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(Claude Hazeltine) -Wetmore, Illustrated by H. Burgess</h1> -<p>This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States -and most other parts of the world 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 <a -href="http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you are not -located in the United States, you'll have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this ebook.</p> -<p>Title: Incaland</p> -<p> A Story of Adventure in the Interior of Peru and the Closing Chapters of the War with Chile</p> -<p>Author: Claude H. (Claude Hazeltine) Wetmore</p> -<p>Release Date: October 4, 2016 [eBook #53204]</p> -<p>Language: English</p> -<p>Character set encoding: UTF-8</p> -<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK INCALAND***</p> -<p> </p> -<h4>E-text prepared by Richard Tonsing<br /> - and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br /> - (<a href="http://www.pgdp.net">http://www.pgdp.net</a>)<br /> - from page images generously made available by<br /> - Internet Archive<br /> - (<a href="https://archive.org">https://archive.org</a>)</h4> -<p> </p> -<table border="0" style="background-color: #ccccff;margin: 0 auto;" cellpadding="10"> - <tr> - <td valign="top"> - Note: - </td> - <td> - Images of the original pages are available through - Internet Archive. See - <a href="https://archive.org/details/incalandstory00wetmrich"> - https://archive.org/details/incalandstory00wetmrich</a> - </td> - </tr> -</table> -<p> </p> -<hr class="full" /> - -<div class='ph1'> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c001'> - <div>Incaland</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<div id='p41' class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_004.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>“He ran forward, closely followed by the others.”</p> -</div> -</div> - -<div> - <h1 class='c002'>INCALAND<br /> <span class='xlarge'><em>A Story of Adventure in the Interior of Peru</em></span><br /> <span class='large'>AND THE CLOSING CHAPTERS OF THE WAR WITH CHILE</span></h1> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c003'> - <div><span class='small'>BY</span></div> - <div class='c004'><span class='large'>CLAUDE H. WETMORE</span></div> - <div><span class='small'>AUTHOR OF “FIGHTING UNDER THE SOUTHERN CROSS,” ETC.</span></div> - <div class='c004'><em>With Illustrations by H. Burgess</em></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='figcenter id002'> -<img src='images/title_page.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>BOSTON AND CHICAGO</div> - <div class='c004'><span class='large'>W. A. WILDE COMPANY</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c001'> - <div><em>Copyright, 1902</em>,</div> - <div class='c004'><span class='sc'>By W. A. Wilde Company</span>.</div> - <div class='c004'><em>All rights reserved.</em></div> - <div class='c003'><span class='sc'>Incaland.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_5'>5</span> - <h2 class='c005'>Preface.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>Since the years of the Chile-Peruvian War—1879-1883—a -great change has come over the land -where the Incas once held power. Military rulers -have yielded place to men chosen from the civil -walks of life; the large standing army has been -disbanded, and the pick, hoe, and shovel replace -sword, bayonet, and rifle.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Peru’s decline, from the days of Pizarro until near -the close of the nineteenth century, was due to the -ease with which natural wealth could be acquired. -The stages of the nation’s fall are marked by gold, -guano, and nitrate of soda. Spaniards lived in -opulence while Indian slaves unearthed the yellow -metal. Later, Peruvians lived in idleness while -coolies and peons shovelled the most productive of -all fertilizers from the surface of the Chincha and -Lobos Islands. Then in the south was found an -equally rich and equally accessible source of revenue -in the nitrate of soda.</p> - -<p class='c000'>All gold that lay in sight was exhausted by the -Spaniard; all guano was stripped from the treasure -islands; and finally, Chile wrested from Peru the -nitrate provinces.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It is this period of time—when Peru’s last visible -<span class='pageno' id='Page_6'>6</span>means of wealth was passing from her—that is -covered in “Fighting under the Southern Cross” -and “Incaland.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Peru emerged from beneath the war cloud staggering -under the burden of a foreign debt. To her -relief came representatives of an Anglo-American -syndicate. “Give us your railroads for sixty-nine -years,” they said. “We will extend them into the -fertile interior, and as compensation we will assume -your obligations.” Peru acquiesced. The Grace-Donoughmore -contract was signed. Bondholders -were satisfied.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The shackles of debt cast one side, the men of -Peru turned to work, guided by the rulers chosen -from civil life who had been placed in power. -They no longer depended upon the labor of a few -to maintain the majority in indolence.</p> - -<p class='c000'>They tunnelled and dug in the Sierra region and -brought to light a wealth of copper; they sank -wells in the north and were rewarded with flowing -oil; they constructed irrigation canals in Piura -Province, and developed a cotton which, because -of its lustre and resemblance to wool, is creating -a furore in the New York and Liverpool markets.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Gold, guano, nitrate, are the tombstones of old -Peru; agriculture and mining are the watchwords -of the new.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The dawn of a brighter day for Incaland is glinting -over the Andean chain.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_7'>7</span> - <h2 class='c005'>Contents.</h2> -</div> - -<table class='table0' summary='Contents'> - <tr> - <th class='c007'>CHAPTER</th> - <th class='c008'> </th> - <th class='c009'>PAGE</th> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>I.</td> - <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>In the Andes</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_11'>11</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>II.</td> - <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>The Montaña of Peru</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_32'>32</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>III.</td> - <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>A Snake and a Puma</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_44'>44</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>IV.</td> - <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>In the Coils of a Boa</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_54'>54</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>V.</td> - <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>Huari, and the Story of the Beautiful Countess</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_66'>66</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>VI.</td> - <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>A Discovery and an Alarm</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_85'>85</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>VII.</td> - <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>The Cannibals of Peru</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_99'>99</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>VIII.</td> - <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>The Fort on the Marañon</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_113'>113</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>IX.</td> - <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>Attacked by Cannibals</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_125'>125</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>X.</td> - <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>Near to Death’s Door</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_137'>137</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XI.</td> - <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>Beyond the White Rock</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_142'>142</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XII.</td> - <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>Harvey as a Sentry</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_157'>157</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XIII.</td> - <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>Bella Caceras recognizes a Voice</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_170'>170</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XIV.</td> - <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>Blockade of Callao Harbor</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_186'>186</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XV.</td> - <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>Darning the Needle</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_200'>200</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XVI.</td> - <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>John Longmore’s Revenge</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_207'>207</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_8'>8</span>XVII.</td> - <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>John Longmore’s Revenge (continued)</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_219'>219</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XVIII.</td> - <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>John Longmore’s Revenge (concluded)</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_236'>236</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XIX.</td> - <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>A Strange Disappearance</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_248'>248</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XX.</td> - <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>A Chase into the Pampas Country</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_261'>261</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XXI.</td> - <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>Old Glory in the Bay</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_282'>282</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XXII.</td> - <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>Dark Days in Incaland</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_292'>292</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XXIII.</td> - <td class='c008'><span class='sc'>An Appeal to the United States of America</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_296'>296</a></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_9'>9</span> - <h2 class='c005'>Illustrations.</h2> -</div> - -<table class='table0' summary='Illustrations'> - <tr> - <th class='c010'></th> - <th class='c009'>PAGE</th> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'>“He ran forward, closely followed by the others”</td> - <td class='c009'> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'><em>Frontispiece</em></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#p41'>41</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'>“Ran ... to the side of his friend, whom he seized by the collar”</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#p61'>61</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'>“Angry copper-colored faces showed at the opening”</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#p135'>135</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'>“This engine of death drifted slowly into the mist”</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#p216'>216</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c010'>“Two black streaks, bearing fluffy burdens of white, were moving swiftly down the moonlit road”</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#p280'>280</a></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div><span class='pageno' id='Page_10'>10</span></div> -<div class='ph1'> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c001'> - <div>INCALAND.</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='figcenter id002'> -<img src='images/i_013.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_11'>11</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER I.<br /> <span class='large'>IN THE ANDES.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_4 c006'>Harvey held some of the white substance in -both hands, examined it curiously, then let -it filter through his benumbed fingers.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“This is snow, isn’t it?” he exclaimed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Hope-Jones and Ferguson laughed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What! Have you never seen snow before?” -asked the former.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Of course not. Didn’t I tell you that I visited -the States only once, when I was little more than -a baby, and remained but a month or two? I’ve -never been in these regions any more than have you. -I can remember rainfall, but snow! this is the first -I have seen,” and he stooped over again, scooping -up a fresh handful of the white, fluffy flakes that -had covered the ground to the depth of an inch.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Look out!” screamed Hope-Jones.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Ferguson and Harvey jumped to one side, warned -by the cry, not a second too soon, for a huge -<span class='pageno' id='Page_12'>12</span>boulder, roaring with the sound of an express train, -bounded down the mountain side, crashed over the -place where they had stood, and disappeared below -the ledge, reverberating as it fell into the chasm.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Narrow escape that!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I should say so,” said Harvey, who had dropped -his snow and stood looking at the two young men, -his cheeks quite pale.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The three who thus had barely escaped death were -explorers from Callao, Peru, in the year 1879, and -this day they were eight hours’ walk beyond Chicla, -the highest point to which the Oroya railroad had -been built, and to which terminal they had journeyed -by train from the main seacoast city of Peru.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Harvey Dartmoor was seventeen years of age, the -birthday which marked his passage from sixteen -having been celebrated a week before his departure -from home. His father had been a wealthy iron -merchant in Peru, but the reverses which that country -had sustained in the few months of the war with -Chile, and which are described in detail in “Fighting -Under the Southern Cross,” had forced Mr. -Dartmoor, as well as many others in Lima and -Callao, to the brink of the financial precipice beneath -which yawned the chasm, ruin.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Harvey had been more in the confidence of his -father than Louis, who was a year older. This was -perhaps due to the younger lad’s resemblance to his -<span class='pageno' id='Page_13'>13</span>father, in face and in personal bearing; or, perhaps, -to the fact that he was more studiously inclined and -therefore passed more time at home than did Louis, -who was fond of outdoor sports, and preferred a spin -in Callao Bay, or a dash over the pampas on his pony, -with his chum Carl Saunders as a companion, to -poring over books in the library.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was in this manner—by being frequently at -home and in the office—that Harvey had learned of -his father’s distress of mind, caused by financial difficulties, -long before other members of the family had -realized the true state of affairs; and this observance -by the lad and his inquiries had as a sequel his -appearance in the great Andes chain, or the Cordilleras -of Peru.</p> - -<p class='c000'>His companions were an Englishman and an -American, who had resigned clerkships in offices to -undertake this journey. Horace Hope-Jones, the -senior, had been five years on the Peruvian coast, -coming to Callao from Liverpool, and John Ferguson -had lived in Ohio until 1875, when he was offered -a very good salary to enter the employ of a large -American house which had branch establishments in -several cities on the southwest coast. One was -twenty-three, the other twenty-two.</p> - -<p class='c000'>They were well known in the cities, and were -popular in amateur athletic circles, both having been -members of a famous four of the Callao Rowing -<span class='pageno' id='Page_14'>14</span>Club, that had wrested victory from fours sent from -Valparaiso, Panama, and other cities. Harvey Dartmoor -was a junior member of this club, and it was -while serving as coxswain that he became acquainted -with Hope-Jones and Ferguson.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It came about curiously that the three were in the -Andes, at an altitude of 16,500 feet, this twenty-third -day of August, 1879. Two days before they -had stood on the beach at Callao, breakers of the -Pacific Ocean dashing at their feet; now they were -in a wilderness of granite, snow-capped peaks rising -on every side, and behind, towering above these, -were still others, stretching in a seemingly endless -chain.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Their quest in this vastness was gold, and an -Indian’s narrative caused their search for yellow -metal in the interior, where the great Incas once -ruled.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Hope-Jones and Ferguson had lived in bachelor -apartments in Lima, which is eight miles from -Callao, and for a year their wants had been attended -to by an old native, named Huayno, who cooked -their meals, made their beds and kept their rooms -tidy.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He was singularly uncommunicative during the -first eight months of his service, but later, falling ill -and being treated kindly by the young men, he told -them that he was of direct descent from the Incas; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_15'>15</span>indeed, that there flowed through his veins blood of -the royal Atahuallpa, and that he might have been -a king had not the race been first betrayed by the -white men from Spain and then gradually exterminated, -until only a few were left; and these -wandered in bands through the interior, turned -from a once proud people to Philistines, because of -the injustice done them.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Thus old Huayno would talk evenings for hour -after hour, speaking in Spanish with a strange mixture -of the Indian tongue, and they would listen -intently, because he told wonderful things of life in -that portion of the interior to the north of Cerro -de Pasco, where the foot of white man had never -trod.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Indian became worse instead of better, and -finally was bedridden. Hope-Jones and Ferguson -had grown much attached to him. They recognized -a person above the station in which circumstances -had placed him, and, moreover, they felt sorry for -one who was far away from his people and so lonely. -Therefore, instead of sending him to a hospital, they -called a doctor and engaged a nurse to be near his -side during the day, while they were absent at their -offices. The physician shook his head, after examining -the old man, and said:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“He cannot linger long; perhaps a week, possibly -two, but no longer.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_16'>16</span>Ten days later the end came, and a few hours -before Huayno breathed his last, he beckoned Hope-Jones -and Ferguson to his side.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“My masters, I know that I am about to die,” -said he. “The sun of my life is setting in the hills -and soon it will have disappeared. Before darkness -comes I have much to tell you. In these weeks you -have done much for me, as much as you would have -done a brother; and so I, in turn, shall do for you. -Give me, I pray you, from that bottle, so the strength -may come to my voice.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>One of them handed him a glass, into which he -had poured some cordial, and the Indian drank -slowly, then raised himself partly in bed, leaning on -pillows which had been placed behind his back.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He was a tall, well-formed man, his skin of light -copper color, and he wore a beard that reached halfway -to his waist. His cheeks were much sunken and -shrivelled, and resembled stained pieces of chamois -skin that had been wet, then dried without stretching. -His luminous black eyes glistened from deep -cavities under shiny brows.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I am of the tribe of Ayulis,” he continued, his -voice much firmer. “They now inhabit the country -round about the river Marañon, where they cultivate -<span lang="es" xml:lang="es">yacas</span>, plantains, maize, and cotton, and from the latter -the women weave gay cloths, so that their attire -is of more splendid color than that of any tribe. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_17'>17</span>Eighty-five years ago it was not thus; then we were -not compelled to cultivate the fields, for having gold -in abundance we employed others to work. That -gold proved our curse, for the white men came from -Spain and levied tribute upon us, more and more -each year, until we knew that soon all would be -taken away. They levied tribute which we were -compelled to pay, but they never learned from where -we secured the metal, although they searched in parties -large and small and put many of our leading -men to the torture, in effort to force the secret from -them. An Ayulis has no fear of pain, and they -laughed when burned with hot irons and when boiling -oil was poured upon them.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“When at last the Spaniards drove them too far, -they choked the approaches to the mine with the -trunks of huge trees, and all voiced a pledge that -the place should never be opened again, nor would -the location be made known to these unwelcome visitors -from Spain. I am one hundred years old now; -I was twenty then, and I remember well the great -meeting of our tribe. Later we were revenged. -Six months from that day we joined forces with the -Jivaros, and at night we entered the town of Logroño, -where a terrible butchery befell. Every -white man was beheaded and every woman was carried -away. Then other white men came and we -were hunted through the forests for years, until at -<span class='pageno' id='Page_18'>18</span>last we settled on the banks of the Marañon and -there turned our attention to farming.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“We thought no more of gold, my masters, for -that had been our curse; but well I remember the -days when the yellow metal was in plenty, and with -these eyes I have seen a nugget of gold taken from -the mine of which I speak, that was as large as a -horse’s head and weighed four arrobas.<a id='r1' /><a href='#f1' class='c011'><sup>[1]</sup></a> Silver was -so plentiful and iron so scarce that horses were shod -with the white metal.</p> - -<div class='footnote' id='f1'> -<p class='c000'><span class='label'><a href='#r1'>1</a>. </span>One hundred pounds.</p> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>“Now I come to a time later by twenty years, -when, by accident, I killed a man of our tribe. -They would not believe me that I had meant him no -harm, and that the arrow was not sped by design, -but they declared that I should die. Had I been -guilty I would have awaited the punishment; but I -was innocent, and so I fled, and for a time I joined -the savages on the Ucalayli, but in a few years I -pushed on, over the mountains, to this coast where I -have since been.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Hope-Jones and Ferguson had listened breathlessly, -bending forward, for the old Indian’s voice -had grown weaker and weaker. Soon he added:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I will tell you where the gold mine lies, for you -have been kind to me. Take paper and pencil, that -you may write down what I may say and not forget.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>They did so, and he went on:—</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_19'>19</span>“Cross the mountains to Oroya, go north even to -Huari, all that way it is easy. From Huari go -further north, three days on foot, to the great forest -of cinchona trees, which commence at the sources -of the upper Marañon. Enter this forest at Mirgoso, -a village of few huts in my day, probably larger now. -It is here that the Marañon properly commences. -Follow the river, keeping in sight the right bank -all the way. Travel six days by foot and you will -suddenly see a great white rock. Beyond this once -was a path, leading further north a half mile. -Along it trees have been felled; they are rotted -now. Push on and you will find the mine. Another—another—”</p> - -<p class='c000'>They bent closer, for his breath was coming in -spasms.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Another white rock marks—”</p> - -<p class='c000'>They sprang to his side; a strange rattle sounded -in his throat.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Lift me that I may see the setting sun.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>They did so and he looked out the window, toward -Callao, where the ball of red was sinking. Then he -fell back, dead.</p> - -<p class='c000'>For several days the young men said little concerning -the Indian’s story. They gave his body -fitting burial in the little cemetery at Bella Vista, -and returned to their work at office desks. It all -seemed a dream to them; either they had dreamed -<span class='pageno' id='Page_20'>20</span>or they had listened to the ravings of Huayno. But -after a week they commenced to discuss the narrative, -first curiously, as one might talk of a fairy tale, -then earnestly, as if their minds were becoming convinced -that it had foundation in fact.