from Beyond the Mountains speaks from the sky, and ask
+the Inca to come to that great platform before the Temple. Then we can
+put up our set there, and from the battlements here, Michac can see just
+who is listening on the 'phones, and when to speak."
+
+"Jack, I believe you've got it," said his father, heartily. "Well, let's
+go."
+
+"Look here," said Bob, suddenly. "Michac can't see from where this set
+is located. He can't get sight of the square at all. But I've got an
+idea, too. Jack, you give him your field glasses, and explain them to
+him. Then he can station a trusty man in the embrasure there, with the
+glasses, and this man can make sure beyond possibility of a doubt, who
+is listening-in and when, and just call the information to Michac."
+
+The glasses were brought, a soldier instructed in their use, and two
+others put at the generator. Then Michac escorted the party to the
+fortress gate, and they set out across the square. Before resuming his
+station on the battlements, Michac assembled two strong parties under
+trusty petty officers, and stationed them at the main gate and at the
+sally port at the foot of the Acropolis, reached by a stairway hewn from
+the living rock. It was there the surprise attack had been delivered the
+night before.
+
+"Keep close watch," he commanded, "and if you see these strangers return
+in haste, pursued by the Palace Guard, dash forth to their rescue. They
+go to attempt the delivery of Prince Huaca."
+
+That last statement, he new, would steel their arms, for the common
+soldiers of the fortress adored Prince Huaca. Then he returned to the
+battlements to await developments.
+
+By that time he could see the party, led by the Inca's messenger,
+marching two abreast, in step, with Pedro and Carlos in the rear,
+bearing the radio outfit, reach the wide stone stairway sweeping up to
+the Incarial palace, which adjoined the Temple on the left. He was torn
+by conflicting emotions at the sight, hope that the marvels of the
+strangers would accomplish the impossible, fear for the possible effects
+of Cinto's treachery.
+
+Steadily they marched up the steps, received at the head of the flight
+by an armed guard in glittering armor, which closed about them. Fear
+overcame hope in Michac's breast. Against those splendid armor-clad
+warriors, how could his newfound friends hope for success. His heart
+failed him. Had he been wise in permitting them to go? Were they not
+going to certain death, in spite of fair promises?
+
+"Oh, Huaca, Huaca, my friend and leader," he said to himself, in
+momentary despair, "I shall never see you alive again. My poor country!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII--THE OLD AND THE NEW
+
+
+What a sensation that was, crossing the great square of Cusco Hurrin,
+facing the tremendous Temple of the Sun and the Inca's Palace, in the
+bright sunlight, with not a soul in sight in all the great expanse. The
+boys again underwent that feeling to which they had been subject so
+often since arrival, namely, that they were dreaming. Could it be
+possible that here they were in the most secret and unknown city on
+earth, that the unparalleled experience which had come to Pizarro
+centuries before, of discovering the Inca civilization, was now coming
+to them?
+
+They marched in step, shoulders squared, heads erect, looking very
+military in their camping outfits and campaign hats. By each man's side
+swung his automatic in a holster, ready for instant use.
+
+"If they do not know the purpose of these weapons," said Mr. Hampton, as
+they set out, "it is not likely they will attempt to take them from us.
+But, should they do so, we must not permit it. In that case, let each
+man draw his automatic and await my instructions."
+
+"What would you do, Dad?"
+
+"Demonstrate my ability as a shot," said his father, grimly. "I would
+bring down something or other, to convince them it were best not to
+trifle with us. My hope, however, is that we shall not be asked to give
+up our weapons."
+
+Steadily the march continued, and now, as they drew nearer to the Inca's
+Palace and could see the individual figures of the armor-clad guard
+drawn up on the terrace at the head of the great stairway, Jack turned
+for a last look at the Acropolis. As he did so, he gave an exclamation,
+and halted, staring. The others turned at his words, and then also
+halted in their tracks and stared.
+
+For the first time since arrival they obtained a clear view of the
+mountain peak behind the Acropolis. Through a flank of this lofty height
+was cut the Tunnel Way by which they had gained the fortress. During
+their only appearance on the battlements by day, only a very short time
+previously, they had been too occupied in calling the monastery by radio
+to look up at the towering peak beyond.
+
+"Look at it smoke."
+
+It was Bob's voice, breaking the silence.
+
+At once the others gave tongue, too, and the air was filled with their
+exclamations.
+
+For out of the truncated top of the mountain was pouring a thick black
+smoke, not of any great density, in reality, as yet, but still
+pronounced.
+
+"Is that a signal fire, or something like that, by any chance, Dad?"
+asked Jack.
+
+Mr. Hampton shook his head. His face was grave.
+
+"That's a volcano," he said. "You know some of the most active volcanoes
+in the world are located in the Andes. And the whole Andine region is
+subject to earthquakes. The tremors are felt far out at sea, and when a
+great earthquake occurs, it is usually accompanied by a tidal wave that
+wreaks destruction along the Chilian and Peruvian coast. Valparaiso
+practically was wiped out by a tidal wave not so many years ago."
+
+"Does that look as if it would erupt soon, Mr. Hampton?" Frank anxiously
+inquired.
+
+Mr. Hampton shook his head, doubtfully.
+
+"I don't know. But I do not believe so," he said. "What do you think,
+Don Ernesto?"
+
+The Chilian shrugged.
+
+"Who can tell," he said. "It feels like earthquake weather, a little,
+hot and muggy. But, come, we delay. Let us proceed."
+
+Once more the party moved forward. Now they were at the bottom of the
+great flight of stone stairs leading up to the Inca's Palace. Now they
+were halfway up. Now they were at the top. And two lines of splendid
+warriors formed an aisle through which they must pass to enter the great
+doorway.
+
+"Great guns," muttered Bob in a low voice, "I didn't realize--I didn't
+suspect----"
+
+"Ssh," whispered Frank, who was his partner.
+
+Nevertheless, he, too, was awed by the sight.
+
+So were they all.
+
+For the members of the Palace Guard were in golden armor. Breastplate,
+helmet, greaves, were all gold or gold-plated.
+
+Stunned, almost, though they were, however, none of the party seemed to
+take any notice of the warriors, but kept their eyes to the front as
+they halted at a gesture from the herald who had brought them from the
+Acropolis. Then down between the aisle of golden warriors, each standing
+tall and straight and motionless, golden-tipped spear by his side, short
+sword with hilt of gold at his belt, came a young man to receive them.
+He, too, was clad in gold, but not in armor, except for the fine shirt
+of mail, all of golden links. Below this appeared the short tunic with
+the deep crimson border denoting a man of Incarial rank. By his side was
+also a short sword but with a hilt that was not only gold but also
+gem-encrusted. His head was bare, his hair long and straight, and raven
+black. His face was thin and cruel. The soldiers saluted as he passed
+by, raising their spears before them, and ringing the butts on the stone
+flagging of the terrace. They rightly surmised he was the Captain of the
+Palace Guards, Guascar, the High Priest's nephew.
+
+Bowing low before Don Ernesto and Mr. Hampton, who led their little
+column, he halted some six paces before them, and in halting, archaic
+Spanish said:
+
+"Ambassadors from the Lord Beyond the Mountains, I am instructed to lead
+you to the August Presence."
+
+"If you refer to the Inca of Cusco Hurrin," said Don Ernesto, "it is he
+whom we have traveled thus far to see."
+
+"What mean these strange objects borne by your men?" said Captain
+Guascar, sharply, pointing to the radio outfit carried by Pedro and
+Carlos.