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Why was it impossible? Were not legends heard -from every tongue of the fabulous wealth of the -Incas? Was it not said that they had secret mines, -from which gold and silver had been taken, and -which mines were closed and their bearings lost -after the advent of the white man? Had there not -been wonderful wealth in Cuzco?—a temple covered -with sheets of gold and heaps of treasure? At Cajamaráca, -did not Atahuallpa offer Pizarro, as a ransom, -sufficient gold to fill the apartment in which he -was confined and twice that amount of silver?</p> - -<p class='c000'>There could be no reason for the Indian to deceive -them; there was every reason why he should have -told them the truth. Would it not be wise to go -into the interior and investigate?</p> - -<p class='c000'>Nothing stood in the way. They had youth and -strength, the journey would be of advantage physically; -each had a small sum of money in bank and a -portion of this would furnish everything they might -need on the trip, leaving sufficient for emergencies -upon their return, should they prove unsuccessful.</p> - -<p class='c000'>These arguments, advanced by one, then by the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_21'>21</span>other, determined them, and one evening Ferguson -jumped up from his seat at table and exclaimed:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Let’s go!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Say we do,” answered Hope-Jones.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Agreed?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Agreed.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Shake on it.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>They clasped hands, and it was settled.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The very next afternoon they were discussing their -plans in the dressing room of the Callao Rowing -Club, when they were overheard by Harvey Dartmoor. -He was not eavesdropping. Such was not -his nature. They had not noticed his presence, and -finally, when he attracted their attention, they were -rather glad than otherwise that he had heard, and -soon asked if he would like to join in the search.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Harvey was known in Callao as a student, and the -young men believed that he would be of assistance -when knowledge of geology and chemistry should be -needed. Besides, he was a pleasant companion, and -although their junior, he was in many things far -advanced for one of his years. So it was decided -that Harvey should accompany them, provided his -father should give consent, and in the evening Hope-Jones -visited John Dartmoor at his home in Chucuito -and unfolded to him the strange sayings of the -Indian, Huayno.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Mr. Dartmoor was at first reluctant to permit Harvey’s -<span class='pageno' id='Page_22'>22</span>departure. There was considerable danger in -the trip—from avalanches, wild animals, and perhaps -from savages, occasional bands of which were known -at times to approach the Marañon River.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But in Hope-Jones and Ferguson he recognized -young men of courage and determination; he knew -Harvey to have a similar nature, and beyond all that -he looked at the possibility of finding this treasure.</p> - -<p class='c000'>John Dartmoor had seen nothing but darkness on -all sides, and here was a glimmer of light. The -depreciation of paper money and the stagnation of -trade, because of war, had checked all business. He -was confronted with obligations which he could not -meet, and each night he dreaded the dawning of -another day, lest it bring failure before darkness -could come again. So at last he gave his consent, -and Harvey, delighted, made his preparations for the -journey.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The three decided to make no secret of the fact -that they were going inland to seek gold, but to no -one except John Dartmoor did they say aught concerning -the Indian’s revelations.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Having once interested himself in the venture, Mr. -Dartmoor proved of valuable assistance to the travellers. -Hope-Jones and Ferguson having shared -their information with his son, he in turn furnished -outfits complete for all three, and as his hardware -store was the largest on the coast, he was able to find -<span class='pageno' id='Page_23'>23</span>nearly everything in stock. But the travellers, after -frequent discussions, left behind far more than they -first had planned to carry, for they appreciated the -fact that before them lay mile after mile of mountain -climbing.</p> - -<p class='c000'>When equipped for the journey, each was clad in a -suit of heavy tweed, the trousers to the knee, gray -woollen stockings, and walking shoes. Each carried -a knapsack, surmounted by two thin blankets, shaped -in a roll, and in each knapsack were the following -articles: One light rubber coat, one pair of shoes, -two pairs of stockings, one suit of underclothing, -three pocket-handkerchiefs, one tin plate, one tin -cup, knife and fork of steel, one pound of salt, one -large box of matches, one tooth brush, one comb, -needles, pins, and thread, one iron hammer, and one -box containing two dozen quinine pills.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Ferguson and Hope-Jones each carried a pick, -slung by cords over their shoulders, but Harvey was -deemed too young to bear a similar burden; besides, -two picks were plenty. Hope-Jones carried a shot-gun, -Ferguson a rifle, and Harvey a weapon similar -to that borne by the Englishman, but of less weight. -They all wore two ammunition belts, one around the -waist, the other over the shoulder. In pockets were -jack-knives, pieces of twine and lead pencils and paper, -for they hoped to send letters from the interior to -the coast by making use of native runners, although -<span class='pageno' id='Page_24'>24</span>once away from the railroad they could receive -none.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Thus equipped, the departure was made from Lima -on the morning of August 20, and the three adventurers -were accompanied as far as Chosica by Harvey’s -brother Louis and by Carl Saunders, their -chum, who stood on the railway platform in the little -mountain town and waved a God-speed until the -train pulled out of sight.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Oroya railroad is one of the seven wonders of -Peru, and no work by civil engineers in all the world -so challenges admiration. It rises from the sea and -threads the gorges of the Rimac, creeping on ledges -that have been blasted from out the solid rock, crossing -bridges that seem suspended in air, and boring -through tunnels over which rest giant mountains. -In places the cliffs on which rails are laid so overhang -the river far below that a stone let fall from a -car window will drop on the opposite side of the -stream. From the coast to the summit there is not -an inch of down grade, and in seventy-eight miles an -altitude of 12,178 feet is attained. Sixty-three tunnels -are passed through. Placed end to end they -would be 21,000 feet in length, so that for four miles -of this wonderful journey one is burrowing in the -bowels of mountains.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At one point the travellers stood on the car platform -and saw ahead of them the mouth of a tunnel, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_25'>25</span>then, looking up the face of the precipice they saw -another black opening that seemed the size of a barrel; -higher still was a third, no larger in appearance -than a silver dollar; yet higher, as high as a bird -would fly, a fourth, resembling the eye of a needle. -Four tunnels, one above the other!</p> - -<p class='c000'>They would enter the first, wind around on -ledges, pass through the second, wind again, the -third, wind again, and before entering the fourth, -look down from the train platform along the face -of the precipice and see the entrances to the three -holes through which they had passed. They were -threading mountains, and always moving toward the -summit.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In this wild journey they passed over thirty bridges -that spanned chasms, the most remarkable of them -all being the iron bridge of Verrugas, which crosses -a chasm 580 feet wide and rests on three piers, the -central one being 252 feet high.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The noonday meal was taken at Matucana, in the -railway station house, and a half hour later they -were on the way again, and all three stood on the -platform of the rear car, watching the scenery, which -every moment grew in grandeur. As the train -wound around a ledge, like a huge iron snake, they -saw far beneath a little lake of blue, bordered by -willows. Even as they looked, clouds rolled out and -hid the water and the willows. So they were above -<span class='pageno' id='Page_26'>26</span>the clouds! Yet above them were other clouds, of -fleecy white, drifting and breaking against the gray -masses of stone that rose ever and ever at the sides -of them and in front of them!</p> - -<p class='c000'>For a long time they were silent, looking down -into chasms so deep they could not in places see the -bottom; at other points appeared a silver thread -which they knew to be a river; or, they gazed up at -smooth cliffs, towering as if to shut out the sun, and -again at huge overhanging boulders that seemed -to need but a touch to drop and obliterate train -and passengers. While thus watching, Hope-Jones -suddenly exclaimed:—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Where Andes, giant of the Western star,</div> - <div class='line'>Looks from his throne of clouds o’er half the world.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>“Who wrote those lines?” asked Harvey.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Campbell, I believe. I never appreciated them -as I do now,” he replied.</p> - -<p class='c000'>They were soon joined by the conductor, who was -much interested in the three adventurers. The road -not having been constructed its entire length, it was -seldom that passengers for the interior were on trains, -and rarely indeed were met persons who intended journeying -as far as did these three companions. Those -who rode up the Oroya railroad were mainly tourists. -So, in those years, the railway was operated at a loss; -but it was government property, and the purpose was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_27'>27</span>in time to connect the great interior with the seaboard.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The conductor was an American who had been -five years in Peru, and he was always glad to meet -any one from the States; so at once he fell into conversation -with Ferguson.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“How often do you go over the road?” he was -asked.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Three times a week.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Do you not tire of the solitude?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“No. Each time I see new grandeur. Look over -there. What is on that cliff?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The three gazed in the direction he pointed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It seems to be a little animal about the size of a -lamb,” said Ferguson.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It’s an Andean bull.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“But, surely, how can that be?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Because the cliff, which seems only a few hundred -feet away, is thousands. In this rarefied air all -distances and sizes are misleading.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What did this road cost?” Harvey asked.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“In money, no one knows exactly, unless it be -the superintendent of public construction at Lima. -Henry Meiggs took the contract in 1868 for -$27,000,000, but the government has added many -million dollars since then.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You say in money. What other cost has there -been?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_28'>28</span>“Lives of men, my son. The line is not completed, -yet seven thousand men have perished during -its construction. They say that for every tie on -the railroad across the Isthmus of Panama a man -gave his life, but even that road has no such death -list on the dark side of its ledger as has this.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That is more than double the number of the -killed on both sides at the battle of Shiloh!” exclaimed -Harvey.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes; if I remember my history aright,” assented -the conductor.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What caused this frightful mortality?” asked -Hope-Jones.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“There have been many causes, sir. Extremes of -climate have affected those with weak constitutions -and rendered them easy victims to disease, pestilences -have raged in the camps, and there have been -hundreds of fatal accidents, due to blasting and to -the fall of boulders. I dare say that if one could -find a passage along the Rimac below,” and he -pointed to the chasm, “he would see whitened bones -between every mile post.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>That evening they reached Chicla, 15,645 feet -above sea level, and were entertained at the home of -the railroad superintendent, who had charge of the -upper division of the line. Chicla is a little town of -huts nestling in a small valley and surrounded by -mountain peaks. The nights are always cold, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_29'>29</span>for only a few hours during the day does the sun’s -face escape from behind the towering peaks and -shine upon the village.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At the supper table Harvey complained of a -drumming in his ears, and a few minutes later he -hastily left the table because of a severe nosebleed. -Ferguson felt something damp on his cheek not long -after, and using a handkerchief he noticed that it -bore a crimson streak. Blood was flowing from his -right ear.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The superintendent assured them that there was -no cause for alarm, and that every one suffered from -the effects of rarefied air when coming into a high -altitude.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The pressure is less on the body up here,” he -explained, “but within your veins and cells is air -at the pressure received at sea level. This overpressure -air, in endeavoring to escape, forces the -blood with it. In a few hours the symptoms will -have passed away. None of you has heart trouble, -I trust?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“No,” they answered.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Then you will soon be all right.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>They passed a restless night, but in the morning -felt much better, and viewed from the veranda of -the house the coming of the day without a rising -sun in sight, for, the superintendent explained, it -would be ten o’clock before the rays would shine -<span class='pageno' id='Page_30'>30</span>from over the mountain peaks in the east. The -valley was soon filled with a mellow light, and on -the western hills rested a shadow that slowly crept -downwards.</p> - -<p class='c000'>After breakfast they watched from the veranda a -train of llamas coming down the mountain side, bearing -panniers filled with silver ore.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Those are wonderful beasts,” said the superintendent.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes,” remarked Hope-Jones; then he added: -“Until recently, I believed they belonged to the -same family as the domestic sheep of Europe and -North America, but I ascertained by reading that -they are more closely allied to the camel.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“So I have heard, and so examination would convince -even one not versed in natural history. They -are much larger than sheep, are powerful and -more intelligent; besides, they can go for a long -time without water and endure as heavy burdens as -a mule.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I understand that their flesh is good to eat.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, it is quite palatable. So the llama is valuable -for three purposes—as a beast of burden, for its -long, silken wool, and for its flesh.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>An hour later Hope-Jones, Ferguson, and Harvey -bade the superintendent good-by, after thanking -him for his hospitality, and started on their journey -to the northeast. While in Chicla they had secured -<span class='pageno' id='Page_31'>31</span>canvas for a shelter-tent. It was unnecessary to -carry poles, because these could be cut each evening; -and the additional burden, divided among the three, -was not heavy.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The first day’s travel was uneventful until toward -sundown, when snow commenced to fall, and Harvey -for the first time saw the crystal flakes beneath -his feet, and swirling through the air. They had -attained quite an altitude above Chicla, how much -higher they did not know, not having brought instruments. -But in the morning they would commence -to descend again to the region of the Montaña, the -great table-land valley of Peru which lies between -two parallel spurs of the Andes at an altitude of six -thousand to eight thousand feet—a valley rich with -forests and with smaller vegetation, a valley through -which flows the river Marañon, and is inhabited -by the Ayulis Indians; and in this valley somewhere -on the river Marañon, was a great white rock -that marked a nature’s storehouse of gold.</p> - -<p class='c000'>They pitched their shelter-tent, lighted a fire, and -ate a hearty supper of food they had carried from -Chicla; then, after talking for an hour, they went to -sleep, lying close together, wrapped in both blankets, -for the night was cold.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_32'>32</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER II.<br /> <span class='large'>THE MONTAÑA OF PERU.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_4 c006'>Early next morning the three adventurers were -awakened by a mournful cry. A long, shrill -note sounded near the shelter-tent and was followed -by three others, each deepening in tone. They sat -up and rubbed their eyes, then looked at one another, -as if to ask, “What is that?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Again the long, shrill note, and again the three -mournful echoes, each deeper than the one preceding.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What a ghostly noise!” said Hope-Jones.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Oh, I know what it is!” exclaimed Harvey, rising, -his face brighter. “It’s the alma perdida.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Alma perdida! That’s the Spanish for ‘lost -soul.’”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Exactly. That’s why the bird has such a name, -because of its cry. It’s an alma perdida—a bird, -that is piping so dolefully. Come, see if I am not -correct.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>He pushed aside the flap of the shelter-tent, sprang -without, and was followed by the young men. In -the light of early day they saw a little brown bird, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_33'>33</span>a tuft of red on its head, perched on a scrub bush, -not a hundred yards away. Even as they looked -the shrill note was repeated, and then the doleful -ones of deeper sound.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Shoo!” said Ferguson; and as the bird remained -perched on the bush, he threw a stone. The red-tufted -body of brown rose from the branch and disappeared.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“’Good riddance to bad rubbish,’” said Ferguson. -“We don’t want any such croakers at our feast; -which, by the way, reminds me of breakfast.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Whew!” exclaimed Harvey. “It’s cold!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Indeed it was cold for these travellers from the -warm coast-belt, the mercury standing at about -thirty-five degrees Fahrenheit.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Let’s run and get wood for a fire, then we’ll feel -warmer,” said Hope-Jones. “There’s a dwarf tree -over there. Surely some dry branches are beneath -it. Now for a two hundred yards’ dash! One! -two! three!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Ferguson won, Hope-Jones second, and Harvey a -close third. The run started their blood well in circulation, -and they fell to gathering chips of bark -and dried twigs with a will, returning to the tent -each with an armful. They placed four stones -equidistant from a centre, so that a few inches were -between them, and in the spaces piled the wood.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Be careful with the matches!” said Ferguson. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_34'>34</span>“Only one for a fire. Harvey, take from your box -first.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The boy stooped over and the two young men -stood to the windward of him, forming a shield. In -a few seconds a crackle was heard, then a thin line -of blue smoke rose from between the stones, and -tongues of flame licked the pieces of granite.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“More wood!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was added, and in a minute a merry blaze was -burning briskly.</p> - -<p class='c000'>They held their hands over the flames, and they -stood on the leeward side, not minding the smoke -which blew in their eyes, for the heat was carried to -their bodies, dispelling the chill that had come after -the run. Although the morning was somewhat -warmer than had been the evening before, it was -still very cold for these residents of the sandy coast-line. -Here and there patches of snow still lay on -the ground, but the white crystals were fast melting -under the glow of coming day. The sun was not -so tardy here as at Chicla, for no high peaks were -in the east, and even as they stood around the fire -a shaft of light was thrown across the valley in -which they had rested during the night.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What shall we have for breakfast?” asked -Hope-Jones.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Fried bacon and corn bread,” promptly answered -Ferguson.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_35'>35</span>“But how shall we cook the bacon?” asked -Harvey.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I’ll show you;” and the Ohioan unstrapped his -knapsack and took therefrom his tin plate, which he -placed on the four stones.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“How’s that for a frying pan!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>They had taken certain provisions from Chicla, -because the superintendent said it might be a couple -of days before they could reach that part of the Montaña -where game abounded, and the carrying of these -edibles had devolved upon Harvey, his companions -having burdened themselves with the canvas of the -shelter-tent. Another minute, and a fragrant odor -came from the dish that was resting over the flame.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I wish the corn bread could be made hot,” said -Harvey, as he proceeded with the further opening of -his knapsack.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It will be—in a jiffy,” was the reply. “Just -clear away some of the fire on the other side.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>This was done, the sticks and embers being pushed -back, and Ferguson commenced with his jack-knife, -hollowing out a space in the thin soil. Taking -Hope-Jones’s and Harvey’s tin plates, he placed the -bread between them, then laying them in the shallow -excavation, rims together, he raked over some earth -and on top of this a layer of hot coals.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“By the time the bacon is cooked our bread will -be ready,” he added.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_36'>36</span>While this was being done Hope-Jones had visited -a little spring near by and had filled their cups with -sparkling water. Ten minutes later they were -seated around the fire, enjoying the breakfast, and all -agreed that they had never tasted a more appetizing -meal.</p> - -<p class='c000'>By half-past seven dishes were washed, the tent -taken down, knapsacks and bundles packed, and -they started, with a compass as a guide, toward the -northeast, between two mountain peaks—for in that -direction lay the Montaña. It was easy walking, -llama trains having made a pathway, and the country -soon became more regular, for they had passed the -region of gorges, precipices, and chasms; although -still among the mountains, the high peaks towered -behind, those in front becoming lower as they progressed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>They were travelling a down grade, and as they -pushed on there were continual signs of change in -the vegetable world. At the point where they had -encamped for the night grew only a few shrubs and -dwarf trees, whose gnarled branches told of a rigorous -climate. But soon cacti thrust their ungainly -shapes above ground, the trees became of larger size, -and a long grass commenced to appear. And as -above they had walked upon a gravel, which had -crumbled from the rocky mountain side, so further -down appeared a soil richer in alluvium as they proceeded. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_37'>37</span>By eleven o’clock all the towering mountain -peaks were behind them. They were nearing -the table-land country and were among the foothills -of the first spurs of the eastern slope.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“O for a luncheon with potato salad!” exclaimed -Harvey.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Sighing for potatoes in Peru is like sighing for -coals in Newcastle,” said Hope-Jones.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Why so?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Because Peru is the home of the potato. It was -first discovered here. Didn’t you know that?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, but I had forgotten it for the moment. -One is so accustomed to terming them ‘Irish -potatoes.’”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Who discovered the vegetable in Peru?” asked -Ferguson.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The Spaniards, in the seventeenth century. -Large tracts of land in the Montaña country were -covered with potato fields, and the Indians could not -recall when they had not formed a staple of diet.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“How did the term Irish potato originate?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Sir Walter Raleigh is responsible for that, I -believe. The potato was planted on his estate near -Cork and flourished better in that soil than in any -other of Europe.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The noon hour having arrived and the conversation -tending to increase their hunger, the three -adventurers looked about for a spring, and in the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_38'>38</span>distance seeing a clump of willows and verdure of -unusual brightness, they hastened to the spot and -found a little mountain stream rippling over pebbles. -As they approached a number of parakeets flew -away, chattering, their brilliant plumage causing -them to appear as rainbow darts above their heads.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“An ideal spot!” said Hope-Jones.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“And here’s shade. We didn’t want shade this -morning, did we?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Hardly. But the day has grown warm.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>While speaking they cast knapsacks and burdens -one side and threw themselves down on the grass -for a brief rest before preparing the noonday meal. -The murmur of the brook had as an accompaniment -the hum of insects and the piping of finches—for -they were nearing the table-land, which pulsated -with life; far different from the drear of the early -morning, which was punctuated only by the doleful -notes of the alma perdida.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I can almost think myself in an American harvest -field,” said Ferguson, rolling on his back and -clasping his hands over his head.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Hope-Jones placed a blade of coarse grass between -his thumbs, held parallel, then blew upon -the green strand with all his might.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What on earth is that?” exclaimed Ferguson, -jumping to his feet, and Harvey came running from -the stream.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_39'>39</span>“You said something about a harvest field, so I -stood in the kitchen door and sounded the horn for -dinner,” was the laughing response.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What shall it be?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The same as this morning, with the addition of -hard-boiled eggs; that is, providing Harvey hasn’t -broken the eggs.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Indeed, I haven’t,” protested the boy, and he -commenced to unstrap his knapsack.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A fire was soon started and the eggs were placed -over the flame in a large tin cup. After being thoroughly -boiled, they were put in the stream to cool, -and bacon was fried as in the morning; but the -corn bread was eaten cold, “by way of a variety,” -so Ferguson said.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I hope we may find some game this afternoon,” -said Harvey, as he cracked an egg-shell on his heel.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“We undoubtedly shall, for it cannot be far to -the Montaña proper.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>An hour later they resumed their burdens, and -with swinging steps continued on down the hillside. -The grass became more profuse, and soon -formed a velvet carpet under the feet. It was dotted -with the chilca plant, which bears a bright yellow -flower, of the same color as the North American -dandelion; and in places could be seen the mutisia -acuminata, with beautiful orange and red flowers, -and bushes that bore clusters of red berries.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_40'>40</span>“The landscape is becoming gorgeous,” said Hope-Jones.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Trees were now larger, and vines of the semi-tropics -clung to the trunks and to the branches. -Little streams were of frequency, all running toward -the east instead of to the west, as had been observed -when on the other side of the cordillera; and so, -late in the afternoon, the sun commenced to go -down behind the hills, which seemed strange to -those who were accustomed to see it sink in the -ocean.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Sh!” exclaimed Hope-Jones, suddenly, then—“Drop -down, fellows!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>They sank into the grass.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What is it?” asked Harvey.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Look over there, in that clump of trees.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>They saw something moving under the branches, -then a form stood still.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It’s a deer. I suppose it’s the Peruvian taruco. -Can you bring it down at this distance, Ferguson? -If we go nearer, we shall probably see our supper -bound away.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I’ll try, but it’s a good range; almost six hundred -yards, don’t you think?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“All of that.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Then I’ll adjust the sights for seven hundred.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>He threw himself flat on the grass, pushed his rifle -before him, resting the barrel on a stone, took aim -<span class='pageno' id='Page_41'>41</span>for a minute, then fired. The deer sprang into the -open, gave a second bound, rising from all four hoofs, -and, twisting convulsively, fell dead.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Bravo! At the first shot!” yelled Hope-Jones, -and jumping up, he ran forward, closely followed by -the others.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What shall we do now?” asked Harvey.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Fortunately I hunted quite a little when a lad -in the States,” said Ferguson, whipping out a long -knife and cutting the animal’s throat. “In a half -hour we can skin it,” he added.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Say, fellows, I have an idea. What better place -can we camp than here?” asked Hope-Jones.</p> - -<p class='c000'>They were near a grove of tall trees, the bark of -which was white, and in marked contrast with the -dense green foliage. These were the palo de sangre, -or blood-wood of the upper Marañon, from which -is taken timber of a red color that is fine-grained, -hard, and receives a good polish. The trees were -not many in number, but they arched over a little -brook, and tall grass grew between the trunks.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It’s a splendid spot,” replied Ferguson, “and I -have another plan to add as an amendment to yours.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What’s that?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“To remain here all to-morrow.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“And lose a day?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“No; I think we should gain thereby. I confess -that I’m dead tired. The first day’s tramp always -<span class='pageno' id='Page_42'>42</span>tells the most. Besides, we had a wearisome trip on -the railroad, and for a week before leaving Callao -we were continually on the jump. So a day’s rest -from tramping will do us all good; but I don’t mean -to idle away the time, for we can find plenty to do.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What, for instance?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Cut up that deer and smoke some strips of the -flesh to carry with us. We may not always be so -lucky, and smoked venison isn’t at all bad when one’s -hungry.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The amendment was accepted, and they at once -went into camp.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It lacked two hours of sundown. The air was -pleasant and warm, and the sweet odor from flowers -was carried to their nostrils by a light breeze. -Hope-Jones cleared a space for the tent and cut -props for the canvas. Harvey fetched water from -the brook and gathered firewood; and Ferguson, -rolling up his sleeves, commenced to skin the deer, -then cut a large steak from the loin. In an hour -a bed of live coals was glowing, and, using a ramrod -for a spit, the Ohioan commenced to broil the venison. -Soon savory odors rose, and Hope-Jones and -Harvey stood quite near, smacking their lips.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“This is the best dinner I ever ate in my life,” -said the boy fifteen minutes later, as he sat on the -log of a tree, his tin dish between his knees.</p> - -<p class='c000'>They crawled into the shelter-tent early that evening, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_43'>43</span>right glad to rest, and the two young men were -soon in dreamland. But Harvey tossed about uneasily -and his eyes refused to close; he was too tired -to sleep. For a long time he lay awake, listening -to the monotonous notes of the yucahualpa, which -sings only at night, and at last, the tent becoming -oppressive, he took his blankets and stole quietly -without. It was bright with starlight, but there -was no moon. A breeze from the west moved the -broad leaves of the blood-wood trees, and the sound -of their rustling was like the roar of breakers on a -distant beach.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The boy stepped to a fallen tree, from the trunk -of which branches protruded, but the leaves were -gone. Wrapping one blanket completely around -him, he lay down, his head resting in a fork several -inches above the ground; then he drew the other -blanket over him and the next minute was asleep.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_44'>44</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER III.<br /> <span class='large'>A SNAKE AND A PUMA.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_4 c006'>“Where’s Harvey?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Hope-Jones, aroused by Ferguson, rose to -an upright position and looked around. The flap of -the shelter-tent had been thrown back, and the gray -light of early morning was stealing in.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Not here? Perhaps he has gone to the brook.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes; probably for a bath. I guess I’ll follow -him.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>They lazily drew on their knickerbockers, laced -their shoes, and went outside, yawning as they -stepped on the grass, for the sleep was still in their -eyes. The next instant their attitude changed—from -heavy with drowsiness every sense became -alert, every muscle contracted and their nerves -throbbed, their cheeks from red turned ashen pale. -For Ferguson had clutched Hope-Jones’s arm and -had whispered, “Look!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>A hundred yards from where they stood lay Harvey, -sound asleep, his head resting in the fork of a -fallen tree and his face upturned. Two feet above -<span class='pageno' id='Page_45'>45</span>this upturned face—a handsome, manly face—something -was waving to and fro like a naked -branch throbbed by the wind; only this something -moved with a more undulating motion. It was a -snake. The body was coiled around the limb of the -tree that rose from the fork, and the flat head and -neck waved at right angles.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Sh! It may strike if alarmed!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Both men sank to their knees.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What’s it waiting for?” whispered Hope-Jones.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I don’t know.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What can we do? Shall I risk a shot?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“No. Your gun would scatter and perhaps hit -Harvey. We must try the rifle.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You do it, then. I never could hit that target.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I’ll try,” said Ferguson, clenching his teeth; -and he crawled quickly into the tent, and, returning -with the weapon, threw himself flat on the grass in -the position he had taken the evening before while -aiming at the deer.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The light had grown, so that twigs on trees stood -out plainly. They could see that the snake was of -a brown-green, the head very flat, and in and out -between the jaws moved a thin tongue, vibrating as -does a tightly stretched string that has been pulled -with the fingers.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Why don’t you fire?” whispered Hope-Jones, -who had thrown himself down beside Ferguson.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_46'>46</span>“Wait. I can’t hit that. No one could.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The day was growing fast. Harvey slept without -moving, and above his face, no nearer and no farther -away, moved the flat head with pendulum-like -regularity.</p> - -<p class='c000'>All at once, a ray of light glanced from the rising -sun through the trees and fell on the face of the -sleeping boy—a line of golden light, reaching from -forehead to chin. Harvey moved. That instant, -the flat head ceased swaying, the portion of the body -free from the tree arched itself like the neck of a -swan and the snake was immovable, poised to strike. -But before the fangs could be plunged into the victim, -a rifle rang out, and the snake fell forward, -writhing, upon the neck and shoulders of the boy, -and he, at a bound, freed himself from the blankets -and started for the woods on a run, yelling: “I’m -shot! I’m shot!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Hope-Jones and Ferguson followed and caught up -with him at the edge of the brook. Beads of perspiration -were standing out on his forehead, and his face -was pale.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Where are you hurt, Harvey?” asked Ferguson, -anxiously.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He looked at them in amazement, for as a fact he -had just awakened. The yell and the exclamation -were only part of a nightmare, which had been -caused by the discharge of the firearm.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_47'>47</span>Meanwhile Hope-Jones was feeling of him carefully, -his arms, his body, and examining his head -and neck.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“He’s as sound as a dollar,” he finally said.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Of course I am,” Harvey replied rather sheepishly. -“What’s all the row about, anyway?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Come, we’ll show you,” and the young men led -him back to the tree and pointed to the dead snake.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Harvey did not understand even then what the -scene meant. He saw his blankets lying to one -side, where he had tossed them, and he saw the -reptile in the place where he had slept. Then Hope-Jones -related what had happened, and the lad turned -pale again when the Englishman ended by saying:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Had not Ferguson’s aim been true you would -be a dead boy, because I can recognize this snake as -of a poisonous species, although I do not know the -name.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>He turned the broad head over, and it was seen -that the rifle bullet had entered the mouth and -shattered the upper fang.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Harvey was silent for several minutes while Ferguson -stooped over and measured the reptile, announcing -that it was seven feet two inches long; -then the boy said:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I can never, never find words to thank you.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Don’t mention that, Harvey,” was the reply, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_48'>48</span>“but remember and keep with us at night. We’re -in a strange land now, and there’s no telling what -we may meet.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I suppose we have all been careless,” said Hope-Jones. -“Back in the sierra there was no animal -life, except the llama and a few goats; we are in the -Montaña now and it’s different. However, let’s -change the subject and have breakfast.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The fire was lighted, another venison steak was -cooked, and with it they ate the last of the corn -bread. After breakfast Ferguson set to work on -the deer, cutting the flesh into strips, and while he -was doing this Hope-Jones and Harvey, following -his direction, built a little smoke-house with three -boughs and started a slow fire within. Later the -strips of flesh were hung on pieces of twine that -had been stretched across the top, and the place was -closed, except for a small opening, through which -the fire could be replenished during the day. After -this the three went to the brook side and washed -such clothing as was necessary, which was hung on -bushes to dry.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The noonday meal consisted of fried eggs and cold -venison; then, after tending the fire in the smoke-house -once more, the three lay down for a siesta. -The afternoon was quite warm, the drone of insects -could be heard, and they had a refreshing sleep for -two hours.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_49'>49</span>But the sun was not to set without further adventure, -which, like that of the morning, brought in its -train a lesson to the three who were unaccustomed to -the wilds of the Peruvian interior. Harvey, who -was the first to awaken, believed that he might find -some wild fruit in a clump of trees which grew about -a quarter of a mile to the east, and so he left the -camp at three o’clock and soon crossed the open -space. He found himself in a little grove, the size -of that in which the tent was pitched. But the -trees, which had appeared different at a distance, -were the same, and, disappointed, he was about to -return, when his attention was attracted by a purring -sound, like that made by kittens when their backs -are stroked; and looking down he saw, almost beneath -his feet, three little animals that were at play, -catching each other with their paws by the tails and -ears, and rolling over and over. They were not -much taller than kittens, but were more plump, and -their bodies were broader. The hair was a brownish -yellow, spotted with brown of a deeper tint, and -their little tails were ringed with the same color.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The boy watched them a few minutes, then thinking -what a surprise he could give Hope-Jones and -Ferguson, he lifted one in his arms. It was quite -heavy and gave forth a peculiar whine when taken -from its companions. Harvey held it close and -started back to the camp, walking briskly.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_50'>50</span>He had gone about a hundred yards when there -came from behind him a hideous howl that made his -heart jump into his throat and his hair stand on end, -while chill after chill passed down his spinal column. -Glancing over his shoulder he saw an animal bounding -after him, mouth wide open and foam dropping -from yellow fangs. It was the size of a lion. Giving -a scream, the boy started toward camp at a speed -he had never equalled. For a few seconds he was so -dizzy from fright that he seemed to be floating in -air. Every muscle was stretched to its utmost, and -he bent far forward, calling at the top of his voice, in -the hope that his companions might hear.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Another awful howl sounded, this time nearer, and -he could hear the footfalls of the animal close behind; -the next second he could hear it panting, and -then, just as he felt that the next breath would be -his last, reason came to him, and he dropped the little -animal which, without thinking, he had held tight -in his arms.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The instant he did so the footfalls ceased and the -panting grew less distinct. He cast a swift glance -over his shoulder and saw that the animal had stopped -beside her cub and was walking round and round -the little yellow creature and licking it. The sight -gave him hope, and he ran on toward the camp, ran -as he had not even when that terrible breathing was -so close, for then fear had partly benumbed him and -at times he had staggered.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_51'>51</span>He was halfway between the groves when the -animal’s cry sounded again and acted on him like the -spur on a horse. He glanced back. The creature -had left her cub.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Perhaps she thinks I have another one of her -pups,” was the thought that flashed through Harvey’s -mind, and the inspiration came to dash his hat to the -ground, which he did, and a few seconds later he -looked back over his shoulder once more. Yes, the -animal had stopped, but only for an instant, to sniff -the piece of woollen, and then had bounded forward.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The boy plainly saw the tent ahead, but he could -not make out the figure of a person near the -canvas. Where were Hope-Jones and Ferguson? -Could he reach the grove? But of what use -to do so, unless they were there to aid him? His -heart beat wildly; perspiration flooded his face -and stood out in cold beads; he felt cold all over, -although he was running at a speed that should -have given him fever heat, and the day was very -warm.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At that instant a man appeared near the tent, and -Harvey gave a yell such as he had never uttered. -The man stood out plainly in the afternoon light, -and Harvey saw him turn. Simultaneously he -heard the footfalls of the animal and the hoarse -panting. The grove was near, the tent was near, -the man was near, and he was immediately joined -<span class='pageno' id='Page_52'>52</span>by another. They were waving to him. What -could they mean?</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was a signal, but he did not understand. The -heavy breathing came nearer and nearer. The men -were running toward him, throwing their hands out -to the left. All at once he understood, and he -darted to one side. The second after he did so the -crash of a rifle rang out, then the deeper sound of a -shot-gun.</p> - -<p class='c000'>When Harvey looked up again Hope-Jones was -pouring water on his head and Ferguson was saying:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It’s a puma and of the largest size!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Well, young man, have you had enough adventures -for one day?” asked the Englishman, when the -boy sat upright.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I guess I have,” he replied in a somewhat dazed -voice.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You tackled quite a contract over there,” said -Ferguson. “How did it happen?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Harvey told them, stopping now and then during -the narrative, for he was not yet wholly over his -fear, nor had he quite recovered his breath.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I guess you will keep close to us in the daytime -as well as at night,” said Ferguson, when he had -finished.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, I think I shall,” the lad said somewhat dismally. -“What was it you said chased me?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_53'>53</span>“A puma of the largest species. Do you wish to -see it?” and Ferguson led the way a few steps to -the right where the carcass of the animal lay in the -long grass.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Its legs were drawn up close to the body, proof -that it had died in a convulsion, and Harvey shuddered -as he looked at the long, sharp claws that -protruded from soft, spongelike feet. These were -the feet he had heard striking the ground in pursuit. -The puma somewhat resembled a leopard, and -measured forty-five inches from the nose to the root -of the tail, and the tail was as long as the body. -The head was rather small, the ears large and -rounded. The skin was a tawny, yellowish brown, -and the lower part of the body a dirty white.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Ugh!” exclaimed Harvey, shuddering.</p> - -<p class='c000'>They walked back to camp. After supper Ferguson -said:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I move we adopt a couple of rules, to apply for -the remainder of the journey.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What are they?” asked Hope-Jones.