+
+"This," said Don Ernesto, "is a gift from the Lord Beyond the Mountains
+to the Inca of Cusco Hurrin."
+
+"Come, then," said Captain Guascar, turning on his heel.
+
+All breathed easier. He had made no reference to their automatics. The
+first difficulty had been no difficulty at all. Guascar retraced his
+steps, the soldiers once more saluted, and the "ambassadors" marched up
+the aisle. Pedro and Carlos, who carried the main part of the radio
+outfit, and Jack and Ferdinand who assisted them, had their hands full.
+But the others unostentatiously kept their hands near their automatics,
+ready for action should treachery be displayed. The warriors, however,
+stood as if cast in bronze, and the passage of the aisle between their
+ranks was made without incident. As soon, however, as the "ambassadors"
+had entered the doorway, the guard closed in and fell in behind them.
+
+Inside the doorway was a great, bare, stone reception hall. Captain
+Guascar led the way across this to another doorway covered by hanging
+cloth of gold. Unseen hands pulled this back on either side and the
+officer entered, beckoning them to follow. Soon he crossed the
+threshold, he fell on his knees, his face bowed.
+
+Doubtless, the others, according to Court etiquette, should have done
+likewise. However, they had earlier talked this matter over among
+themselves, and it had been decided that they should carry themselves in
+proud fashion. They remained erect, therefore, awaiting developments.
+
+The scene before them was one to take away a man's breath. Foursquare
+and vast was the throne room, with the lofty stone ceiling supported by
+carven pillars. On each of these gleamed a circle of lights like golden
+censors hanging by chains, for, although it was broad day outdoors, it
+was perpetual gloom within.
+
+The floor was a mosaic of blue and red blocks of stone. And at the far
+end, opposite the doorway where they stood, was the throne. It was a
+great, high chair of gold, and on it was seated a man of great age whom
+they recognized for the Inca, as they had seen him at the ceremonies of
+the Festival of Raymi, the first morning of their captivity.
+
+From the door to the throne, between two rows of pillars, stretched a
+carpet of the Incarial crimson. Before the throne, which was raised upon
+a dais, stood a rank of the golden-armored Palace Guards. At the Inca's
+shoulder was the High Priest Cinto. Below the Inca, on an intermediate
+dais, stood a group of eight or nine in tunics, bearing the crimson
+border of Incarial rank. These were the members of the Cabinet or
+Council, with whom Don Ernesto and Mr. Hampton had had audience the day
+before.
+
+The Inca lifted a hand slightly, and the gesture was understood.
+
+"Advance, O Ambassadors, from the Lord Beyond the Mountains," rolled out
+the voice of a herald who stood before the soldiers guarding the throne.
+"The Inca of Cusco Hurrin will receive you."
+
+"Steady, boys," cautioned Mr. Hampton, in a whisper over his shoulder,
+in English, so as not to be understood by Captain Guascar.
+
+Then they started forward down the carpet.
+
+At the foot of the throne the party halted. To either side of them stood
+the ranks of the Palace Guard. Behind these were groups of courtiers.
+Before them and to the right stood the nobles of the Council. Above them
+towered the Inca on his golden throne, and now they could see that the
+gleaming background thereof was a representation of the sun with a halo
+of projecting golden spikes. On the Inca's head was a crown also
+radiating golden spikes. They were aware, too, that the Palace Guard
+which had met them at the head of the outside stairway had closed in
+behind.
+
+Upon their wits depended their safety. They were completely hemmed in.
+All realized the situation acutely, none more so than Mr. Hampton and
+Don Ernesto. These two looked fleetingly at each other, and each read in
+the other's eyes a growing anxiety as to whether their rash venture
+after all had been advisable. But each read, too, an indomitable
+courage, and knew he could count upon his comrade. Don Ernesto gave an
+almost imperceptible nod, indicating Mr. Hampton should proceed, as it
+had been agreed beforehand the American should act as spokesman. For one
+thing, he wore a Vandyke beard, which in itself was a badge of
+distinction, as all within Cusco Hurrin, like most Indians, were
+smooth-faced.
+
+Stepping slightly in advance of his party, therefore, Mr. Hampton bowed
+low before the Inca, and then began. He spoke in Spanish, and slowly, so
+that he might be understood. Representing that they came as ambassadors
+from the "Lord Beyond the Mountains," he spoke briefly of the might of
+that ruler. Then he told of the legend which for centuries had
+persisted, of the existence of Cusco Hurrin, and how he and his
+companions had come at length in search of the city. That they came in
+peace, he added, was attested by the fact that they came without armed
+followers. Having proceeded thus far, he next changed his tone to one of
+sternness, and referred to Prince Huaca. A general stir and rustle in
+the audience apprised him that not only the members of the Council but
+others also could gather the import of his words. Over the sharp,
+hawklike features of the High Priest Cinto passed an expression of
+anger, and he made an involuntary step forward. But Mr. Hampton's voice
+rang boldly forth.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV--THE MIRACLE WORKER
+
+
+"We found Prince Huaca, the heir to the throne," he said, "an
+enlightened and intelligent man, filled with enthusiasm for the
+betterment of his people and very desirous of learning of the many
+wonders and marvels in our country.
+
+"But"--and pausing deliberately and significantly, Mr. Hampton stared
+directly at the High Priest Cinto--"but," he added, "he told us evil
+counsellors surrounded the throne. He was captured and imprisoned. And
+now, O Inca, we ask that the evil men be punished and Prince Huaca be
+restored to the favor of your countenance."
+
+It was too much for the High Priest. His face became convulsed with
+rage. He made a step forward. But the Inca, whose eyes though old were
+shrewd, and who showed none of the senility of age, lifted his hand. The
+gesture was sufficient.
+
+"O Ambassador of the Lord Beyond the Mountains," said he, in a thin,
+clear voice, "you speak with a fearless tongue. But, tell me, by what
+right do you thus seek to interfere in the affairs of Cusco Hurrin? Why
+should I not command my soldiers to seize you at once?"
+
+"O Inca," answered Mr. Hampton, stoutly, betraying no sign of
+trepidation, "we have your safe conduct. Moreover, if any evil befall
+us, the Lord Beyond the Mountains will know of it instantly and will
+send his lightnings through the air for our protection."
+
+"What mean you?" asked the Inca, staring at him keenly. "This talk of
+knowing instantly is folly. Is not Cusco Hurrin a sealed city whence no
+messengers may depart? And are we not separated from this Lord of whom
+you speak by many leagues of wild land? And what means this talk of
+lightnings? Is the Inca of Cusco Hurrin a child to be frightened by
+foolish tales?"
+
+"Nay, Sire," said Mr. Hampton, imperturbably, bowing, "this is no
+foolish talk. Great is the power of the Lord Beyond the Mountains, and
+such power also dwells in us his ambassadors."
+
+"This talk of power does not please me," said the Inca, harshly. "Again
+I ask, what mean you?"
+
+"Would you have evidence of our power, O Inca," said Mr. Hampton, "then
+behold. For I have brought with me certain marvels with which to
+convince you. Shall I proceed, or is the Court of the Inca of Cusco
+Hurrin timid as a child and unwilling to look upon these marvels?"
+
+"Nay, nay, stranger, we are not fearful. For our power, too, is great,"
+said the Inca. "Behold, here is my High Priest, who communes with our
+Lord, the Sun, and knows many secrets."
+
+On being thus indicated, Cinto assumed an expression of satisfaction.
+
+"Ah," said Mr. Hampton, composedly. "But can he order a man to pluck out
+his eye, to take his teeth from his mouth, or to remove the hair from
+his head, and be obeyed without injuring that man? Can he do this, and
+then restore that man to his original appearance?"
+
+There was a renewed stir of interest among the members of the Council, a
+renewed rustling in the audience. Cinto looked supercilious and haughty,
+but Mr. Hampton thought he detected a gleam of worry. As for the Inca,
+he leaned forward a bit and stared more sharply than before.
+
+"Nay," said he, "and be cautious, O Ambassador, lest your tongue lead
+you into idle boasting. For these matters of which you speak are for the
+God Himself alone to perform."
+
+"O Inca, I do not boast," said Mr. Hampton. "If you would behold, then
+observe closely."
+
+It was their cue. Pedro and Carlos advanced to take station beside Don
+Ernesto. Mr. Hampton faced them, arms extended.
+
+"Behold, O Inca," said he. "I speak, too, in the tongue of the Lord
+Beyond the Mountains--a tongue of power."
+
+And rapidly he began, in English:
+
+"Hocus pocus, abracadabra, Pedro, give me your eye."
+
+Pedro passed his hand over his glass eye, plucked it out, and then, good
+actor that he was, and thoroughly enjoying the situation, he turned so
+that the sightless cavity stared at the Inca and held up the eye between
+thumb and forefinger.
+
+A gasp of amazement and horror came from the audience. The boys who were
+watching the proceedings with keenest enjoyment had difficulty in
+restraining their laughter.
+
+"Look at the High Priest. He's going to faint."
+
+"Yes, and the Inca is paralyzed."
+
+Not pausing, Mr. Hampton next cried his incantations over Carlos, and
+the latter opened his mouth wide and brought forth his false teeth. He
+held them up, so that all could see. And, indeed, they were a gruesome
+sight, with the red rubber palate resembling the roof of the mouth. He,
+too, profiting from Pedro's example, stared toward the throne, lips wide
+apart, toothless gums displayed.
+
+If before had been horror and amazement, now was stupefaction. Whimpers
+of panic ran around the audience. The soldiers before the throne
+trembled, so that their erect spears waved like saplings in a strong
+wind. The Inca, the High Priest, the members of the Council, all were
+endeavoring to restrain their fright, but they were palsied with terror.
+
+"Good night," murmured Jack, suffocatingly. "He's got them. Oh, I'm
+going to blow up if I can't laugh soon."
+
+Mr. Hampton also realized he had his audience in his grip, and he
+proceeded to strike while the iron was hot.
+
+Extending a knife to Don Ernesto, he gestured with his hand to indicate
+the latter was to scalp himself. Don Ernesto complied. And a thorough
+job he did of it. Then he lifted off his toupee and held it, poised
+above his head. The lights from the pillar behind him gleamed on his
+shining bald head.
+
+It was too much for Inca nerves. The courtiers in the audience cried out
+whimperingly like frightened children and there was a great scurrying to
+get behind pillars. The soldiers before the throne, as if with one
+accord, threw themselves prone before this worker of wonders. There was
+a rush of feet away from their party in the rear, and the boys, turning,
+saw some of the soldiers of the rear guard, forgetful of discipline,
+forgetful of everything, stricken by blind fear, dashing madly for the
+doorway.
+
+"You've got them, Dad," cried Jack. "Look at the Inca. Look at the High
+Priest."
+
+The High Priest had fallen back a step or two, and assumed a crouching
+position. His attitude betokened not only fear, but desperation and
+hatred. Plain as if he had spoken the words, could be read in his
+expression the fear that here was a greater magician than he, the ruin
+of his hopes. As for the Inca, he had attempted to rise from his throne,
+but had fallen back and now cowered in the great chair, his hands over
+his eyes.
+
+Mr. Hampton's voice rang out.
+
+"Behold, O Inca," he cried, "your people flee before these wonders. But
+there are greater wonders to come. Bid them stay."
+
+His voice had the effect of arresting the panic. The Inca withdrew his
+hands, and by a tremendous effort pulled himself together. In a shaky
+voice, he said:
+
+"Continue."
+
+"You will observe," said Mr. Hampton, "that though one of these men has
+plucked out his eye, another his teeth, and a third has removed his
+hair, yet none have suffered pain nor bled. This itself is a great
+marvel, and by order of the beneficent Lord Beyond the Mountains, who
+protects his children from all harm. Now I shall restore them to their
+original appearance."
+
+He clapped his hands three times, and at this, the previously
+agreed-upon signal, Pedro replaced his eye, Carlos his teeth, and Don
+Ernesto his toupee.
+
+An audible shudder ran through the audience, most of whom, fascinated by
+the promise of more wonders, had halted in their flight and returned.
+The soldiers of the rear guard also had slunk back into place.
+
+"Captain Guascar is going to overlook their having started to flee,"
+whispered Bob to Frank. "He's not paying any attention to them."
+
+"No wonder," whispered Frank, in reply. "He almost died of fright
+himself, and he's not over it yet, either."
+
+In truth, the doughty captain had a staring, hysterical look in his
+eyes, as if he had seen some frightful apparition, and his limbs still
+trembled.
+
+"These, O Inca," said Mr. Hampton, "are simple matters. It surprises me
+that your people should be surprised, for in my country any child can
+perform them. Indeed, any of my young men"--waving toward the boys--"can
+perform them as easily as I. Aye, if you so desire, I shall ask one of
+them to do so. And, if it be your wish"--he added, daringly--"I shall ask
+one of my young men to demonstrate upon one of your subjects. Shall we
+tell this lad"--laying his hand on Jack's shoulder--"to pluck forth the
+High Priest's eye?"
+
+"Hey, Dad, you're taking a long chance," whispered Jack, anxiously.
+
+He need not have worried.
+
+With a howl, Cinto leaped to the Inca's side, hands outspread.
+
+"O August One," he cried, "Representative of the Sun God, protect me
+from these evil spirits who be not men but demons."
+
+"Nay," said Mr. Hampton, "if the High Priest fears----" And he pushed Jack
+back into column. He had produced the effect he desired. He had unmasked
+the High Priest's fear, and publicly humiliated him. It would be better
+not to press the matter. They were skating on thin ice. What if the Inca
+should point to some man in disfavor and ask that they blind him, render
+him toothless or scalp him?
+
+He hurried on to another matter. Holding up his hand, index finger
+extended, he said:
+
+"O Inca, a greater marvel have I. Above me I can hear the voice of the
+Lord Beyond the Mountains. He wishes to speak to you. This great Lord
+speaks every tongue known to man; aye, even the Inca speech he knows,
+even though for hundreds of years none have spoken it in the world
+Beyond the Mountains. And this voice which I now hear, but which is
+inaudible to you within this hall, commands that I invite you to appear
+upon the terrace before your palace, where----"
+
+Mr. Hampton paused. He had been wracking his brain for a good reason to
+assign for urging the Inca to appear on the terrace in order to hear the
+radio. Now, as by inspiration, it came to him. "----Where," he added, "you
+will be under the protection of the Sun God and need fear no dark magic.
+This Lord Beyond the Mountains would speak to you now, within this hall,
+except that he desires you to feel secure.
+
+"He will speak to you in your own tongue," he added. "And this," he
+added, pointing to the radio outfit, "is the medium of his voice."
+
+He turned to his own party.
+
+"Come on, quick. Take up the outfit and let us march out. If we waver,
+there may be trouble. If we put on a bold front, I think the Inca will
+follow."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV--A VOICE WARNS THE INCA
+
+
+That rear guard fell back before them, scrambling hastily to the sides
+that they might pass. Bob, Frank and Ferdinand felt sore from restrained
+laughter, and this new evidence of the panic they had created amused
+them and made restraint even more difficult.