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“First, that we keep within hailing distance of -one another.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Second, that one of us always has a gun in -hand.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Agreed,” said the Englishman, and Harvey -nodded his head in approval.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_54'>54</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER IV.<br /> <span class='large'>IN THE COILS OF A BOA.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_4 c006'>“Cross the mountains to Oroya, then go north -to Huari, and in three days you will reach -the great forest of cinchona trees,” repeated Hope-Jones, -quoting old Huayno.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, but we have gone around Oroya, as advised -by the superintendent,” said Ferguson.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That’s why we have kept a northeast instead of -a north course.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“We should sight Huari to-morrow.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes. We should.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was the fifth day of their journey from Chicla, -and they were plodding along in a rain, rubber coats -buttoned close to the chin. The llama path was -very narrow and wound in and out among tropic -verdure. Everything was dripping with moisture, -large drops rolling from palm leaves, bushes throwing -spray as they were released after being pushed -one side by the pedestrians, and the long grass wound -<span class='pageno' id='Page_55'>55</span>around their stockings until they became wringing -wet. It had been impossible to light a fire at -noon, and so they had dined on strips of smoked -venison.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“We must find some dry wood to-night and hang -our clothing near a blaze,” said Harvey. The next -minute he had darted ahead, then to one side.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Remember rule number one!” called out Ferguson.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“All right,” came back the answer.</p> - -<p class='c000'>They caught up with the lad in a minute, and -found him standing under a clump of trees that -were about fifteen feet in height and which had -broad, flat tops. As they neared the spot a fragrance -as of incense was borne to their nostrils -through the rain.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Here’s a feast after all the dried deer meat!” -called the boy, who had hung his knapsack on a -branch, placed his shot-gun against the trunk of the -tree, and was already climbing.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What is he after?” asked Hope-Jones.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I’m sure I don’t know. What have you found, -Harvey?” called Ferguson.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Chirimoyas.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Then we’re in luck. My mouth waters at the -very thought of the fruit. But I never saw the -tree before,” he said, looking up at their young -companion.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_56'>56</span>“The trees grow in plenty of places near Lima,” -Harvey replied. “I recognized them at once from -a distance. Here, catch!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The fruit he dropped down was heart-shaped, -green, and covered with black knobs and scales, -much as is a pineapple, and was about two-thirds the -size of the latter.</p> - -<p class='c000'>When Harvey had detached a half dozen he descended, -and despite the inclement weather they sat -down for a feast, this being the first of fruit or -fresh vegetable they had tasted since leaving Chicla.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Although it was damp no rain fell on the place -where they rested, for the broad leaves of the trees -were so interlaced as to form a natural umbrella -that made a perfect watershed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The skin of the chirimoya is thick and tough, and -their jack-knives were called into use, but once -within the shell a treat indeed was found. Internally -the fruit is snowy white and juicy, and embedded -within the pulp are many seeds, but these -are as easily removed as are the seeds of a watermelon.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“My, this is delicious!” said Harvey, smacking -his lips.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Picking chirimoyas from trees is better sport than -picking up puma cubs from beneath them, is it not?” -asked Hope-Jones.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Somewhat,” said the lad, as he buried his face in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_57'>57</span>the fruit and took so large a mouthful that his cheeks -were distended.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Be careful lest you choke,” warned Hope-Jones; -then turning to Ferguson he asked:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“How would you describe the flavor should you -wish to do so to a person at home?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I couldn’t. It is finer than the pineapple, more -luscious than the best strawberry, and richer than -the peach. There is no fruit with which I could -make comparison. Can you think of any?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“No.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>They enjoyed the repast with which nature had -provided them, then Ferguson urged that they take -up their march again.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What’s the matter with remaining here?” Harvey -asked.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It’s too damp. We all would have colds in the -morning. No, we must find a dry spot, even if we -have to keep going till late at night. As it is, perhaps -we had better each take a couple of quinine -pills. Here, I will stand treat,” and he commenced -to unstrap his knapsack.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Chirimoyas for the first course and quinine for -the second,” remarked Harvey. “Who wouldn’t -call that a genuine Peruvian meal?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Then they resumed their way in the rain, which -continued falling heavily, dripping from the trees -overhead.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_58'>58</span>Since morning they had been descending into a -valley that was lower than any part of the Montaña -which they had as yet traversed; indeed, they were -at an altitude of only five thousand feet above sea -level; and as they were on the eastern slope, where -there is no trade wind to cool the air, the temperature -had become tropical.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Soon the path would mount again, and a climb of -three thousand feet was in front before Huari could -be reached; but for the time being they were threading -a region that was as dense with vegetation as -that which borders the Amazon. Huge vines and -creepers almost hid the trees from view, and green -moss hung in long festoons. In places were groves -of palms, in others trees of wondrous growth that -were completely covered with brilliant scarlet flowers. -Occasionally, between branches, they saw rare -orchids.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In the jungle at the sides of the path could be -heard the croaking of frogs, and on the bark of trees -sounded the sharp notes of woodpeckers. At times -a brilliant-colored snake crawled across the path. -But they saw little else of animal life, although the -occasional rustle of leaves ahead told that something -savage had slunk away.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Probably a puma,” said Hope-Jones once, when -they had stopped to listen, and had brought their -guns into position. “But there is no cause for -<span class='pageno' id='Page_59'>59</span>alarm. A puma rarely attacks a man unless brought -to bay, or unless,” and he cast a side glance at Harvey, -“some enterprising person endeavors to kidnap -a cub.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Will you ever forget that?” asked the boy, and -they laughed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Since the day of the lad’s dual adventures little of -moment had befallen the travellers. They had remained -in company, and at night had selected spots -in scant groves, which they had inspected thoroughly -before pitching the shelter-tent. They were cautious -during the day as well. As for human beings, two -or three Indians had been met, but they were stupid -specimens, who did not speak Spanish, and who manifested -little curiosity at meeting a white man.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“They are a sneaky lot,” Ferguson had said. -“Notice how low their brows are and how narrow -the forehead.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>At times they saw a hut perched on a hill above -the roadway, but they did not care to investigate, and -passed them by. These places of habitation were -constructed somewhat like the North American -Indian’s tepee, of boughs wound with animal -hides.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But this all had been at a higher altitude. In the -valley which they now trod, and which was a tropic -jungle, there was no sign of man save the narrow -path—and the path at times was almost lost to sight -<span class='pageno' id='Page_60'>60</span>in the dense growth—which told that occasionally -llama trains passed that way.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Toward four o’clock in the afternoon they reached -the lowest part of the valley, and at that hour the -clouds cleared away and the sun came out, causing -the leaves to glisten as if studded with diamonds, and -the air became heavy with the perfume of flowers -and the exudations from plants and vines.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Coaxed by the sun, hundreds of butterflies drifted -lazily from the sides of the jungle and moved as if -borne by light currents of air from flower to flower. -Some were white, their large wings dotted with -golden yellow; others were purple, fringed with -black; others the color of the dandelion, and still -others were crimson. In and out, between these -slow-moving seekers of perfume, darted hummingbirds -like dashes of many-colored lightning, and the -torn air sounded a faint note as they passed. This -sunlight also brought lizards of many hues into its -warmth, and chameleons which when prodded -changed color, from green to red or to purple, -depending upon the stage of anger. Meanwhile -the atmosphere grew heavier with the tropic odors -which the warm rain had coaxed from the vegetation.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“My, but I’m sleepy!” said Hope-Jones.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“So am I,” answered Harvey, who was bending -over his knapsack and placing therein the rubber -coat, of which he stood no longer in need. “Can’t -we camp hereabout?”</p> - -<div id='p61' class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_063.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>“Ran ... to the side of his friend, whom he seized by the collar.”</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_61'>61</span>“Miasma! chills! fever!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What’s that, Mr. Ferguson?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I said miasma, chills, and fever. That’s what -would befall us should we remain here for a night. -Beyond,” and he pointed to the hill that rose on the -other side of the valley, “we shall doubtless find a -place for the tent. However, we may as well rest -here a bit, and I spy a seat over there which I propose -to occupy.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Saying this he cast aside his knapsack and rifle, -then walked ahead a few yards and to one side, where -he dropped upon what appeared to be a mass of -twisted vine, as large as the limbs of the average -tree.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The instant that Ferguson sank into the seat, -Hope-Jones, who had been looking ahead curiously, -let fall everything that he had in hand or on his back, -and springing from Harvey’s side with a bound, ran -as if on a race-course to the side of his friend, whom -he seized by the collar and not only lifted to an -upright position, but threw with all the strength he -possessed to the ground, by the path side, and ended -by catching him by the legs and dragging him some -distance.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Ferguson was very quick-tempered, and the moment -he jumped to his feet he darted at his companion -<span class='pageno' id='Page_62'>62</span>with his fist clenched, roaring out at the top of his -voice:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I’ll fix you! What do you mean? That wasn’t -any joke.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Harvey had run up, and he sprang between the -young men, wondering what had caused this; and a -glance at Hope-Jones’s face surprised him the more, -for it was pale as that of a corpse, whereas Ferguson’s -was red, and he was blowing with indignation.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I’ll teach you!” he repeated. “Get out of the -way, Harvey.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>But Hope-Jones had found his voice by this time, -and instead of resenting his friend’s language he -gasped: “It’s a boa! It’s a boa!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What’s a boa?” and Ferguson glanced around.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You sat down on a boa! It’s coiled up over -there!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Then the young man who had been dragged along -the path so ruthlessly turned as pale as had his companion, -and so did the lad who had endeavored to -act as peacemaker. Meanwhile the three were retreating -rapidly to the point where they had dropped -their knapsacks and rifles.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“A boa!” repeated Ferguson. “I can hardly -believe it!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes. I once saw one coiled up like that in a -menagerie, and the thought that your seat was alive -came to me the instant you sat down. As I drew -<span class='pageno' id='Page_63'>63</span>near I made out the scales, which resemble the bark -on a tree, and I also saw the head. Its eyes are -closed, and it’s evidently in a torpor after gorging. -You sat right down in the coils, and it’s a wonder it -didn’t wake and squeeze the life out of you.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Ferguson shuddered, then throwing an arm around -his chum’s shoulder, he said:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Forgive me, old man.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Why, of course. I don’t blame you in the least. -I wouldn’t have blamed you if you had struck me. -In which case we would have fought and afterward -would have discussed matters. I expected as much -the moment I laid a hand on you, but there wasn’t -time for explanations at that stage of the game.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I should say not.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>They resumed their burdens and walked forward -again along the footpath, but they kept at a respectful -distance from his majesty the snake, which -remained as when first spied by Ferguson, motionless.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I don’t wonder that I was fooled,” said he, halting -for a look at the enormous reptile. “It looks -exactly like branches or a huge vine coiled; now, -doesn’t it?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, it does,” assented Harvey, “but down below -I can see the head. What enormous jaws!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Like a shark’s.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“And they say that the jaws will stretch still -<span class='pageno' id='Page_64'>64</span>wider, for they are fastened together by ligaments -that are as elastic as rubber.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, they will stretch so that it can swallow a -young deer.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Perhaps that’s what it’s gorging on now.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Perhaps. You notice that hump below the neck? -That’s as far as the prey has moved down toward the -creature’s stomach.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Are you going to try a shot?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“No, Harvey. Why should I? The boa hasn’t -harmed us, and should I only wound it, one of us -might suffer, for it’s said they move with wonderful -rapidity for a short distance.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Would it not be a good plan to hasten and climb -the hill yonder?” suggested Hope-Jones. “It -won’t be safe to sleep in this valley to-night, and -goodness only knows what we’ll stumble over -next.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The others evidently thought so also, for they -quickened their pace, and giving the boa a wide -berth they pushed ahead. An hour later they were -threading their way by the side of a little stream up -the hillside. After walking some distance Harvey -said:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Mr. Ferguson?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, my lad.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Are you going to quiz me any more about that -puma cub?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_65'>65</span>“No, Harvey. I’ll call the account square, if you -will.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Hope-Jones laughed. “It looks very much as -though I should have plenty of amusement with -both——”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Ferguson and Harvey stood stock still. Hope-Jones -had vanished from sight.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_66'>66</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER V.<br /> <span class='large'>HUARI, AND THE STORY OF THE BEAUTIFUL COUNTESS.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_4 c006'>“B-r-r-r-r!” came a voice.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What on earth has happened?” asked -Ferguson, in amazement, bending over a large hole -that had suddenly yawned at their feet.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“B-r-r-r! Help me out, fellows! I’m stifling!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>They threw themselves face down at the edge of -the cavity, and reached their hands below, but could -not feel anything.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Quick, Harvey! Give me the pick! Catch -that, old man!” he called, pushing the iron arms -into the opening. A pressure was felt and a hoarse -voice replied:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That’ll help. I can crawl up the side that -slopes.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The next minute Hope-Jones was with them again, -blowing dirt from his mouth and saying unpleasant -things about the animal that had dug the hole at -the path side. His ears were filled with loam, black -<span class='pageno' id='Page_67'>67</span>earth had sifted back of his shirt collar, and such -hair as projected beneath his cap was tangled with -the soil. As for his clothing, it was streaked. Fortunately, -his shot-gun, knapsack, and pick remained -fastened to his back, and although dirty, he was -none the loser because of his drop below the surface. -Ferguson and Harvey brushed him off as best -they could, then the three resumed their way up the -hill.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I didn’t see any hole,” remarked the Englishman, -a few minutes later.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It was at the side of the path; most of it in the -jungle, and leaves had fallen over the edge,” Ferguson -replied.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Mr. Hope-Jones?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, Harvey.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Will you cry quits on the puma cub?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Certainly, my lad.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Hope-Jones!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, Ferguson, I know what you are about to -say. Boa, puma cub, and holes are barred subjects -evermore.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>And they shook hands in a chain.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The path ascended rapidly and the vegetation -became less tangled as the travellers proceeded; so -too the atmosphere grew somewhat more bracing, for -the heavy odor of the valley did not mount to any -height. With the setting of the sun the new moon -<span class='pageno' id='Page_68'>68</span>shone for several hours above the horizon, and the -silvery rays from the crescent, together with the starlight, -illumined their way so they were able to make -rapid progress until about ten o’clock, when the -ground becoming quite dry—for the rain of the valley -had not extended this far—they pitched the -shelter-tent and built a rousing fire, near which they -placed their damp clothing. Toward midnight they -turned in “tired to the bone,” as Harvey expressed -it, and none awakened until the sun was two hours’ -high. Then, looking down into the valley, they -saw a billowy mist, which completely hid even the -tallest trees.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“There’s miasma for you!” exclaimed Ferguson, -pointing to the vapor. “As we passed through it, -perhaps we should take some more quinine.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>They acted on the suggestion, then, after a hurried -breakfast, set off on the road again, for they were -anxious to reach Huari that day, and the morning -start had been late. The road was up grade until -the noon hour, then became level again, and the -vegetation was the same as on the other side of the -valley, before they had plunged into the riot of undergrowth. -Toward three o’clock they saw smoke rising -lazily ahead and concluded they must be nearing -a town. A half hour later they came upon a number -of huts on the outskirts. Fields of maize and cotton -were under cultivation, and brown men, half naked, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_69'>69</span>were at work in them with primitive tools—ploughs -that were but sharpened boughs of the ironwood tree, -trimmed wedge-shaped, and drawn by small oxen; -shovels made from the same wood; and other agricultural -implements with which they were strangers, -fashioned from stones that had been worn to sharp -edges. All the men wore beards, some quite long.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The huts became more numerous, and naked little -children, standing in the doorways or running about -in the narrow streets, stared at the travellers, while -the older boys and girls, who wore loin cloths or -skins of animals fastened as tunics, called in the -Indian tongue to persons who were within the dwellings. -They met few men and fewer women; the -better class of the former wore trousers and a poncho -(a blanket with a hole cut in the middle, through -which the head is thrust, and which falls over the -shoulders); whereas the poorer class were content -with the upper dress that came to the ankles: but -the women wore gowns of gorgeous color, though -they were ill-shapen and no attempt was made to fit -the figure.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The travellers neared the centre of the town -before they met a “white man,” or one who did not -belong to the Indian race. His features were proof -that he or his ancestors had come from a foreign -land, being in marked contrast with the thick, -stubby nose, narrow forehead, and broad lips of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_70'>70</span>Ayulis. Hope-Jones doffed his cap and addressed -him in Spanish.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Peruvian, who had been staring at them since -they had come in sight, at once joined them, and not -only shook hands, but placed his right arm around -the shoulders of each in turn, patting him on the -back, meanwhile speaking rapidly, with much sibilation -of the s’s and rolling of the r’s, conveying in -the most flowery language his delight at their visit.</p> - -<p class='c000'>So they had journeyed all the way from Lima! -How tired they must be! But what matter? He -had comfortable beds at his house and they must rest -for a week, or a month if necessary, and be his guest -the while. What, could only remain one night? -Surely, they would be courting illness by thus hurrying -along. No matter, he would speak of that -later. They must accompany him now.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He placed his hand in Hope-Jones’s arm, and gathering -his poncho, which was quite long, much as a -woman would her skirts, he turned in the direction -from which he had come and led the way, explaining -as they walked that there were few white men in -Huari, “and,” he added, “some of them you would -not wish to meet.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>At the word “bed” Harvey had become very much -interested, so, for that matter, had Ferguson and -Hope-Jones, and they were not at all loath to accept -the invitation which had been so insistently given.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_71'>71</span>After travelling five minutes and entering what -was evidently the better section of the Montaña -town, they stopped before a one-story building, bordered -by verandas, that was spread out over much -ground and was surrounded by fruit trees. It was -the most imposing structure they had yet seen in the -village, though, like others, it was built of adobe, -reënforced with bamboo.