+
+Jack, however, had fallen back beside Mr. Hampton and Don Ernesto, and
+was bringing up the rear. His sharp eyes had discerned something which
+caused him grave concern, and he spoke of it in a quick whisper.
+
+"Cinto has disappeared," said he. "I have a hunch it means no good."
+
+"Ah," said Don Ernesto, shrugging, "these soldiers, they are frightened
+of us. The Golden Palace Guard is trembling in its armor. We have
+nothing to fear."
+
+"That's just it," said Jack. "Maybe Cinto realizes he cannot trust to
+these soldiers to attack us, and so he has gone to get others who have
+not fallen under our spell."
+
+"We'll keep our eyes open, Jack," said his father. "That's a hunch worth
+attention."
+
+"By golly, Dad, the Inca is following us all right. They're bringing up
+a litter for him. Four bearers are carrying it."
+
+"We won't look back, Don Ernesto," said Mr. Hampton. "It would injure
+our dignity to do so. Don't stare, Jack. Thank heaven, the old boy is
+coming. That means not only that we have got him on the run, but also
+that Cinto won't attempt any demonstration against us while the Inca is
+present, in all likelihood."
+
+The terrace was reached, and Jack and Frank at once began setting up the
+aerial. They had brought along a second umbrella aerial similar to that
+set up on the battlement of the Acropolis, which had been included in
+the outfit, and this they proceeded to set up. Then the three, Jack, Bob
+and Frank, connected up batteries, tube transformer and headphone.
+Meanwhile Mr. Hampton was staring covertly at the battlement of the
+Acropolis, towering high on the distant side of the square opposite.
+Would Michac fail them? Or would he carry out his part in the plot
+successfully? Mr. Hampton was thankful to think that, even if Michac
+should fail them, they were out in the open where they stood a better
+chance for their lives in a fight, and, also, that they had already
+roused a wholesome respect for their power in the breasts of their
+enemies.
+
+The boys worked with lightning swiftness. They were grateful for the
+delay in the arrival of the Inca, whose movements were attended by so
+many ceremonies that it was a considerable time before he had reached
+the terrace and was ensconced in a great chair brought out for him by
+other bearers.
+
+"Put on the headphone, Jack, and try it. See whether our friend Michac
+is at his post," whispered Mr. Hampton, when the last connections were
+completed.
+
+Jack complied, adjusting the tuner to the meter wave length at which he
+had set Michac's instrument. A smile broke over his face, and he nodded
+to his father.
+
+"Senor Jack, I am ready. My man at the parapet tells me you are at the
+'phone. Thanks be to the gods, that you are safe out of that trap. I
+have been in agony, lest you be overcome and go to your death. I saw the
+soldiers move into the palace behind you. Now, if you let me speak to
+the Inca, I shall do my part."
+
+"Good man," whispered Mr. Hampton, when Jack repeated the conversation.
+"I'm beginning now really to hope for success. If he scares the Inca
+badly enough, we may hope for Prince Huaca's relief."
+
+Approaching the Inca, Mr. Hampton bowed. Then he gestured toward the
+radio instrument, the installation of which had been watched with
+absorbing and breathless interest by soldiers, courtiers and
+counsellors.
+
+"The Lord Beyond the Mountains would speak to you in your own tongue, O
+Inca," said he. "Will you deign to approach so as to put to your ears
+this instrument even as the young man has done."
+
+He indicated Jack, who at his father's direction, continued to wear the
+headphone and smiled invitingly. This, Mr. Hampton had felt, would help
+to assure the Inca no evil would come to him from acceptance of the
+invitation.
+
+"I assure you no evil will come to you thereby," Mr. Hampton added.
+
+The Inca regarded him with impassive face. His shrewd eyes sought to
+read the countenance of this strange magician and to detect whether he
+spoke in good faith or was attempting deception. He decided Mr. Hampton
+was honest. Moreover, it would not do for him to show fear.
+
+"Ambassador from the Lord Beyond the Mountains," said he. "I will listen
+to your master's voice, if, indeed, he can speak to me across the
+forests and the mountains, and in my own tongue. But woe betide you if
+this be false."
+
+Signing to the bearers, he was lifted, chair and all, and set down where
+Jack indicated. Then Mr. Hampton took the headphone, while a noble, at
+the Inca's command, stepped forth and, after prostrating himself,
+removed his crown. Thereupon Mr. Hampton placed the headphone upon the
+Inca's head.
+
+Stepping back quickly, he raised his hands aloft and looked to the
+heavens, as if indicating to some unseen spirit overhead that the time
+to speak had come. In reality, this was a signal to Michac's spy at the
+parapet of the Acropolis battlement to pass word to Michac to speak.
+
+The next moment, Michac's voice, sonorous and deep, was heard in the
+receivers.
+
+"Great guns," whispered Frank, in English, "what a wonderful radio
+speaker he is. Why, you can hear him plainly."
+
+"Wish I could understand what he's saying," said Jack, excitedly. "Look
+at these counsellors and courtiers, will you? They get him, and, boy,
+they're scared stiff."
+
+It was true. Michac had one of those rare voices with a bell-like
+quality that carries beautifully by radio. And he was obeying to the
+letter Jack's hasty instructions as to where to place his mouth near the
+transmitter so as to get the best effect. He spoke in the Inca tongue,
+and, of course, the boys could not understand what he said.
+Nevertheless, that it was having a powerful effect, not only on the
+courtiers and nobles surrounding the Inca, but on the Inca himself, was
+apparent.
+
+What Michac was saying, the boys knew in general, for he had been
+instructed to demand the release of Prince Huaca under threat of dire
+catastrophes to be visited upon Cusco Hurrin otherwise. But Michac had
+said that he would make his commands intimate, employing his knowledge
+of the Inca and the affairs of Cusco Hurrin. And, quite evidently, he
+was doing so.
+
+The Inca's face became white, his eyelids fluttered, and then his head
+fell forward.
+
+"Great guns," cried Bob, "he's fainted. The shock was too much for him."
+
+Jack sprang forward and snatched the headphones from the Inca's head.
+The audience gasped, and then its fear of these strangers, created by
+their marvels piled upon marvels, gave way before the deep-seated
+instinct of reverence for their ruler, the personal representative of
+their god. Hoarse cries of rage arose, and courtiers, nobles and
+soldiers, all jumbled together, began to surge forward toward them.
+
+Affairs looked bad, indeed.
+
+At that moment a shot sounded from the direction of the Temple of the
+Sun. Another followed. All spun about. Down the broad steps of the
+Temple came flying a familiar figure. It was Prince Huaca. Behind him
+was Cinto, followed by a detachment of the Palace Guard. The soldiers
+were armed only with sword and lance. Whence, then, came the shots?
+
+That was apparent the next instant. For, pausing in his flight, as with
+one great bound he reached the bottom of the steps, Prince Huaca faced
+about, leveled his arm, and fired.
+
+"The automatic," cried Mr. Hampton. "I forgot I had given him one."
+
+Cinto stumbled and fell in a crumpled heap on the steps.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI--THE MOUNTAIN SPEAKS
+
+
+"Come on, Dad," cried Jack. "Come on, fellows. Let's join him. We're in
+a bad hole here."
+
+So astounded was the crowd about them by this new development, that, for
+the moment, it had forgotten the fainting of the Inca, forgotten the
+strangers. It was their chance. Whipping out their automatics, the
+eight, close together, burst through the fringe about them on the edge
+of the terrace and darted down the steps.
+
+"Run, Prince," cried Mr. Hampton, in Spanish. "Run for the fortress. We
+are your friends. We follow."
+
+Prince Huaca heard, glanced their way, and then stood stock-still in
+amazement. He had known nothing of their presence. But sufficient that
+they were at hand and were coming to his rescue. A smile of joy broke
+forth on his face. Instead of starting directly across the square, he
+dashed along the face of the steps of the Temple toward them.
+
+Tumultuous cries broke out behind them now, and Bob and Jack, who
+brought up the rear, facing about, saw the mob of courtiers and
+soldiers, intermingled, start down the steps after them. One man was
+ahead of the others. He was Captain Guascar. Sword uplifted, unhindered
+by heavy armor as were his warriors, he came bounding down, three steps
+at a time.
+
+"I don't like his looks, anyway," Bob cried to Jack. "Here's where I
+spoil 'em."
+
+And, turning suddenly, the big fellow leaped back up the steps, dashed
+in under Guascar's up-raised sword, seized him about the waist, and with
+one mighty heave tossed his body into the face of the oncoming horde.
+
+The flying form crashed into an armor-clad soldier and the two fell to
+the steps, bringing down still others who stumbled over them, unable to
+turn aside. In a trice the mass piled up.
+
+"Run Bob, run," cried Jack, who had paused and turned back a step or
+two, revolver raised, to help his comrade with a shot, if necessary.
+
+Big Bob grinned, leaped back to Jack's side, and the two raced down the
+steps.
+
+This temporary diversion created by Bob's unexpected attack had given
+the others a good start. Their figures were out on the great square,
+darting for the distant fortress. Prince Huaca had joined them. The fall
+of the High Priest Cinto, shot down so unexpectedly by the prince,
+likewise had delayed pursuit from the Temple, as the soldiers had paused
+uncertainly, mystified as to this new form of death wielded by the
+prince.
+
+Mr. Hampton at first had not noticed the absence of his son and Bob,
+being interested in speeding on the others and in sweeping the prince
+into their party. But as they started across the square, he looked back
+to assure himself the boys were following. He was just in time to see
+Bob's mighty heave, and the ruin which it wrought.
+
+"Go on," he cried to the others. "We'll follow."
+
+And he waited for the approach of the two lads.
+
+When they came up, he started running swiftly with them.
+
+"Great stuff, Bob," he cried. "I saw it. You certainly piled them up."
+
+To gain the fortress seemed a simple matter, for pursuit was so far
+behind that it could not catch up with them, and the reunited party was
+congratulating itself on a safe return when, as they drew near the foot
+of the Acropolis, shots began to fly overhead and they saw a party of
+soldiers, armed with the ancient rifles, cutting obliquely from the
+mouth of a street on the left side of the square to intercept them.
+
+"We'll have to fight for it, after all," panted Don Ernesto, upon whom
+the pace was beginning to tell.
+
+But a cheer went up from Frank:
+
+"Michac to the rescue. Hurray."
+
+Out of the little sally port at the foot of the rock, reached by the
+stairway hewn from the living rock, came the band posted there by Michac
+upon their departure for just such an emergency. In the face of the fire
+of this troop, the band of pursuers fell back.
+
+A moment or two later, Prince Huaca was recognized by his soldiers with
+cries of joy. Casting the restraints of discipline aside, they seized
+him, raised him aloft in their arms with cries of "Huaca, Huaca." Some
+even wept while pressing their lips to his feet.
+
+Then, alarmed by the near approach of the main body of pursuers, they
+put him down and all joined in a final dash for the sally port. It was
+gained without casualties, although several shots whistled about them,
+indicating the nobles had been re-enforced by some of the foot soldiers
+armed with guns. The great gate clanged to behind them, and the pursuers
+fell back, baffled.
+
+They were safe. Safe, after incredible adventures.
+
+"Whew," said Bob, sitting down on the cool stone steps. "That was a hot
+one while it lasted."
+
+Michac came running down the steps to meet them. He and Prince Huaca
+embraced. Then the prince led the way up through the tunneled stairway,
+lighted by torches taken from the guard room at the gate, to the
+fortress above.
+
+Another moving scene was enacted in the main guard room, where the
+soldiers, laughing or weeping, according to their various temperaments,
+gathered about their leader. The prince was as much moved at this
+demonstration of esteem. At length, he broke away from them and, asking
+Michac and the others to accompany him, led the way to his apartment.
+
+There, while servants brought them refreshments of wine and cooling
+drinks made from fruit juices, the various threads of their intertwined
+adventures were straightened out.
+
+"First of all," said he to Michac, "how came you here, my friend?"
+
+When Michac explained, Prince Huaca embraced him.
+
+"The fortress would have fallen but for you," he said. "And these good
+friends here and I would have been slain."
+
+Michac flushed and turned the subject to that of the exploits of the
+others, whom he heartily praised. When he told of how they had ventured
+forth to the Inca's court and put themselves in the power of Cinto and
+the Palace Guard, in order to endeavor to obtain Prince Huaca's release,
+the latter was much affected.
+
+Mr. Hampton in his turn related what had occurred at their audience. And
+when he spoke of the impression created by the false eye, false teeth
+and false hair, nothing would do but that the whole performance be
+restaged for Prince Huaca. The key had been supplied him and, of course,
+he was not frightened. At Jack's explanation, added to by the others, of
+the consternation which this exhibition had caused, he laughed heartily.
+
+"Indeed, I can well believe it," he said. Then he sobered: "Ah, but how
+wonderful that men should be able to do these things. I myself had an
+aching tooth for long. Certainly, these blessings must come to Cusco
+Hurrin."
+
+He, in turn, related his own adventures. Surprised the previous night
+while he slept, he had been bound and gagged and carried out of the
+fortress by the sally port, the officer of which had turned traitor. For
+the occasion, this officer had reduced the guard to a half dozen men and
+had sent these into the guard room on some pretext. That he intended to
+admit the enemy as soon as Prince Huaca's capture was assured, the
+prince was convinced. Why, he asked, had plans miscarried? Why had the
+enemy not entered?
+
+"The soldiers became suspicious," answered Michac. "When you were
+carried out, bound, although they did not at first know it was you, they
+leaped for the gate and managed to close it in the face of the enemy.
+Then the treacherous officer was overcome, and the guard room roused in
+time to prevent other traitorous officers from throwing open the main
+gate."
+
+"These men----"
+
+The prince half rose from his chair, his face dark.
+
+"They have been attended to," said Michac, simply, but significantly.
+
+"And then what, Prince Huaca?" asked Mr. Hampton. "What did they do with
+you?"
+
+"My life, though once attempted by an assassin," said Prince Huaca, "was
+spared. Why, I know not."
+
+"The man I captured wasn't an assassin, Prince Huaca," said Bob. "At
+least Senor Michac so stated. But he can tell you."
+
+Michac nodded, and briefly related what had since been learned or
+suspected, that the man was one of the band to spirit Prince Huaca away.
+
+"At any rate," continued the prince, "I was imprisoned in Cinto's
+chambers in the Temple, and considered that, perhaps, I was to be made a
+sacrifice to the Sun God. You know, Senor Hampton, that Michac and I and
+numbers of others in Cusco Hurrin are not idolators, but worship the
+true God as revealed in the teachings of the Spanish Fathers who came
+centuries ago with de Arguello. It is one of my grievances that the Inca
+permits himself to be dominated by this Cinto, who continues the old
+idolatrous religion because of the hold it gives him upon the people.