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The host and his companions were met by an Indian -woman, who appeared to be of better class than -those the travellers had seen on the streets, and she -was presented to them as Señora Cisneros. Her -greeting was spoken in excellent Spanish, and although -not quite as demonstrative as her husband’s, -it was none the less sincere. The travellers were led -to two connecting rooms, and after discarding their -burdens and returning to the cool veranda, they -were asked if they would not like to drink some -cold coffee.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“We have learned the art of coffee-making from -the Brazilians,” said Señor Cisneros, “and, believe -me, the beverage is better cold than hot. Would -you like to observe our arrangement? But perhaps -you are tired?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Hope-Jones confessed that he was tired, but Ferguson -and Harvey manifested interest in the Brazilians’ -teachings; so while the Englishman remained -on the veranda, chatting with the señora, the two -<span class='pageno' id='Page_72'>72</span>young Americans accompanied the host to the rear -of the house and into an arbor that was covered with -trailing vines. It was a cool spot, far enough from -buildings to be affected by all breezes, and in the -centre stood an immense earthen vessel, the height -of a man and at least four feet in circumference. A -foot and a half from the bottom was a spigot.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“This jar is made of porous clay,” said the señor, -tapping the vessel, “and as a slight amount of the -liquid filters through, evaporation cools its contents. -Once every three months we boil coffee by the barrel. -It is poured in here, permitted to settle for a week, -and all sediment goes to the bottom. You will notice -that I draw the liquid from some distance above,” and -he placed a pitcher beneath the spigot, turning which, -a dark, clear liquid flowed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Taste it?” and he filled a small cup, then another. -“Is it not cold?” he added.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Ferguson and Harvey found the beverage delicious, -and expressed wonder that it could be coffee.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Wait until some sugar is added,” said the Peruvian, -as pitcher in hand he led the way back to the -house.</p> - -<p class='c000'>For a half hour they rested on the veranda, sipping -cold coffee sweetened with brown sugar, and eating -paltas, which Señora Cisneros had placed on a little -table. They related their adventures to host and -hostess, and, without revealing their reason for visiting -<span class='pageno' id='Page_73'>73</span>the interior, told that they were in search of -gold.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Señor Cisneros shook his head. “Perhaps there -is gold,” he said, “but I have found no trace of -any.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Then he told that for years he had been engaged -in silver-mining, and that his llama trains passed over -the road which they had travelled.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“When the railroad pierces the interior,” he continued, -“there will be much profit made by those -who extract metals from the ground, but with the -present method of transportation one does well to -gain a livelihood.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The señora was very anxious to hear about Lima. -She had been there once, but only for a few days, -soon after her marriage.</p> - -<p class='c000'>After a time the host ordered hammocks swung on -the veranda, and in these Hope-Jones, Ferguson, and -Harvey rested until a few minutes before dinner. It -seemed good to sit down in chairs, at a table, and to -taste other food than the game and fruits of the -woods, to say nothing of having crockery dishes to -eat from instead of the tin plates. They were early -in bed, and after a refreshing night’s sleep between -sheets, which, though coarse, were cool and clean, -they awoke with renewed determination to continue -their journey.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But while they were enjoying more of the señor’s -<span class='pageno' id='Page_74'>74</span>delicious coffee—heated this time—rain commenced -to fall; huge drops came in sheets and leaden clouds -hung low; so they were nothing loath to accept an -urgent invitation to remain another day and night. -Señora Cisneros, learning of the scant stock of clothing -they had taken with them, insisted upon overhauling -their knapsacks, and she passed several hours -of the morning with needle and thread, darning and -mending. In the afternoon she packed them some -food from her well-stocked larder, sufficient to last -and add variation to their mountain bill of fare for -several days.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The next morning dawned warm and bright, and -the adventurers started early, after thanking host -and hostess time and again; and they promised -themselves the pleasure of a longer visit on their -return. They were passing from the town and were -waving their caps to Señor Cisneros, who had accompanied -them to the outskirts, when Ferguson said:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“He’s a splendid fellow. I wish he were going -with us.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“So do I,” said Hope-Jones. “He would be a -jolly companion.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Harvey came suddenly to a halt.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What’s the matter,” the young men asked.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I happened to think of something. Cisneros is -a miner.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_75'>75</span>“And he knows this country.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“He’s honest.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“He has every appearance of being so. What are -you driving at?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“And he told us that his silver mines were not -paying very well,” persisted the boy.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“If we find gold we’re going to find a great deal, -are we not?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“So old Huayno said. But why are you wasting -time standing here and asking all these questions?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Because I move we turn back.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Turn back! Why?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“And ask Señor Cisneros to join us.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Tell him the secret?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, and take him in on shares. One quarter -for each.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Ferguson slapped his hand on his thigh. “Bully -for you, Harvey! That’s a splendid idea. I wonder -it never came to me.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It never entered my mind until the last time he -waved his hat,” said the boy, looking pleased at the -approval he had been given, for Hope-Jones had -spoken as warmly in favor of the project as had the -American; and the three at once commenced to retrace -their footsteps. They found their erstwhile -host on the veranda of his home, bidding adieu to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_76'>76</span>his wife, for he had planned a trip to a neighboring -village.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Take him one side and explain, Ferguson,” -whispered Hope-Jones.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I am delighted that you are returning,” he called -out when they appeared. “Thought you would rest -a little longer?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“No, señor; thank you. We wished to consult -with you regarding a certain matter. Will you -go for a short walk with me?” asked the elder -American.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“With pleasure,” and he led the way back of the -house, to the arbor, while Hope-Jones and Harvey -remained on the veranda with the señora, who looked -at them curiously, wondering of course what it meant, -but she politely refrained from asking questions.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The two were absent about a half hour, and when -they came in sight again Ferguson nodded his head, -as if to say, “He will go,” and the señor grasped -each of them by a hand.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Pardon me, but I must immediately tell my wife -of this extraordinary news,” said he. “You need -have no fear. My secrets are safe with her,” and -the two passed into the house.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“So he’ll go?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I should say so. You should have seen his eyes -glisten. He believes that every word old Huayno -uttered is true; says he’s heard legends of this sort, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_77'>77</span>but no one was ever able to locate the mine. All -stories agree, however, that it is beyond the cinchona -trees.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It was a capital thought, that of Harvey’s! I -wonder how long it will be before he can accompany -us?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The señor answered the question in person, reappearing -just then and saying, “I shall be able to -leave in an hour, if you wish to start that soon.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“In an hour?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes,” he replied, smiling. “I am accustomed -to long journeys and am always ready for departure. -The señora is even now placing my things in -order.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>So it happened that at nine o’clock they again departed -from Huari, but this time they were four in -number, instead of three. When beyond the confines -of the village the travellers from the coast were -surprised at being addressed by their new friend in -the English tongue.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I did not know you could speak our language,” -exclaimed Ferguson.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It has been long since I have used it,” was the -reply, “or I should have a better accent and vocabulary. -For ten years, until I was seventeen, I lived -in New York City; but that was thirty-five years -ago, and since then I have only met Englishmen -and Americans occasionally.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_78'>78</span>“Why didn’t you let us know before that you -could speak English?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Because you are excellent Spanish scholars; and -as my wife has not enjoyed the same advantages -that I have, I prefer to converse in the tongue with -which she is familiar. Now that we are away from -Huari, however, and by ourselves, I should be very -glad to use only the English and learn from you -that which I have forgotten.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>They found the señor a most pleasant companion -and also a valuable addition to the party. On the -trip from Chicla to Huari, after the edibles which -were stored in their knapsacks had been exhausted, -they were compelled to live on game, and the diet -became monotonous. But Señor Cisneros added to -the daily bill of fare materially by his knowledge -of the Peruvian vegetable world. He cut tender -shoots from a certain palm tree, which, when boiled, -tasted something like the northern cauliflower; -from a vine that grew in and out the long grass, -he made an excellent substitute for spinach: before -he joined them they had feared to eat berries, not -knowing which were poisonous; now they were -able to enjoy a dessert of fruit after every meal. -Their cooking utensils had also been added to at -Huari, a pot among other articles, and in this the -novel vegetables were cooked.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In lieu of a knapsack the Peruvian was provided -<span class='pageno' id='Page_79'>79</span>with two commodious bags made of llama skins, -which were fastened together by a broad strip of -hide by which they depended from his shoulders. -He carried a rifle of the muzzle-loading description, -an old-time powder horn and bullet-pouch. He -proved himself as good a shot as Ferguson, and a -pleasant rivalry soon sprang up between the two.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Old Huayno had told them to push ahead for -three days from Huari, to the forest of cinchona -trees, and find the head waters of the Marañon, one -of the rivers that are tributary to the Amazon.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At its source this stream is very small, and the -travellers from Callao had wondered how they might -recognize it from others, and had regarded this stage -of the journey with some apprehension, lest they -might fail in reaching the river on which the great -white rock was located. But Señor Cisneros knew -exactly the course to take, and without aid of compass -he directed their steps.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“We shall be longer than three days on this -journey,” he said. “Your Indian friend reckoned -the distance as it was covered by those of his tribe -who were able to move much more swiftly than we -can with our numerous burdens. We shall be five -days, rather than three.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Then from the river’s source to the great white -rock it will perhaps be two weeks’ journey?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes; I should think it probable.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_80'>80</span>He was correct concerning the distance from -Huari; it was evening of the fifth day when they -pitched the shelter-tent on the edge of a dense, dark -forest.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“My, but there’s sufficient quinine in there to cure -a world of giants!” exclaimed Harvey.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Those are not cinchona trees, my son,” said the -Peruvian.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“No? But I thought this was the forest of cinchona -trees.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“So it is; for the reason that the valuable growth -appears frequently in these woods. We will doubtless -see many specimens during our journey, but -none is in sight from here.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What does the tree look like, señor?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It resembles the beech, with the flowing branches -of the lilac, and has smooth wood, susceptible of a -high polish. The leaves resemble those of the -coffee plant.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Are you versed in the method of preparing -quinine from the bark, señor?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It happens that I have made the subject quite a -study,” he replied. “Several years ago a representative -of the British government was my guest -in Huari. He had been sent to Peru for the purpose -of deciding whether it would be possible to -transplant young cinchona trees from these forests -to India and other tropical countries. With him I -made several expeditions.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_81'>81</span>“What was the result, señor?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“He recommended that transplanting be attempted. -It was done, and I understand that cinchona -groves are thriving in many places.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Is that possible!” said Ferguson. “I was of -the opinion that Peruvian bark only grew in Peru. -But as I think of it, I really am very ignorant on -the subject. Perhaps you will tell us more concerning -the enemy of chills and fever.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I will be glad to, but suppose we have supper -first.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>To this all agreed. They had made the tent ready -for the night while thus conversing, and had gathered -fuel for the evening fire, so that soon the pot was -surrounded by a bright blaze.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The water in which our food is cooking should -have a peculiar charm for us all,” said the señor.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Why so?” asked Hope-Jones.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Because it comes from the Marañon, which flows -past the white rock and the gold mine.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Do you mean to say that the little stream from -which I fetched water is the Marañon, señor?” -Harvey asked.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, or one of the small branches that form the -head. A day’s journey from here it broadens considerably. -How it is beyond I do not know, for I -have never gone further.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>After supper, when they had drawn up logs for -<span class='pageno' id='Page_82'>82</span>seats near the fire, because the night was chill and a -damp breeze came from out the forest, Señor Cisneros -commenced his promised narrative of the white -powder that occupies such a prominent place in the -medical world.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Once upon a time, in fact in the year 1638, there -lived in Cuzco a most beautiful woman who was -loved by all who knew her.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Why, you are starting out as if telling a fairy -story!” said Harvey, laughing.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The facts are something like one of those charming -tales,” replied the señor, who resumed:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“This woman, renowned for her beauty and her -grace of manner, was the wife of the ruler of Peru. -One day she became grievously ill, and the doctors -of that time were unable to remedy her condition. -Her flesh burned with great heat, her cheeks were -flushed with red, her eyes were unusually bright, and -the blood pulsed rapidly through her veins. She -soon became delirious, failed to recognize her husband -and children, and all those in the palace were -in despair.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“At that time a most learned man was the <span lang="es" xml:lang="es">corregidor</span>, -or chief magistrate, of Loxa. He was not -only versed in the study of the law, but he had familiarized -himself more than any other man with the -vegetable life of Peru; he was a botanist, self-taught. -This man learned that the countess was at death’s -<span class='pageno' id='Page_83'>83</span>door; and hastening to the palace he asked permission -to see her. It was granted, and after looking -for a few minutes upon the woman, who was tossing -about on the silken couch, he abruptly left the apartment, -saying that he would soon return.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Within the half hour he was back, carrying a -shallow dish, in which were pieces of bark steeped -in water. He gave the countess some of the liquid -to drink and urged that the dose be repeated at -intervals during two days. His instructions were -followed; she became restful, slept sweetly, and the -fever left her body. In a week she was up and -about, and in a fortnight was out in the palace -grounds.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“And that story is true?” asked Harvey.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, true in every detail. It is vouched for in -the public records of Peru.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Of course the drug he gave her was the essence -of Peruvian bark.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, extracted in a primitive form.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What was her name?” asked Hope-Jones.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The Countess of Chinchon.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That is why the tree is called cinchona?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It is, and to be more correct one should spell it -‘chinchona’ instead of ‘cinchona.’”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“How did the term quinine originate?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“From the Indian compound word ‘Quina-Quina,’ -meaning ‘bark of barks.’”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_84'>84</span>“You say the trees are isolated, señor?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes. They seldom grow in clumps, and the -task of finding them is often great; the native -searchers, or cascarilleros, undergo great hardships -in penetrating the jungle-like forests.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“How is the white powder prepared?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“There are several processes, the most popular, I -believe, being that of mixing pulverized bark thoroughly -with milk of lime, then treating the substance -to the action of certain chemicals, and -ultimately the sulphate of quinine is produced. -Different manufacturers have different processes; -many of them are kept a secret. The object is to -extract the maximum amount of quinine from the -bark and leave as little of other ingredients in the -powder as possible.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>From the subject of Peruvian bark they changed -to that of the journey on the morrow, and a half -hour later, with knapsacks and bags as pillows, they -went to sleep in the shelter-tent. Harvey, as he -closed his eyes, thought of the beautiful Countess of -Chinchon, and wondered if she could have been as -pretty as Señorita Bella Caceras, a girl in Callao -whom he had met under most peculiar circumstances -while adrift one night in the bay of that name.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_85'>85</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER VI.<br /> <span class='large'>A DISCOVERY AND AN ALARM.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_4 c006'>They entered the forest the next day, and for -a week were in its confines, threading the -right bank of the Marañon and following its current.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The way along the river was easy to travel, when -compared with the seemingly impassable jungle to -the right and the left of the stream, but it was not -without its difficulties, and many times they were -compelled to stop and cut the heavy growth of vines -with the small axe which Señor Cisneros had added -to the outfit. At night they were bothered by mosquitoes, -and the insect plague became so great one -evening that they kept watch and watch, the one on -duty throwing on the embers of the fire a bark -which emitted a light yellow smoke which drove the -pests away.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Game was plentiful in this forest, and what with -the flesh of four-footed animals and birds, reënforced -at times by fish caught in the stream and the vegetables -harvested by the Peruvian, they managed to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_86'>86</span>fare very well. But in other respects they were not -treated so kindly. Thorns tore their trousers and -their coats, their shoes were wearing out, and faces -and hands became covered with scratches and bruises, -the latter caused by many falls, which it was impossible -to avoid because of the insecure footing.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In spite of this they were in the best of health; -and as for their clothing, they made good use each -night of the needles and thread which they had -brought; and although some of the darns and patches -were curiosities to look upon, they served their purpose. -Hope-Jones and Ferguson had both been -smooth-shaven while in the city, but by the time they -were a week from Huari, mustaches covered their -upper lips and light growths of beard were dependent -from their chins.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Nobody in Callao would know you,” said Harvey, -one morning. “I never saw such a change in persons.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“How about yourself?” retorted Ferguson. “If -you could but glance at your own face in a mirror -you would not say much.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Somewhat later in the day the boy made use of a -deep pool of water for that purpose, and was surprised -to see, peering up at him, features that were copper-colored -from sunburn and exposure to the elements. -The outdoor life at home had tanned him somewhat, -but nothing in comparison with this.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_87'>87</span>The weather, while they were in the forest, was -dry and pleasant, but the very day they emerged -from its confines, a rain poured down that was even -heavier than that which had detained them twenty-four -hours at Huari. It commenced to fall as they -were awakening, and descended in such torrents -that any thought of trying to pursue their way while -it lasted had to be abandoned. Their shelter-tent -was fortunately pitched on a slight elevation, beneath -the branches of a large ironwood tree which -broke the force of the drops, or rather of the rain-sheets.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Señor Cisneros and Hope-Jones put on rubber -coats and dug a shallow trench around the canvas, -making a channel toward the river, and for the remainder -of the day they sat in the little enclosure, -except for a few minutes when one or the other ventured -forth for a “breath of fresh air.” All wood in -the vicinity was too wet for use as fuel; indeed, -there was no spot where they could build a fire, had -they had dry timber; so they were compelled to subsist -upon smoked meat.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“This is Monday, is it not?” Harvey asked.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, and a decidedly blue Monday,” was the -reply.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Toward evening they voted it the most miserable -day of the journey, and their only comfort came -from the Peruvian, who assured them that the heavy -<span class='pageno' id='Page_88'>88</span>rains in that season seldom lasted for more than one -day.