+
+"There, to continue, I was held close prisoner under guard, although my
+bonds were removed. Yet the little weapon you gave me"--and he drew out
+the automatic--"was not taken from me. I but awaited my chance. 'If I
+must die,' I said to myself, 'I shall attempt to take Cinto and Guascar
+with me and thus rid my land of their curse.'
+
+"Today, only a little while ago, Cinto came to my room. And he was
+greatly enraged and frightened, too. Why, I did not know. For I did not
+know of your presence. He had not spoken of it. He ordered the guards to
+take me from the Temple precincts, and I knew he meant to have me slain
+but feared to stain the Temple with my blood, lest the people turn
+against him. I resolved to use my weapon to escape, if possible, but, if
+that could not be done, at least to slay Cinto too.
+
+"They took me to the portico of the Temple, and then I shot down my two
+guards, broke away, and, as I ran, turned and shot Cinto. You know the
+rest."
+
+As he ceased speaking, there was a rumble as of distant thunder, and the
+floor beneath them swayed slightly but perceptibly.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII--THE DOOMED CITY
+
+
+They looked at each other.
+
+"The volcano," said Jack. "Remember, I saw it smoking."
+
+Michac nodded, a troubled look on his face.
+
+"The mountain speaks," he said. "It was somewhat on that account, Prince
+Huaca, that I came to visit you, for from my valley I had seen it
+smoking."
+
+"Look here," said Mr. Hampton, jumping to his feet, "this is dangerous.
+Has it ever erupted?" he asked Michac.
+
+"Never in our history," said the latter. "Yet, although it has smoked
+slightly at times, never has it smoked as it is doing now. From the
+battlement I could see a dense and growing column of smoke."
+
+"Let us go and look."
+
+Prince Huaca, too, looked grave. He acquiesced in Mr. Hampton's
+suggestion, and at once led the way to the battlement. Although the
+truncated top of the volcano could not be seen, being cut off from view
+by the flank of the mountain against which the Acropolis was built, yet
+the column of smoke rising above it could be seen plainly. It was black
+and greasy in appearance, and there was even a faint suggestion of flame
+at the base.
+
+"This is alarming," said Don Ernesto gravely. "My advice is to leave
+here at once, if we would gain the outer valley."
+
+Prince Huaca was silent for a space.
+
+"And is the city really threatened?"
+
+"Prince," said Don Ernesto, "there are other volcanoes in these
+mountains. I have had experience of them. I believe the danger is great.
+There may not be an earthquake of serious proportions, but that slight
+tremor which we felt is alarming. I fear there will be greater shocks
+and that the mountain will erupt."
+
+"There is no escape from Cusco Hurrin except by the Tunnel Way," said
+the prince. "This earthquake of which you speak? What is it like?"
+
+"It is a shaking of the earth which would close the Tunnel Way," said
+Don Ernesto. "And the eruption is an outpouring of hot mud and stones
+from the mountain, which would ruin the city and slay all in it."
+
+"Then," said Prince Huaca, "we must abandon the fortress and flee to the
+outer valley. And those in the city must be warned."
+
+"But what if the earthquake do not come?" asked Michac. "You will have
+lost the fortress and your power."
+
+"The people must be saved," said Prince Huaca. "Come."
+
+With a last look at the column of smoke, he started to go below. Frank,
+however, pulled Jack and Bob aside.
+
+"Better radio the monastery while we have the chance," said he. "And
+tell them what's happened. Then we can dismount the set and take it
+along for emergencies."
+
+Mr. Hampton, who overheard, nodded.
+
+"But hurry," he said.
+
+Hurry the boys did. Brother Gregorio at the monastery was easily
+reached. The conversation was brief. Then the set was dismantled, and
+the three boys hurried below with the parts. Throughout the fortress all
+was bustle and hurry. Men were hastening through the corridors on
+various missions. They made their way to the prince's apartment, where
+they were met by Michac, who told them their friends had gone on to
+their own room. There they found the others hastily collecting their
+belongings. Each assumed part of the load, while the balance, including
+tents, was given bearers sent to their help by the prince.
+
+Then they made their way to the main guard room, from there to the outer
+courtyard behind its great walls, and thence to the Tunnel Way, opening
+in the side of the mountain.
+
+"It would be a fine idea," grumbled Bob, "if after all our adventures we
+got in the middle of this tunnel and an earthquake came along and shook
+it down on us."
+
+Nevertheless, nothing of the sort occurred, and they reached the outer
+valley in safety, piloted by Michac. He took them to his home.
+
+Toward the end of the day they were joined there by Prince Huaca, with
+the main body of troops from the fortress. These encamped in the grounds
+about Michac's home.
+
+"I sent a messenger to the Inca," the prince explained, "telling him of
+the danger threatening Cusco Hurrin and advising him to order the
+populace to flee through the Tunnel Way. I told him I was abandoning the
+fortress, and leaving the tunnel open. The messenger returned with word
+that the Inca, who had recovered from his attack of faintness, deemed me
+a rebel and refused to be entrapped. I despatched the messenger again
+with stronger representations, but again he returned with an even
+stronger and more contemptuous refusal. All day I have waited, with the
+gates of the fortress open, but no move has been made.
+
+"My poor people," he groaned, "my poor city."
+
+Abruptly he left them.
+
+"But, Dad," said Jack, "think of it. A whole city in danger of
+destruction merely because a ruler is stubborn. Can't we do something?
+Can't we persuade them to flee? And such a city, too. The Enchanted City
+of the Caesars! Here we go and find it, and are about to give it to the
+world, and now it may be wiped out. But the people. Oh, this is
+horrible."
+
+Even as he spoke, the ground shook beneath his feet, for they had walked
+down to the public highroad, and from the distant mountain sounded a
+heavy rumbling and roaring. They were fully twenty miles removed, a
+range of foothills intervened and they were safe from a volcanic
+eruption, for the configuration of the land as such, Don Ernesto had
+pointed out, that the lava flow would be away from them and directly
+into the doomed city. The crash and the tremor were succeeded by a
+sultriness that was almost unbearable. Then the ever-thickening cloud
+overhanging the mountain seemed to their straining eyes to spread out
+into a gigantic mushroom that blotted out the whole sky in the east.
+Flames began to shoot high above the mountain top, illuminating the
+under side of that sable pall.
+
+There was another and stronger earth tremor, almost throwing them from
+their feet. The flames shot higher.
+
+"Now," said Don Ernesto, in an awed voice, "The Enchanted City is no
+more. The lava is flowing over it now."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII--CONCLUSION
+
+
+Back in the monastery, the party rested several days before making its
+way to the railroad and Santiago. But they were not idle. By means of
+the radio station, which the boys had built on their earlier visit, the
+whole story of their adventures was communicated to _La Prensa_, and
+thus for the first time the tale of the Enchanted City in its entirety,
+of its centuries of history unknown to the rest of the world, of its
+rediscovery and of its final wiping out by a volcanic eruption, was
+given to the world by radio.
+
+The Chilian President was communicated with, and, at Don Ernesto's
+solicitation, he despatched a relief column to the refugees in the outer
+valley of Cusco Hurrin who, while escaping the full force of the
+destruction, had suffered considerable damage.
+
+Prince Huaca had refused to accompany the party, but had stayed with
+Michac to look after the welfare of the remainder of his people. He bade
+the party farewell, with tears of mingled sadness for the fate that had
+befallen the city of his fathers and of grief at parting with those who
+had stood by him in his hour of need.
+
+"It was the hand of God," he said, on bidding them adieu. "I fear that
+Cusco Hurrin, as it was organized, could never have become part of the
+wonderful modern world of which you have told me. There would have been
+war and bloodshed, and prolonged ruin.
+
+"As to me and my people who are left, we shall become citizens of this
+country of which you speak, Don Ernesto, if your brother, the ruler,
+will receive us."
+
+And thus it is that today, in that remote fastness of the Andes, the
+descendants of the Incas live in peace and prosperity, tilling their
+lands, while Prince Huaca, who has brought in teachers from the outside
+world, has made it possible for them to become taught the rudiments of
+modern knowledge. On departing, the boys promised to fly to the valley
+some day by airplane, and their visit is eagerly awaited.
+
+At Santiago, in Ferdinand's home, the boys spent many pleasant days, for
+they were the lions of the day. And the gracious homes of the fair city
+were open to them, while everywhere they were plied with questions
+regarding the Enchanted City and their adventures therein. Best of all
+the stories was that of how the Inca's court had been dumbfounded by the
+white man's magic which could induce a man to pluck out his eye, his
+teeth or his hair, without fatal result. Many a laugh did they win with
+this yarn.
+
+"If you boys don't stop talking about my toupee," complained Don
+Ernesto, one day, "I shall have no peace at all. Wherever I go, I am
+asked to scalp myself."
+
+"Well, Don Ernesto," said Mr. Hampton, "I am going to remove their
+mischievous tongues to a distance, where they cannot do damage to your
+reputation."
+
+Don Ernesto immediately was filled with compunctions lest he have hurt
+their feelings. But Mr. Hampton laughed these away.
+
+"No, the truth of the matter is," he said, "that the boys have missed
+the major part of their college year. Christmas has come and gone. It
+would take considerable time for them to return to America. And I have
+been in communication with Mr. Temple, who feels as I do that, inasmuch
+as they have missed so much college work this year, we may as well let
+them stay out the remainder of the term. Accordingly, I am going to take
+them on a tour of South America. I want them to see the great cities of
+your eastern seaboard, as well as the remains of the Inca civilization
+in Peru and Bolivia.
+
+"Bob and Frank, you see, will some day be partners in an import and
+export business, and I want them to learn about South America while they
+have the opportunity, for they will have many dealings with this
+continent in the future."
+
+Turning to the boys, he added:
+
+"We will tour South America, and then return home by way of Seattle,
+where I shall have to see some mining men about an Alaskan adventure.
+Does that suit you?"
+
+"Couldn't suit us better," said Bob, "except that I'm afraid old Frank
+here is anxious to see a member of my family. I woke up the other night
+and he was talking in his sleep. 'Della,' he said, 'Della, why----'"
+
+But Frank had tripped him and sat on him, and the rest of the sentence
+was lost in the resultant tussle.
+
+"You big rascal," panted Frank. "I suppose I haven't seen you writing to
+that girl Della rooms with at school. Oh, no. Thought you'd sneak it
+over, hey?"
+
+Jack looked on, grinning. In reality, however, Bob's remark had set him
+to dreaming of a distant girl. He was thinking of a certain Senorita
+Rafaela in the Sonora mountains in Old Mexico. This Spanish-American
+atmosphere! Hang it, every time he was surrounded by it, his thoughts
+turned to her. Some day----In this mood, he left his struggling companions
+and walked to a window whence he stared unseeing.
+
+So here we shall leave the three Radio Boys, content to know, however,
+that when they eventually reached Seattle in the Northern winter, they
+were drawn into a search for a lost expedition in the interior of
+Alaska, no less thrilling than the adventure through which they had just
+passed. And this will be duly chronicled in _The Radio Boys Rescue the
+Lost Alaska Expedition_.
+
+
+                                THE END
+
+
+
+
+The Radio Boys Series
+
+BY GERALD BRECKENRIDGE
+
+A new series of copyright titles for boys of all ages.
+
+Cloth Bound, with Attractive Cover Designs
+
+PRICE, 65 CENTS EACH
+
+    THE RADIO BOYS ON THE MEXICAN BORDER
+    THE RADIO BOYS ON SECRET SERVICE DUTY
+    THE RADIO BOYS WITH THE REVENUE GUARDS
+    THE RADIO BOYS' SEARCH FOR THE INCA'S TREASURE
+    THE RADIO BOYS RESCUE THE LOST ALASKA EXPEDITION
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+Publishers
+
+A. L. BURT COMPANY
+114-120 East 23rd Street, New York
+
+
+
+
+The Ranger Boys Series
+
+BY CLAUDE H. LA BELLE
+
+A new series of copyright titles telling of the adventures of three boys
+with the Forest Rangers in the state of Maine.
+
+Handsome Cloth Binding.
+
+PRICE, 65 CENTS EACH.
+
+    THE RANGER BOYS TO THE RESCUE
+    THE RANGER BOYS FIND THE HERMIT
+    THE RANGER BOYS AND THE BORDER SMUGGLERS
+    THE RANGER BOYS OUTWIT THE TIMBER THIEVES
+    THE RANGER BOYS AND THEIR REWARD
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+Publishers.
+
+A. L. BURT COMPANY
+114-120 East 23rd Street, New York
+
+
+
+
+The Boy Troopers Series
+
+BY CLAIR W. HAYES
+
+Author of the Famous "Boy Allies" Series.
+
+The adventures of two boys with the Pennsylvania State Police.
+
+All Copyrighted Titles.
+
+Cloth Bound, with Attractive Cover Designs.
+
+PRICE, 65 CENTS EACH.
+
+    THE BOY TROOPERS ON THE TRAIL
+    THE BOY TROOPERS IN THE NORTHWEST
+    THE BOY TROOPERS ON STRIKE DUTY
+    THE BOY TROOPERS AMONG THE WILD MOUNTAINEERS
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+Publishers.
+
+A. L. BURT COMPANY
+114-120 East 23rd Street, New York
+
+
+
+
+The Golden Boys Series
+
+BY L. P. WYMAN, PH.D.
+
+Dean of Pennsylvania Military College.
+
+A new series of instructive copyright stories for boys of High School
+Age.
+
+Handsome Cloth Binding.
+
+PRICE, 65 CENTS EACH.
+
+    THE GOLDEN BOYS AND THEIR NEW ELECTRIC CELL
+    THE GOLDEN BOYS AT THE FORTRESS
+    THE GOLDEN BOYS IN THE MAINE WOODS
+    THE GOLDEN BOYS WITH THE LUMBER JACKS
+    THE GOLDEN BOYS ON THE RIVER DRIVE
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+Publishers.
+
+A. L. BURT COMPANY
+114-120 East 23rd Street, New York
+
+
+
+
+The Boy Allies
+
+(Registered in the United States Patent Office)
+
+With the Navy
+
+BY ENSIGN ROBERT L. DRAKE
+
+For Boys 12 to 16 Years.
+
+All Cloth Bound Copyright Titles
+
+PRICE, 65 CENTS EACH
+
+Frank Chadwick and Jack Templeton, young American lads, meet each other
+in an unusual way soon after the declaration, of war. Circumstances
+place them on board the British cruiser, "The Sylph," and from there on,
+they share adventures with the sailors of the Allies. Ensign Robert L.
+Drake, the author, is an experienced naval officer, and he describes
+admirably the many exciting adventures of the two boys.
+
+    THE BOY ALLIES ON THE NORTH SEA PATROL;
+      or, Striking the First Blow at the German Fleet.