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The rule held in this instance, and soon after dark -the clouds were driven away, the moon silvered the -dripping trees and bushes, and the travellers were -able to emerge from under the canvas. By digging -beneath some leaves, they found dried, decayed wood, -that served admirably for fuel, and soon had a roaring -blaze started, over which they cooked some fish -that Harvey had caught during the afternoon.</p> - -<p class='c000'>After leaving the dense forest behind, they followed -the Marañon through a much more open -country. There were many trees, but they were -not so close together, nor were they so tangled -with vines, and the undergrowth also became -thinner. This was due to a change in the soil, -they having passed from the region of black earth -to a land that contained more sand. It became -quite rocky close to the river, and they were compelled -to make frequent detours from the bank -because of the boulders through which the stream -passed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>One morning all became very much interested in -witnessing a body of foraging ants, to which their -attention was called by Señor Cisneros.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“These little creatures can be seen only in South -and Central America,” he said, “and they have the -reputation of being the wisest of all antdom. Look -<span class='pageno' id='Page_89'>89</span>how they are marching in regular phalanxes, with -officers in command!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The diminutive black and gray army covered a -space about three yards square, and was moving -from the river across the path.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I will interrupt their progress,” said the Peruvian, -“and we shall have plenty of opportunity to -observe them. Fetch me that pot full of water, -Harvey.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>While the lad was hastening to the river, he dug -with one of the picks until he had made a narrow -channel about ten feet long, into which he poured -the water as soon as it was brought him, and just -as the vanguard of the ant army approached. The -little soldiers halted on the edge of this ditch, and -from the sides and rear hurried ants that evidently -were officers.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Now I shall give them a small bridge,” the señor -said, “and if they have the intelligence of a body -that I observed about a month ago, they will quickly -make the footway broader and in a novel manner.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Saying which, he cut a rather long twig, one that -was narrow, but would reach across the little trench, -and this he placed in position.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Two of the ants hurried on the little span, then -returned to the army. They evidently gave some -instructions, for two or three score of the main body -left the ranks, and hurrying on to the twig, swung -<span class='pageno' id='Page_90'>90</span>themselves from the sides in perfect line, until the -passageway had been made three times as broad -as before. Then, at an order, the army commenced -moving over.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Isn’t that wonderful!” exclaimed Hope-Jones.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Indeed, yes. Many students of the ant rank -him in intelligence next to man. You will observe -that the little fellows who are offering their bodies -as planks for the bridge are of a different color, -and evidently different species from the marchers, -and that others of both kinds constitute the main -body.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, that is so.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The little fellows are slaves.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Slaves?” echoed all three.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, slaves captured in battle, and made to do -the masters’ bidding.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Do they always obey?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I have watched them many times and have never -seen any sign of rebellion. Frequently the superior -ant, or the one who owns the slaves, will remain -perfectly still and direct the little servants. In that -way I saw a score of the slaves tug away at a dead -bee, one day, and it was perfectly plain that a larger -ant that stood near by was giving orders.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You say they are called foraging ants?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes. They roam about in bands like this in -search of food. They are carnivorous and eat such -<span class='pageno' id='Page_91'>91</span>insects as are unfortunate enough to be in their -path.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The army was fully fifteen minutes crossing the -living bridge, and when the last company had passed, -the slave ants detached themselves and followed. -But two or three, evidently exhausted by the strain, -fell from the twig into the river. No attention was -given them; they were left to drown.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Did you notice that?” said the señor. “Now -watch how differently members of the superior class -of ants are treated when in distress.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>He stepped ahead a few feet and drawing some of -the larger species from the main body with a stick, -he covered them partly with gravel, until only a leg -or two were visible. At once several ants of the -same species stopped their march, and summoning a -small body of slave ants, went to the rescue. By -butting with their heads and tugging away at the -small stones the slaves soon rescued the imprisoned -masters, and all rejoined the army, bringing up the -rear.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Bravo!” shouted Harvey, as if the little fellows -could understand.</p> - -<p class='c000'>That afternoon the travellers fell to conversing of -the old mine which they expected to find. Not that -it was an unusual subject for conversation, for it -was the topic most frequently broached; but the -talk this day was of special interest, because Señor -<span class='pageno' id='Page_92'>92</span>Cisneros told them minutely of the mining laws of -Peru. Hope-Jones had expressed worry lest foreigners -would not be permitted to enjoy the results -of discovery, but his fears were set at rest by the -Peruvian, who said:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Our mining laws have been greatly misunderstood -in other countries, and exaggerated reports -concerning them have been sent broadcast. The -foreigner’s right to own what he finds, providing no -one else has a prior claim, has never been disputed. -Recently it was made the subject of special legislation. -During the last session Congress passed a -law which, among other provisions, states that -‘Strangers can acquire and work mines in all the -territory of the Republic, enjoying all the rights -and remaining subject to all the obligations of the -natives respecting the property and the workings of -the mines; but they cannot exercise judicial functions -in the government of the mines.’”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What does that last clause mean, señor?” asked -Hope-Jones.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It has been interpreted to mean that the foreigner -cannot hold the position of mine superintendent, -the object plainly being to prevent his -having active control of the natives who, of course, -would be called in to do the manual labor.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It is fortunate then that we have taken you with -us,” said Ferguson. “You will be able to act as -<span class='pageno' id='Page_93'>93</span>superintendent, and we shall not have to employ an -outsider.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I should like nothing better; that is, providing -we find the mine. But are we not, as you say in -the States, counting our chickens before they are -born?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Before they are hatched,” corrected Harvey, but -not in a manner which the señor could possibly take -exception to—for that matter, he had asked them -many times to speak of his mistakes during the trip. -“Oh, it’s fun to do that,” continued the lad. “So -I move that we have an election of officers, and I -place Mr. Hope-Jones in nomination for president.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I vote ay,” said Ferguson.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“And I also,” said the Peruvian.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Of course <em>I</em> do,” Harvey said. “And I nominate -Mr. Ferguson for treasurer.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The others agreed as before.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Let me propose Harvey Dartmoor for secretary,” -said the señor, entering into the spirit of the -moment.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The choice was unanimous.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“And now,” Hope-Jones said, “we will name -Señor Anton Cisneros vice-president and general -superintendent of all our properties.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Thank you, gentlemen,” said the Peruvian, doffing -his hat. “I only hope the stockholders of the -corporation will be of your mind.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_94'>94</span>“The stockholders! How can they change our -election?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You will have to sell stock in order to work the -property, and those who buy shares will have a right -to vote.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Certainly. But cannot we hold the majority of -shares?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I am glad to hear you say that. If we find anything -nearly as valuable as the old Indian claimed, -it would be a pity to let the property pass out of -our control.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Tell us something more of the mining laws, -won’t you?” asked Ferguson. “In speaking of the -recent enactment, you stated that ‘strangers should -be subject to all the obligations of natives.’ What -does that mean? Is the taxation heavy?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“On the contrary, it is very light, just sufficient -to meet the expenses of the government mining -bureau. The tax is fifteen dollars a year for every -mine,—gold, silver, nitrate of soda, salt, petroleum,—no -matter what it may be.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“And how would we ‘prove a claim,’ as they -say in the States?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Did you inquire in Lima whether any mines had -been reserved in the locality where we intend -prospecting?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“No, señor, for we did not wish to attract attention -to that section of the state.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_95'>95</span>“You were doubtless right. It was perhaps unnecessary. -In all probability no one has sought -treasure in that region. Still, that point must first -be definitely settled. The government issues a -quarterly statement, called the ‘padron,’ in which -are given the boundaries of all new claims. These -<span lang="es" xml:lang="es">padrons</span> are indexed, and it is possible to learn the -location of all mines in a given region. If we discover -valuable properties where old Huayno said -they were located, or anywhere else, we will at once -stake off the land, just as is done in the United -States, then return to Lima, examine the padron -index, and if no one else has a claim we will notify -the Deputy Commissioner of Mining that we desire -title.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“He will issue us a document, upon our payment -of the first year’s tax, which will be similar to the -‘patent applied for’ paper given in the United -States. Within ninety days after receiving this, it -will be necessary to return to the mine with one of the -officials of the mining department and an official surveyor, -whose expenses for the trip we shall be compelled -to meet. These will fix the actual boundaries, -and upon their return to Lima a document will be -issued giving us the right to mine the property, and -guaranteeing our sole possession so long as we pay -the annual tax.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That all seems very simple,” said Harvey.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_96'>96</span>They had few adventures during this stage of the -journey. Several times wild animals crossed their -paths, but the young men had learned wisdom on -the trip from Chicla to Huari, and Señor Cisneros -was an old woodsman, so they were always on the -lookout. Game continued plentiful, although the -country grew more open each day.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Marañon changed from a slow-running stream -to a broad, rapid-coursing river; in places were cataracts, -and the shore line became uneven, boulders -being piled so high that the way between them was -difficult to find. In this rough country they were -once all day going three miles and were exhausted -when night came. Harvey and Ferguson had large -blisters on their feet, and the other two proposed -that they rest for the twenty-four hours following; -but the Americans were too anxious to proceed, -being so near the journey’s end, and the next morning, -binding pieces of a handkerchief around the -bruised places, they announced themselves able to -push ahead.</p> - -<p class='c000'>This was the twelfth day from Huari, and all -agreed that at any time they might come upon the -great rock that marked the way to the mine. They -were certain they had not passed it unobserved, for -since the fifth day from the village they had not -moved a step forward after dusk or until morning -was well advanced. When compelled to make detours, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_97'>97</span>one or more of them had ascended every half -hour to some eminence, like a tree or a high mound, -and had carefully surveyed the right bank to the -water’s edge.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Toward four o’clock on this day Hope-Jones and -Harvey were walking somewhat in advance of the -others. The boy was limping slightly and was in -more pain than he would admit to his companion, -who had urged him not to go any further, to which -Harvey had replied, “One more mile and then I’ll -give in.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The lad was singing, to keep up his courage, and -the words were those of the familiar Sunday-school -hymn:—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Onward, Christian soldiers,</div> - <div class='line'>Marching as to war.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>Suddenly he stopped, gave a yell, and his face -turned pale.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What is it?” exclaimed Hope-Jones. “Are you -hurt?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Look! Look! Look!” and the boy pointed -straight ahead, between two trees. There, bathed -in sunlight, the Englishman saw that which made -his heart beat like a trip-hammer—a high boulder -that shone as purest marble.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Hurrah!” he shouted, throwing his cap in the -air. “Come on, everybody! There’s the rock! -There’s the great white rock!”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_98'>98</span>Ferguson and Señor Cisneros came up at a run.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What? The rock?” they called.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes. Look!” and the man pointed in the -direction they had gazed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>That instant the Peruvian exclaimed excitedly: -“Down with you! Drop down, everybody! Down, -flat on your stomachs!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Startled by his commanding tones they obeyed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What is it?” asked Hope-Jones.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Sh! In a whisper! Indians! A score of them! -And they look like the Majeronas!”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_99'>99</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER VII.<br /> <span class='large'>THE CANNIBALS OF PERU.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_4 c006'>“The Majeronas!” echoed Ferguson, but in the -whisper which he had been cautioned to use. -“Are they not a savage tribe?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“They are.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I didn’t know they came this far, not within -three or four hundred miles of here. So I was told -in Lima.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It is only recently that they have visited this -region. Within the last year several reports have -come to Huari of their depredations.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“They are said to be cannibals, are they not?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Harvey shivered and drew his gun closer.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What are we going to do?” Hope-Jones asked. -He was thinking, and so were the others, how lucky -it was that they had induced the experienced miner -and woodsman to accompany them.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“For a time we will wait here,” was the reply. -“They may go away. Again, I am not certain they -<span class='pageno' id='Page_100'>100</span>are the Majeronas. I didn’t spend any great amount -of time examining them, I can assure you. They -may be friendly Ayulis, but just at present we do -not care to meet even friendly Ayulis.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What is the difference between the tribes, señor?” -Harvey asked, gaining control of himself and preventing -his teeth chattering.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The Majeronas are much lighter and their beards -are thinner. The Indians yonder certainly answer -the description, but the light may have deceived -me.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I think the light of a setting sun would darken -a face, don’t you?” suggested Ferguson. “It -certainly gave a red tinge to that white rock.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Perhaps you are right.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>They were lying very close together, and words -spoken in a whisper were heard by all. Each had -drawn his weapon to his side, and those with modern -guns threw open the breech-locks and made certain -that loaded shells were in the chambers, while the -Peruvian examined the cap on his rifle and swung -loose his powder-horn and shot pouch. They remained -in this position for nearly an hour, and not -hearing a sound from the direction where the Indians -had been seen, hope came that the redmen had -gone.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But this was dispelled toward five o’clock by -Señor Cisneros, who pointed to above the rock behind -<span class='pageno' id='Page_101'>101</span>which they were hiding, and called attention -to a thin line of blue smoke in the distance.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“They are making a fire,” he said, “and have -undoubtedly chosen that place for a camp.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Neither Hope-Jones, Ferguson, nor Harvey said -a word. The Peruvian waited a minute, then -whispered:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Do you want to retreat? We can crawl for a -short distance and then take to our feet.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“And the white rock in view! No, I don’t want -to retreat,” said the Englishman.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Nor I,” said Ferguson.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What do you say, Harvey?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I’d rather die first,” and he clenched his fists -in a manner that showed he meant all that he -said.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That’s right,” whispered the señor. “You have -courage; that’s the main thing. It would indeed -be a pity to leave the spot now, for I am convinced -that old Huayno told the truth in everything. If -they are Majeronas, it is only a wandering band. -The main tribe is far away, and we shall have only -these to settle with, should the worst come to pass. -But the probabilities are that they will go away in -the morning. Should they stay in this neighborhood -for a time, we might be able to remain in hiding. -I think we have three or four days’ supply of dried -meat, and it will be easy to crawl down to the river -<span class='pageno' id='Page_102'>102</span>for water. If it comes to a fight, we have these,” -and he tapped his rifle.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What are they armed with?” asked Ferguson.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Arrows and bludgeons, I have been told.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>They remained in the prostrate position for -some time, in fact until night fell, then following -the direction of Señor Cisneros they moved nearer -the river, arriving at last at a shallow basin, surrounded -on three sides by boulders, between each -of which was a space of about a half foot, giving a -view of the surrounding country, and which would -make excellent openings for their guns, should it -prove necessary to use them.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“How’s this for a natural fort?” said the Peruvian. -“We’re near the water supply, and I think -we can hold the position for a time.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What about supper?” asked Harvey, who, after -the first minute’s fright, had shown as much unconcern -as any of them and was now feeling quite -hungry.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Dried meat and water,” promptly said the señor. -“No fire must be lighted to-night. I will get the -water.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>He took a skin bag, which he had brought from -Huari, and slowly crawled in the direction of the -river. He moved so cautiously that they did not -hear a sound, and when he returned to the camp, in -a quarter of an hour, his appearance was so sudden -<span class='pageno' id='Page_103'>103</span>and without warning that all three were -startled.</p> - -<p class='c000'>They ate sparingly of the dried meat, for Señor -Cisneros, who had taken command at the urgent -solicitation of the others, had divided the food -supply into rations sufficient to last three days.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“We must call you captain now,” said Harvey, -as he munched his share, “for these are war -times.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>After supper they made preparation for the night, -moving cautiously, so that metal might not ring out, -nor anything fall. They had no poles for the shelter-tent; -it was deemed unwise to try to secure -any, so they disposed the canvas as a bed and -spread a blanket. This done, the señor said he -would go out and reconnoitre.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I must ascertain whether they are Majeronas or -Ayulis,” he explained, “and I must also learn their -number.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>He took everything out of his pockets and divested -himself of such clothing as would impede -his progress—removed his poncho, his shoes and -stockings, and soon was ready, barefooted and clad -only in a woollen shirt and trousers. Sounds now -came distinctly from down the river. These noises, -first heard faintly while they were eating their -frugal supper, grew in volume and became long -wails, rising and falling.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_104'>104</span>“They are singing,” whispered the señor. “That -is a chant.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>He placed a hunting-knife in his belt, laying -aside his rifle, and announced himself ready to leave.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What if they should see you and should attack? -How are we to know it?” asked Ferguson.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The captain shrugged his shoulders. “I think -you would not know until I failed to return.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That will never do, sir,” protested the American. -“Take your revolver,” and he picked up the -small weapon, which had been discarded with the -rifle. “If you are attacked, fire a shot, and we will -hurry to the rescue. We all stand together in this. -Don’t we, fellows?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Of course we do,” said Hope-Jones and Harvey.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He looked at them gratefully and started to -leave, but stopped a minute to say: “While I am -gone keep a close watch. Don’t worry, even should -I be absent two hours, for it will be slow work. I -will fire the pistol should anything happen. Good-by.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Good-by,” they said, and each grasped him by -the hand.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was quite lonely when he had gone, and they -then appreciated how much they depended upon him. -From down the river the sound of the chant came -louder, evidence that more voices were joining in the -evening song. It was a night with no clouds in the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_105'>105</span>sky, and the full moon shone direct upon their camp -and the surrounding country, silvering the broad -leaves of trees, throwing the trunks into blackness -more deep by the contrast, and causing strange -shadows to appear on all sides. As a gentle wind -stirred the branches, the shadows moved from side to -side. Once or twice Harvey, who was stationed at -the opening near the wooded country, was certain -that he saw the figure of an Indian, and whispered -a warning, but each time it proved to be only the -obscuration of the moonlight by a branch or a rock.</p> - -<p class='c000'>From the river bank came the croaking of frogs, -tree-toads sounded among the growth of vegetation; in -the blackness where stood the trees, flitted fireflies, and -occasionally a glow-worm crawled along the ground. -They were startled now and then by a faint splash in -the river and made ready for an attack, but as nothing -followed, they concluded that a fish had risen -and in diving again had flipped the water with its -tail—a sound they would not have ordinarily noticed, -but which seemed loud to their sense of hearing, more -acute than usual because of the nerve strain under -which they rested.</p> - -<p class='c000'>After a time that seemed to him interminable Harvey -whispered to Hope-Jones, “I wonder if anything -has happened to the captain. Has he not been gone -longer than he expected?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Englishman looked at his watch. The moonlight -<span class='pageno' id='Page_106'>106</span>was so bright that he could distinctly see the -dial and the hands.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“No, he has been absent only an hour,” was the -reply.</p> - -<p class='c000'>From the woods came the hoot of an owl. A few -minutes later a low growl was heard in the distance.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That’s a puma,” said Ferguson. “If it should -come this way we would have to fire, and then those -redskins would be attracted.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>But it did not come near them, nor did the growl -sound again. The owl continued to hoot dismally, -and the call of a night bird was also heard. Of a -sudden Hope-Jones exclaimed “Sh!” and pushed -his rifle through the opening at the side of the river.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A dry branch had crackled. His warning was followed -by a voice outside the camp, saying in low -tones, “It’s I, boys,” and the next second the captain -had rejoined them. He was considerably out of -breath, and they noticed that his clothing was more -torn than when he had left the camp.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It’s pretty tough work crawling nearly a mile on -the hands and knees,” he finally found voice to say. -“But I saw them and had a good view, lying on a -rock that overlooked their camp. I was so close that -I could have picked off a half dozen with my revolver.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Are they Ayulis?” asked Ferguson.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“No, Majeronas.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_107'>107</span>“The savages?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>He nodded his head.</p> - -<p class='c000'>None of them asked any more questions for a full -minute, then Harvey said rather hoarsely, “How -many of them are there?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It’s a large band, my boy. More by far than I -would wish for. I counted forty.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Forty—and they were four! No wonder their -cheeks blanched.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“They have eaten a deer and other animals that -I could make out,” the captain continued, “and are -lying around on the ground, resting after their -feast. It would be an easy matter for us to creep -up to them and pick off a score and probably put -to flight the remainder, but I don’t like to have -the blood of even a Majerona on my hands, unless -to save our lives. What do you say?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>They agreed with him, then inquired what would -be best to do.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“There’s nothing to do, but to wait developments. -We are in no danger to-night, so long as we keep -still. The probabilities are that they will move in -the morning, and I think they are going down -stream. However, should they come this way, we -shall have to face the music.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Could we not confer with the chief and promise -him presents if they will let us alone?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Confer with a Majerona! Never, my boy. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_108'>108</span>They are the Philistines of Peru and are cannibals. -Why, that fire over there was not to cook their -food. They pulled the deer apart and ate strips of -meat raw. I don’t wish to frighten you, only to -make it plain that we are near an enemy that -doesn’t even know what it is to spare a man of a -different tribe or race. To change the subject, I -will suggest that as we have to prepare for a siege, -our best plan is to get some sleep. It will be -necessary to keep a close watch all night. I am -very tired and I will ask Mr. Hope-Jones to stand -the first, Mr. Ferguson the second, and I will take -the third.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What about me?” asked Harvey. “I should -do my share.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Very well. I thought you might be lonely on -guard. You may take that last watch, the one near -daybreak. That will make four watches of two -hours each. Come, those who can get rest had -better improve the opportunity.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Saying which the Peruvian rolled himself under a -blanket and lay down in the shadow of one of the -boulders. Ferguson followed his example, and Harvey, -drawing his cover close, took a position in the -centre of the camp.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Tell the lad to come out of the moonlight,” -said the captain to Ferguson, who was between -them. The American did so, and Harvey crept -<span class='pageno' id='Page_109'>109</span>closer to Señor Cisneros. “Why was that?” he -asked.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Because moonlight falling on one’s face in this -latitude sometimes causes insanity.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I have heard that,” the boy said, “but I thought -science had exploded the theory.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Science or no science, no Indian will ever lie -down in the open without covering his head. And -now good night. Try to sleep.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>But as for sleep, nothing was farther from Harvey’s -mind. He lay quite still, however, so as not -to disturb the others, and watched Hope-Jones, who -stood at the opening near the river, his rifle resting -on the little ledge of rock, gazing steadily in the -direction of the Indian camp. The owl continued -to hoot, the night bird to call, the tree-toads chirped -merrily, and the frogs kept up their doleful croaking. -But the mournful chant had ceased, and it -was evident that slumber had stolen over the camp -of the Indians. The boy, in earnest endeavor to -sleep, resorted to all those expedients which are -recommended, and finally counted up to one thousand. -After that he yawned and wondered if it was -possible, if he was really losing consciousness under -such circumstances; if——Some one tapped him -on the shoulder, and he sprang to an upright position.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It’s your watch, Harvey,” the captain said. “But -never mind, I will stand it for you.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_110'>110</span>“No, sir,” said the boy, stoutly, as he rubbed his -eyes and picked up Ferguson’s rifle. The captain -rolled himself in his blanket without further words -and was soon breathing heavily.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Could it be possible, thought the lad, that it was -really his turn? Why, it seemed that only the -minute before he had watched Hope-Jones standing -at the opening, and now the Englishman was lying -down. Why, not only the captain but Ferguson had -stood watch in the meanwhile! And there was no -moonlight! Of course not; it was four o’clock in -the morning. He yawned; then shook himself and -muttered, “This will never do!” and, all at once, -he was wide awake and fit for his duty as sentry.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was chill and damp. From the river a light -mist was creeping. He could not see it, but he felt -the wet on his cheeks. The bird had ceased crying, -and so had the tree-toads and the frogs. It was indescribably -lonely; but his great comfort came from -the fact that three trusted companions were so near -that he could almost touch them with his foot, and -he knew they would awaken at his slightest call.</p> - -<p class='c000'>While standing there, his rifle resting on the ledge, -he thought of the dear ones at home and wondered -what they would say, could they know the plight he -was in. “My, but Louis and Carl would give their -boots to be here, I know!” was a sentence that -passed through his mind. And the other members -<span class='pageno' id='Page_111'>111</span>of the Callao Rowing Club—what adventures he -could relate to them upon his return! He thought -of the regattas, when as coxswain he had steered to -victory the eight-oared shells in which Hope-Jones -had pulled stroke and Ferguson bow; and now here -they were, far in the interior of Peru, near a camp -of cannibals.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At the thought of cannibals, Harvey’s heart gave -a quick jump. But it was soon steady again, and -he commenced thinking of the dreary night he had -passed in Callao Bay, while afloat on a torpedo, which -strange adventure of the younger Dartmoor brother -is related in detail in “Fighting Under the Southern -Cross.” He had come out of that safely, and why -not out of this? Then the lad remembered that for -several nights he had neglected to say those words -which he had learned when a little child at his -mother’s knee, so he fervently repeated the prayers -she had taught him. After this he felt more courage -than ever, and when a fish rose in the river, it did not -cause him to start as had the sounds earlier in the -night. Thus communing with himself and with his -God, time passed quickly for the boy, and soon he -began to make out the shadowy forms of the mist -that rose from the water.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In this latitude, near the equator, there are only a -few minutes of twilight, so it was soon bright enough -for him to look at the watch that had been left on -<span class='pageno' id='Page_112'>112</span>the stone ledge. Ten minutes to six! He could -soon call the others. The generous impulse came -to let them sleep for another hour, but it was followed -by the thought that the Indians were undoubtedly -awakening, and as they might at once march up -the river, it would be well for all to be on the alert. -So when the long hand pointed at twelve and the -short hand at the dot which on clocks and watches -is the sign for six, he touched the captain lightly on -the arm. Señor Cisneros sprang up. It was broad -day. He awakened Hope-Jones and Ferguson.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_113'>113</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER VIII.<br /> <span class='large'>THE FORT ON THE MARAÑON.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_4 c006'>For several minutes after the camp was astir the -Peruvian stood near one of the openings, and -placing a hand partly back of an ear, so that more -sound waves might reach that organ, he listened -intently, in hopes that he might determine whether -the Majeronas were on the move or still in camp. -But in early day they are not given to making as -much noise as at night, when that wild chant, considered -part of a religious ceremony, rolls out, and -the captain turned to his companions, disappointed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Then, as all were hungry, another ration was consumed -by each, and as there was plenty of cool water -in the skin no one was called upon to risk a trip to -the river. They continued conversing in whispers -and observed the same caution as on the evening -before. Unless they gave thought to the cause, their -low tones seemed very strange and unnecessary, for -nothing was in evidence to remind them of the presence -in the vicinity of savages; not even did smoke -<span class='pageno' id='Page_114'>114</span>rise from the place where they were encamped. Soon -after breakfast Harvey said to Señor Cisneros:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“If you will permit me, captain, I will crawl over -to that tree,” and he pointed to one whose lower -branches were near the ground, yet whose trunk rose -to quite a height, “and by climbing I can see what -the Indians are doing. The leaves are thick so that -I shall be well hidden, and my suit is about the color -of the bark.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The plan was approved and the boy left the camp, -imitating the manner in which Señor Cisneros had -made his journeys of the evening before. The three -within the enclosure looked at him approvingly, and -the Peruvian said: “He worms his way along as -well as an experienced woodsman. That’s a very -clever lad.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Indeed, he is,” said Hope-Jones, “and a more -truthful, honest youngster I never met.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>They watched the tree which Harvey had spoken -of as his goal, and before long they saw something -moving in the branches, but very slowly, for the boy -was observing even more caution than when on the -ground. After ten minutes’ careful climbing he -reached a spot halfway to the top, where the branches -were fewer, and there he stopped, evidently at a sufficient -altitude to look over the intervening boulders -and see the camp of the Majeronas. He was stationary -for a few seconds, then they saw him commence -<span class='pageno' id='Page_115'>115</span>to descend, but no longer slowly and with -caution; he came down hand below hand, and when -he reached the ground he ran to the camp, not attempting -to observe the quiet which had marked his -departure.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Knowing that he must have good cause for alarm -and feeling that an attack was possibly imminent, -the three men stood at a “ready” in the openings, -their weapons poised. When Harvey joined them -he said quickly, but in low tones:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“A half dozen of the savages are coming this way. -They were not far off when I left the tree and were -moving slowly, looking closely at the ground, as if -in search of something. The others are still in -camp.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Saying this, Harvey picked up his shot-gun.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You say they are walking slowly and looking -down, as if in search of something?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, captain. They were bent low, and at first I -thought they were crawling; then I saw that they -appeared to be examining the ground as they -passed.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Hum! I suppose they found my trail. The -copper-colored rascals have a scent as keen as a dog. -But I think that I fooled them.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“How so?” asked Ferguson.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I took to the water when halfway between the -camps and waded for a couple of hundred yards.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_116'>116</span>“Then you don’t think that they will be able to -track you?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“No. But they may search the neighborhood -before they leave.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Harvey reports the main body still at the white -rock. How do you account for that?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The band is undoubtedly resting for the day. -It is probable that the savages have travelled some -distance and have called a forty-eight hours’ halt. -I can think of no other reason, for surely there could -be no game to attract them in this vicinity, and there -is no hostile tribe near for them to attack.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You don’t suppose they are in search of the gold, -do you?” asked Harvey.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Gold! They don’t know what gold is. They -are the most ignorant Indians in all Peru.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>This whispered conversation was suddenly brought -to an end by Ferguson, who placed his fingers on his -lips, to enjoin silence, and pointed through the opening -nearest the river. They looked in the direction, -and saw a head projecting beyond a rock. It was -the head of a Majerona, long black hair, and skin a -light copper color. The savage looked up and down -stream, then was lost to sight for a moment, and -soon stood out in the open, where he was joined by -several others.</p> - -<p class='c000'>They were naked, save for strips of hide that -served as loin cloths. They were tall, well-formed -<span class='pageno' id='Page_117'>117</span>men, straight and muscular: each held a long bow, -and dependent from the belt of hide, instead of -swung over the shoulder, was a quiver filled with -arrows. The cannibal who had first thrust out his -head had done so cautiously, as if to survey the -country, but they soon became bold, evidently convinced -that they were alone. First, they took a -few steps up stream, at which the white men tightened -their grips on the weapons, and then, for some -reason, they turned about and hurried away.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Whew! that was a narrow escape!” muttered -Ferguson.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes; and I fear it will prove no escape after all. -They were sent out to scout, and another band undoubtedly -will be despatched in a little while. The -chances are against our not being seen, and as the -probability is that we will have to fight, I propose -that we make our fort better suited for defence. -Harvey, fill every pot, pan, and cup we have with -water. Don’t try to crawl; only step as softly as -possible so as not to cause stones to roll and dry -branches to break. Hope-Jones and Ferguson, I -wish you would go to that drift pile over there, and -bring me all the branches and wood possible. You -cannot bring too much.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>They at once commenced their allotted tasks, and -the señor remained behind the boulders, keeping an -eye down stream, and at the same time directing -<span class='pageno' id='Page_118'>118</span>where the wood should be placed as it was brought -in. First, he had the openings between the rocks -carefully filled, to the height of his shoulders, the -pieces of wood interlaced in the same manner that -log fences are built in the American farming country. -This done, he gave orders for wood to be piled at -the rear of their position. It will be remembered -that the boulders formed a shelter on three sides, -and Ferguson and Hope-Jones, seeing at once that -the Peruvian’s idea was to close the fourth, redoubled -their efforts, and within a half hour they had brought -in what they deemed sufficient material to erect the -barricade.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“More!” the captain said, when they asked him if -that would do. “Bring all of that pile if you can.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Harvey had finished his task by this time, and -placing him on guard, Señor Cisneros turned his -attention to shaping the rear defence. He constructed -the wall V-shaped, the angle outward, explaining -to the boy that in this form it could better -withstand the force of an attack, should the Indians -try to rush the position. But the longest boughs he -placed slanting against the high boulders, so that -they formed a roof over half the space. These he -wove in and out with a tough young vine that he -had directed Ferguson to bring from a tree near by, -and which had fallen in a mass when a slight pull -had been given.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_119'>119</span>An hour after they had commenced their task, the -captain said there was sufficient wood on hand, and -Hope-Jones and Ferguson, tired, red of face, and perspiring -profusely, pushed in through the narrow -opening that had been left for their entrance, which -the Peruvian at once closed with some branches that -he had placed to one side for that purpose.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Ferguson had cut his left hand, and the handkerchief -which he had wound around the injured member -was blood stained. When he was asked if the -cut was a deep one, he replied by saying that it was -lucky it had not happened to the other, or he would -have trouble holding his rifle. Then he questioned -Señor Cisneros why he had formed a roof over part -of the enclosure.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“To be sure it’s nice to have shade,” he said, “but I -should have thought you too tired to attend to that.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“And might have had mercy on you two and not -have asked you to carry in more boughs than absolutely -necessary, eh?” responded the captain, smiling.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I didn’t say that.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“No; but I wouldn’t blame you for thinking it. -However, this little roof will probably prove more -valuable than any defence we have constructed.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“How so?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Did you ever see a Peruvian Indian shoot an -arrow? an Ayuli, or a man of any other tribe?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_120'>120</span>No. They had not.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I have watched them many times; and I have -seen them kill a deer and not aim at it at all; only -shoot up in the air.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“And the arrow would describe a parabola and -fall on the animal?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Its flight would rather be the sides of a triangle, -and it would turn in mid air at the apex, then falling -at the same angle on the other side, would strike the -deer in the back.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Have you seen this done?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes; and not once, but several times.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Then I can understand why you built the covering!” -exclaimed Hope-Jones; and so did the others.</p> - -<p class='c000'>As the three men were quite tired, the captain let -Harvey stand guard, and they lay down in the shade. -Thus another hour passed, and not a sight of an Indian -was had, nor did a sound come from down the -river.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Toward noon the rations of dried meat were passed -around, and so was water, sparingly. After that they -talked and waited, relieving each other at the opening -near the river every half hour, in order that all -might be in good condition should an attack occur.</p> - -<p class='c000'>One o’clock came, two, then three, and the little -garrison commenced to speculate on the probability -of danger having passed. Perhaps the band had -gone away; it might be that the savages they had -<span class='pageno' id='Page_121'>121</span>seen in the morning had been recalled to camp in -order to resume the march; or, perhaps all were -resting, and no further attempt was being made to -reconnoitre the surrounding country. In that event -they would undoubtedly leave early the next morning. -But even after the Majeronas had departed, -how long would they have to remain quiet and on -the defensive before they dared approach the location -of the mine?</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I would almost rather have a fight with them; -that is, if we could give them such a taste of modern -firearms that they would leave the country,” -said Señor Cisneros, rising from the place where he -had been resting in the shade.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He approached the opening that faced the thinly -grown forest, and gazed over the brushwood that -was piled as a protection, in the direction of the -trees. They saw him bend forward, as one is apt to -do when looking intently at something, and then, -turning, he beckoned Ferguson to his side.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Look,” he whispered. “Do you see that long -grass waving over there, under that ironwood -tree?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes. I guess it is wind blown.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“But there isn’t a particle of wind. Wet your -finger and hold your hand up high.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The American did so. “No,” he said. “There’s -no breeze. What makes the grass wave, then?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_122'>122</span>“One of those copper-skinned rascals is crawling -through it,” said the captain.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Shall I pick him off?” and Ferguson reached -for his rifle.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“By no means.” The señor reached out his hand -and caught the barrel. “We are not sure that they -have seen us, although such is probably the case. -Aside from that, I would rather not be the first to -engage. But a better reason than all is that we -should reserve our fire, if firing be necessary, until -we can let go a volley into their midst. It might -stampede them.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Ah! see!” he exclaimed a moment later. “My -first surmise was correct.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Indian had risen suddenly from the grass -and had bent his bow. But the arrow was not -aimed in their direction; it was pointed toward the -woods, away from the river bank, and that moment -Ferguson saw a young deer near a dwarf palm. -Sharp and clear they heard the twang of the hide-string -and the whistle of the dart, so near was the -savage to them; and the animal fell dead in its -tracks. The Majerona walked leisurely over to -where his prey had dropped, and lifting it on his -broad shoulders, he started back to camp.