+
+    THE BOY ALLIES UNDER TWO FLAGS;
+      or, Sweeping the Enemy from the Sea.
+
+    THE BOY ALLIES WITH THE FLYING SQUADRON;
+      or, The Naval Raiders of the Great War.
+
+    THE BOY ALLIES WITH THE TERROR OF THE SEA;
+      or, The Last Shot of Submarine D-16.
+
+    THE BOY ALLIES UNDER THE SEA;
+      or, The Vanishing Submarine.
+
+    THE BOY ALLIES IN THE BALTIC;
+      or, Through Fields of Ice to Aid the Czar.
+
+    THE BOY ALLIES AT JUTLND;
+      or, The Greatest Naval Battle of History.
+
+    THE BOY ALLIES WITH UNCLE SAM'S CRUISERS;
+      or, Convoying the American Army Across the Atlantic.
+
+    THE BOY ALLIES WITH THE SUBMARINE D-32;
+      or, The Fall of the Russian Empire.
+
+    THE BOY ALLIES WITH THE VICTORIOUS FLEETS;
+      or, The Fail of the German Navy.
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+Publishers
+
+A. L. BURT COMPANY
+114-120 East 23rd Street, New York
+
+
+
+
+The Boy Allies
+
+(Registered in the United States Patent Office)
+
+With the Army
+
+BY CLAIR W. HAYES
+
+For Boys 12 to 16 Years.
+
+All Cloth Bound Copyright Titles
+
+PRICE, 65 CENTS EACH
+
+In this series we follow the fortunes of two American lads unable to
+leave Europe after war is declared. They meet the soldiers of the
+Allies, and decide to cast their lot with them. Their experiences and
+escapes are many, and furnish plenty of good, healthy action that every
+boy loves.
+
+    THE BOY ALLIES AT LIEGE;
+      or, Through Lines of Steel.
+
+    THE BOY ALLIES ON THE FIRING LINE;
+      or, Twelve Days Battle Along the Marne.
+
+    THE BOY ALLIES WITH THE COSSACKS;
+      or, A Wild Dash Over the Carpathians.
+
+    THE BOY ALLIES IN THE TRENCHES;
+      or, Midst Shot and Shell Along the Alsne.
+
+    THE BOY ALLIES IN GREAT PERIL;
+      or, With the Italian Army in the Alps.
+
+    THE BOY ALLIES IN THE BALKAN CAMPAIGN;
+      or, The Struggle to Save a Nation.
+
+    THE BOY ALLIES ON THE SOMME;
+      or, Courage and Bravery Rewarded.
+
+    THE BOY ALLIES AT VERDUN;
+      or, Saving France from the Enemy.
+
+    THE BOY ALLIES UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES;
+      or, Leading the American Troops to the Firing Line.
+
+    THE BOY ALLIES WITH HAIG IN FLANDERS;
+      or, The Fighting Canadians of Vimy Ridge.
+
+    THE BOY ALLIES WITH PERSHING IN FRANCE;
+      or, Over the Top at Chateau Thierry.
+
+    THE BOY ALLIES WITH THE GREAT ADVANCE;
+      or, Driving the Enemy Through France and Belgium.
+
+    THE BOY ALLIES WITH MARSHAL FOCH;
+      or, The Closing Days of the Great World War.
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+Publishers.
+
+A. L. BURT COMPANY
+114-120 East 23rd Street, New York
+
+
+
+
+The Boy Scouts Series
+
+BY HERBERT CARTER
+
+For Boys 12 to 16 Years
+
+All Cloth Bound Copyright Titles
+
+PRICE, 65 CENTS EACH
+
+New Stories of Camp Life
+
+    THE BOY SCOUTS' FIRST CAMPFIRE;
+      or, Scouting with the Silver Fox Patrol.
+
+    THE BOY SCOUTS IN THE BLUE RIDGE;
+      or, Marooned Among the Moonshiners.
+
+    THE BOY SCOUTS ON THE TRAIL;
+      or, Scouting through the Big Game Country.
+
+    THE BOY SCOUTS IN THE MAINE WOODS;
+      or, The New Test for the Silver Fox Patrol.
+
+    THE BOY SCOUTS THROUGH THE BIG TIMBER;
+      or, The Search for the Lost Tenderfoot.
+
+    THE BOY SCOUTS IN THE ROCKIES;
+      or, The Secret of the Hidden Silver Mine.
+
+    THE BOY SCOUTS ON STURGEON ISLAND;
+      or, Marooned Among the Game-Fish Poachers.
+
+    THE BOY SCOUTS DOWN IN DIXIE;
+      or, The Strange Secret of Alligator Swamp.
+
+    THE BOY SCOUTS AT THE BATTLE OF SARATOGA;
+      A story of Burgoyne's Defeat in 1777.
+
+    THE BOY SCOUTS ALONG THE SUSQUEHANNA;
+      or, The Silver Fox Patrol Caught in a Flood.
+
+    THE BOY SCOUTS ON WAR TRAILS IN BELGIUM;
+      or, Caught Between Hostile Armies.
+
+    THE BOY SCOUTS AFOOT IN FRANCE;
+      or, With The Red Cross Corps at the Marne.
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+Publishers
+
+A. L. BURT COMPANY
+114-120 East 23rd Street, New York
+
+
+
+
+Our Young Aeroplane Scout Series
+
+(Registered in the United States Patent Office)
+
+BY HORACE PORTER
+
+For Boys 12 to 16 Years.
+
+All Cloth Bound Copyright Titles
+
+PRICE, 65 CENTS EACH
+
+A Series of Remarkable Stories of the Adventures of Two Boy Flyers in
+The European War Zone.
+
+    OUR YOUNG AEROPLANE SCOUTS IN FRANCE AND BELGIUM;
+      or, Saving The Fortunes of the Trouvilles.
+
+    OUR YOUNG AEROPLANE SCOUTS IN GERMANY.
+
+    OUR YOUNG AEROPLANE SCOUTS IN RUSSIA;
+      or, Lost on the Frozen Steppes.
+
+    OUR YOUNG AEROPLANE SCOUTS IN TURKEY;
+      or, Bringing the Light to Yusef.
+
+    OUR YOUNG AEROPLANE SCOUTS IN ENGLAND;
+      or, Twin Stars in the London Sky Patrol.
+
+    OUR YOUNG AEROPLANE SCOUTS IN ITALY;
+      or, Flying with the War Eagles of the Alps.
+
+    OUR YOUNG AEROPLANE SCOUTS AT VERDUN;
+      or, Driving Armored Meteors Over Flaming Battle Fronts.
+
+    OUR YOUNG AEROPLANE SCOUTS IN THE BALKANS;
+      or, Wearing the Red Badge of Courage Among Warring Legions.
+
+    OUR YOUNG AEROPLANE SCOUTS IN THE WAR ZONE;
+      or, Serving Uncle Sam in the Great Cause of the Allies.
+
+    OUR YOUNG AEROPLANE SCOUTS FIGHTING TO THE FINISH;
+      or Striking Hard Over the Sea for the Stars and Stripes.
+
+    OUR YOUNG AEROPLANE SCOUTS AT THE MARNE;
+      or, Hurrying the Huns from Allied Battle Planes.
+
+    OUR YOUNG AEROPLANE SCOUTS IN AT THE VICTORY;
+      or, Speedy High Flyers Smashing the Hindenburg Line.
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+Publishers.
+
+A. L. BURT COMPANY
+114-120 East 23rd Street, New York
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE RADIO BOYS' SEARCH FOR THE
+INCA'S TREASURE***
+
+
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