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“He is a hunter for the band,” said the captain. -“There are probably others out. His actions are -proof that they do not even suspect we are in the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_123'>123</span>vicinity. I suppose they think that my trail, which -they followed for a short distance this morning, was -that of a wild animal. Now I believe that we are -going to get out of this without even a brush with -them.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>All breathed easier at these reassuring words; all -except Harvey, who said, “But there is a chance -they may come, is there not?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Why, from your tone, I really believe you wish -they would,” said the señor. “But,” he added, -“that chance and a remark which I made to Mr. -Ferguson have reminded me of something. I believe -I said that a volley might have a demoralizing effect, -did I not?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes; I think you did.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Then I shall endeavor to increase the effect. -Didn’t I see a gourd in camp?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Harvey has one which Señora Cisneros gave him.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Let me have it, Harvey. I can’t promise to -return it, but I may make it of use.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>He emptied some powder into the receptacle, -then asked for a contribution of loaded shells, -which he put with the black grains. With some -shreds of cotton, which he twisted into shape, and -some dampened powder he made a fuse and placed -it in the opening of the gourd, then sealed it with -moist clay made from the soil underfoot, dampened -with water.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_124'>124</span>“There!” he exclaimed, “there’s a bomb! It -may fail to ignite, and it will have to be handled -quickly, but if it ever does go off in the midst of -the copper-skins there will be a foot-race down the -river that will prove interesting.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>He had been an hour making this weapon of -defence. The hands of their watches pointed to -four o’clock, and the shadows to the east of them -commenced to grow long. Ferguson was on watch. -The others were lolling about on the ground, thinking -more of other matters than they had at any time -since the evening before, when they were suddenly -startled by a rifle shot.</p> - -<p class='c000'>An answering scream came from above their heads, -and a wounded Majerona, who had crawled to the top -of the lowest boulder and was peering into the camp, -came rolling down upon them.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_125'>125</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER IX.<br /> <span class='large'>ATTACKED BY CANNIBALS.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_4 c006'>In his descent the savage struck Harvey, who was -crawling from under the shelter, and the lad was -sent sprawling to the other side of the little enclosure.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Hold him! Keep him down!” called the señor -to Hope-Jones, who with great presence of mind had -fallen upon the struggling Majerona. But there was -little use for the Peruvian to urge, or the Englishman -to use his strength, for the Indian was mortally -wounded; his struggles were death throes, not efforts -to give combat, and in a few seconds he rolled over, -dead. The rifle ball had pierced his brain. Two -shots had rung out from the opening while this was -going on, and howls and cries answered them. Ferguson -was busily pumping lead into others of the -cannibals, and when his companions hurried to his -side, they saw one man stretched out not fifty feet -from the enclosure, and another, evidently wounded, -was being assisted away in the direction of the -encampment by a half dozen fellow-tribesmen.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_126'>126</span>“Now we are in for it!” said Señor Cisneros. -“But first, my friend,” he said warmly, offering his -hand to Ferguson, “I want to tell you that you have -saved our lives. Another minute and all those reptiles -would have been in here, and we should have -been massacred. How did you happen to see -him?” pointing to the dead savage, lying against -the brush heap—“and how did you happen to act -so promptly?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Ferguson’s cheeks were red and his eyes were -snapping in a manner they had, when he was -excited. He was also breathing quickly.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It was only good fortune; that’s all,” he replied. -“I grew tired standing stock still while you were -loafing in the shade, and to amuse myself I had -lifted my rifle to my shoulder and was taking aim -around at different objects. I suppose that while -doing this I neglected to watch the opening as -closely as I should, and one of the Indians sneaked -up in the grass, like that fellow did this morning. -But it happened that when he put his head over -the rock, I was aiming at a spot near where his -black hair appeared; so all I had to do was to pull -the trigger.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>They all congratulated him—all, including Harvey, -who had picked himself up and was rubbing his -head where a lump the size of a hickory nut testified -to his having struck against a stone after being -<span class='pageno' id='Page_127'>127</span>given momentum by the wounded savage; then they -hastened to make such preparations as were necessary -before the attack which they now knew must -come.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“First, let’s get rid of this body,” said the captain, -and taking down some of the brush at the rear, -they dragged the corpse out and toward the river. -Returning, they made everything snug again, and -the captain disposed of the forces for the fray.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“My plan of reserving the fire for a volley has -been spoiled,” he said, “so the next best thing will -have to be done. Ferguson, you’re a splendid shot. -Do you think that with a boost you can get up on -the rock, in about the place where your friend, the -Majerona, was lying?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, I guess so,” replied the American, surveying -the steep boulder.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Then it would be well for you to do so and commence -picking them off with your rifle as soon as -they come in sight. We have only two openings -down here that command their approach, and there -won’t be an opportunity for us all. We must kill -and wound as many as possible before they get near. -That’s our only hope.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What am I going to do?” asked Harvey. -“There are only two openings, and I suppose you -and Mr. Hope-Jones will want to cover those.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You can alternate with me, my boy. My rifle, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_128'>128</span>unfortunately, is a muzzle-loader, and while I am -ramming in a charge you can step to the peep-hole -and use your shot-gun. Of course,” he continued, -“the shot-guns will not carry as far as the rifles -and will not be serviceable as soon, but we have -plenty of ammunition, and I think it would be wise -to blaze away with all pieces as often as possible -during the first five minutes and make plenty -of noise.” Then turning to Ferguson again he -said:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Don’t stay up there a second after it seems dangerous. -You can slide down, can you not, without -assistance?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Of course.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“How many cartridges does your rifle carry in -the chamber?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Eight.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Then don’t take any more with you. They will -be sufficient until the arrows commence to fly, and -then I want you with us here. That reminds me, -I told Hope-Jones and Harvey to blaze away, -regardless of aim, with their shot-guns for a time, -but I suppose you understand the same does not -apply to the rifles. We must make every shot -count.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Never fear for that. Will you give me a boost -now, sir? They will be coming any minute.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes. Help me, Hope-Jones. Steady me a bit,” -<span class='pageno' id='Page_129'>129</span>and the Peruvian stood upright against the rock -and told the Englishman to press against his back. -“Leave your rifle, Ferguson, and we will pass it up -to you.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>By stepping on a stone the American obtained a -foothold on the señor’s shoulders, then reaching up, -he caught a ledge of rock and bringing into practice -an exercise he had learned on the horizontal bars, -he drew himself with ease to the ledge, from which -he scrambled to the surface.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Quick!” he exclaimed, the moment he looked -around. “Pass me my rifle. They are coming! -I can see them down the river! Gracious, what a -band of them!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>At the captain’s direction, Harvey jumped on his -shoulders as Ferguson had done and passed the repeating -rifle to his companion, then the Peruvian -and the Englishman took positions at the peep-holes, -while the lad stood back, waiting.</p> - -<p class='c000'>If the truth be told his heart was beating like it -had on days after a boat race, and he felt the blood -surging to his temples. There was an instant after -Ferguson said that the Indians were coming that he -felt dizzy. But it passed almost as soon as it had -come, and he bit his lip until it bled, for he was -angry that any alarm should have seized him. The -moment this feeling of anger came, he was surprised -to note that his heart commenced to beat normally, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_130'>130</span>that the fever left his cheeks, and that he became -self-possessed. And from that moment he became -as cool and collected as any one in the little fort.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“How far are they off?” called out Señor -Cisneros.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“A half mile, sir,” answered the voice from above.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Do you think there are more than forty?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I dare say not; but they seemed to number two -or three hundred when they first came in sight.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I counted forty when I reconnoitred their camp -last night, and they must have all been within the -vicinity of the fire, for there would have been no -object in their scattering at that hour. Therefore, -with two dead and one wounded we have thirty-seven -to fight. How are they coming? In a -body?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes; close together; all in a bunch.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“So much the better.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>This conversation had been carried on in loud -tones, that Ferguson might hear and be heard, for -he was lying on the far side of the boulder. It -seemed strange to speak in this manner after the -enforced whispers that had been the rule for twenty-four -hours.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Now I can see them,” said the captain, and he -rested his rifle on the ledge. A sharp report -sounded above.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Did you bring another down?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_131'>131</span>“No,” called back Ferguson. “I missed.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You’re honest, that’s sure. Most persons would -have said they didn’t know, but thought so. Better -reserve your fire a few minutes.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The American did as he was advised, but before -any of them below had an opportunity to take effective -aim, his rifle spoke again and the captain called: -“How now?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I saw a copper-colored rascal whirl ‘round and -‘round and then drop.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Bravo! That makes thirty-six!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>A minute later the Peruvian’s weapon sounded, -and without waiting to notice the result, he darted -back and commenced to reload, saying:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Now blaze away, my lad!” and Harvey rushed -to the opening. Hope-Jones in the meantime had -discharged one barrel, then another, of his shot-gun -and had thrown back the breech to press in fresh -shells, while the sharp report of Ferguson’s rifle came -from above, once, twice, thrice, and the American -was heard to call above the din:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“They’re getting it! You struck one, Cisneros, -and I have fetched two more.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Thirty-three,” said the Peruvian, and he crowded -Harvey one side as the boy was loading his double-barrelled -gun, and taking aim once more, he sent -another bullet into the dark throng that was rapidly -approaching, for the Indians were running.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_132'>132</span>After that there was no opportunity to keep count. -Ferguson came sliding down from his altitudinous -perch, having exhausted all the cartridges in his -rifle; and ejecting the worthless shells, he loaded -again, then stood behind Hope-Jones, to alternate -with him at the peep-hole, and after the Englishman -had fired both barrels point-blank, the American -jumped to the opening and pumped eight shots in -the direction of the enemy, as fast as the mechanism -of the modern arm would work.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Harvey, the while, had been loading with feverish -haste, running toward his peep-hole the moment it -was left by the Peruvian and discharging his weapon. -He took aim, and after the third discharge, he saw an -Indian fall, evidently from shot he had sent speeding, -for the man was somewhat detached from the -others and the boy had tried to bring him down. -The little enclosure became filled with smoke, and -their faces and arms were streaked with dirt. All -were more or less powder-burned, but of this they -did not know till afterwards.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What now?” suddenly said the captain, for the -Majeronas had halted. “They are bending their -bows! Watch out, all! Down on your faces!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The warning was not a second too soon. Whistling -like a wind that scurries around the gable of -a house in winter, a flight of arrows poured into and -over the little fort, and others could be heard striking -<span class='pageno' id='Page_133'>133</span>against the front boulder. Several of the darts -came through the openings and rattled against the -stones, and one transfixed Ferguson’s knapsack, -which was in a corner.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Now, at them once more!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>And the men and boy jumped to their places as -before.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The target was not nearly so good. The Indians -had separated and were spreading out. They could -be seen running in different directions, evidently -carrying out some command of their chief, and a few -minutes later a dozen commenced climbing trees, -keeping their bodies on the side opposite the fort.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“This is different,” exclaimed the señor. “Pick -off all you can while you have the opportunity, for -we shall soon be compelled to seek shelter.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The guns were kept busy until the barrels were so -hot that they burned the hands, but only one Majerona -fell—a bold fellow who had run forward of -the others, and whom it was Harvey’s lot to make -bite the dust, at which the captain patted the boy on -the shoulder and said:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I wish I had a lad like you. If God spares me, -I am going to make it my business to tell Señor -Dartmoor what a son he has.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>A little later he called, “Under cover, all of you!” -and they darted beneath the thick mass of boughs -that he had placed against the side of the boulder. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_134'>134</span>Then they knew with what wisdom he had constructed -this protection, for arrows commenced to -rain into the enclosure from all sides, some whistling -low over the boulders, others dropping as if from -the skies. They came with such force that those -which fell without stood upright in the ground, and -although others penetrated the protecting branches, -they lost their force and none of the defenders of the -fort was harmed. However, as a further protection, -they lay flat on their faces. This lasted for full five -minutes; then there was a lull, and Señor Cisneros, -creeping to an opening, said:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“They are forming again. No, don’t fire,” and he -restrained Hope-Jones. “I have an idea.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What is it?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“If we withhold our fire, they will think we are -all dead or so grievously wounded as not to be able -to resist. You see, they don’t know anything about -our roof. The fellow who got a view inside was -placed in a position where he could not relate the -result of his observations. Yes, they are forming in -a body for a rush. Now wait, everybody, until I -give the word!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>He darted under the boughs to the furthermost -corner and at once reappeared with the gourd -which, earlier in the afternoon, he had fashioned -into a bomb.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Who has a match?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Harvey gave him some.</p> - -<div id='p135' class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_139.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>“Angry copper-colored faces showed at the opening.”</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_135'>135</span>“Here, Hope-Jones, take my rifle! You can use -it and your shot-gun as well, for I shall be busy -with this thing. Harvey, don’t try to fire, but have -your gun handy. When I give the word, pull away -as fast as you can at the brush in the opening nearest -the Indians, so that I may have room in which to -throw.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>These directions were no sooner given than the -band of Majeronas, yelling, sprang toward the stone -fort. The four defenders bent down low, that they -might not be seen. The Indians ran with great -speed, brandishing bludgeons; they had cast their -bows one side, evidently believing the victory -won. Señor Cisneros let them come to within a -stone’s throw, then he called:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Now let drive!” and Ferguson and Hope-Jones, -jumping to the opening, discharged three shots simultaneously, -and the repeating-rifle of the former -was worked as it never had been worked before.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Pull down the brush! Use both hands! Quick -now!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Harvey sprang to his task and tore away the small -branches. The crackle of a match was heard, and, -just as angry, copper-colored faces showed at the -opening, the captain called out:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Duck down, everybody!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The next instant a report as of a cannon was -heard, followed by screeches and howls; and a -cloud of white smoke drifted away before a light -<span class='pageno' id='Page_136'>136</span>breeze that had sprung up, while a crackle as of -giant fire-crackers told of the exploding cartridges -with which the gourd had been loaded.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Out and after them!” screamed the señor, seizing -his rifle and pushing his way through the opening, -in which act he was followed by the three -companions.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But they met none in combat. The Indians were -fleeing, running in a confused mass along the river -bank, shrieking in their fear. Two or three picked -up their bows as they sped, and turning, let fly each -an arrow, then joined the others; but the majority -never turned. The defenders of the little fort followed -for several hundred yards, firing as they went, -not in endeavor to kill more, for they did not stop -to take aim, but to spread the alarm; until at last -loss of breath caused a halt. But the Majeronas, -greatly reduced in numbers, kept on, their howls -growing fainter and fainter, until they were heard -no more, and the last of the savages disappeared -down the river.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Do you think they will come back?” panted -Hope-Jones.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“No. They believe they attacked a band of -devils. There is no longer danger.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Where’s Harvey?” It was Ferguson who asked.</p> - -<p class='c000'>They looked around, and their cheeks blanched. -The boy was not with them.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_137'>137</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER X.<br /> <span class='large'>NEAR TO DEATH’S DOOR.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_4 c006'>For a minute none of the three said a word, then -Señor Cisneros suggested that perhaps the lad -had remained behind.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“No. That’s not his way. He would be with us -unless hurt, or——”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Hope-Jones could not find the word for the alternative; -his voice choked. “Let’s hurry back,” he -added.</p> - -<p class='c000'>They did so, going as fast as when in pursuit of -the enemy, and not stopping until they had reached -the fort. Outside they saw their boy companion -lying beside a large stone not a hundred yards from -the opening. An arrow was fastened in his breast.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Hope-Jones dropped on his knees. Ferguson -reached over to pull out the arrow, but was restrained -by the captain.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Don’t,” he said. “It might cause a fatal hemorrhage -if there is not one already. Wait until we -see how far it has entered;” and he commenced -<span class='pageno' id='Page_138'>138</span>unfastening Harvey’s coat, which had been buttoned -close, that it might not impede his action.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I fear it has reached his heart,” said the Englishman, -in a whisper. “See, it penetrated the left -side.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“His hands are cold,” Ferguson added. “I cannot -feel the pulse.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>All three were quite pale and were trembling. It -seemed probable that life had left the boy’s body.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Bring some water, quickly,” said the captain. -“I will do the best I can.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Ferguson darted off to the fort and returned at -once with the skin bag filled.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Help me turn him over. There, that’s right; -not too much,” and the captain loosened another -button, then carefully inserted his hand beneath the -coat. He felt in the region where the arrow had -penetrated, and touching the shaft moved his fingers -cautiously downward. Then a puzzled expression -came over his face, and he muttered: “Something -hard. I don’t quite understand. There isn’t any -blood.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>He withdrew his hand, looked at it, then inserted -it again and caught the shaft firmly. The dart -turned to one side, but did not come out. The captain -jumped to his feet.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That arrow isn’t in Harvey’s body!” he exclaimed. -“It’s fast in something that he has in the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_139'>139</span>pocket of his flannel shirt. He’s fainted; got a -knock on his head or something. Throw some -water on his face!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Ferguson did as directed, and Harvey immediately -sat upright, then began pawing the air, as if warding -off a blow, and tried to rise to his feet. Desisting -suddenly from this effort he exclaimed: “What’s all -the rumpus about? And—and—where are the -Majeronas?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Ferguson and Hope-Jones were too overjoyed to -speak. They clapped the boy on the back, rubbed -his arms, and asked him where he was hurt. For -reply he put his hand to his head, and they found -there another lump.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I stumbled, I guess, and struck my head,” he -said. “I can remember falling, and I saw a lot of -stars and—but say, where are the savages?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes; and when you were falling, this was shot -into you.” The captain pointed to the arrow, which -was drooping, but still was held firmly.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Harvey looked at it in surprise, then reached -under his coat. As he touched the shaft his cheeks -turned a fiery red. He endeavored to withdraw the -dart by pulling at it from the outside, but it would -not come, so Ferguson bent down and helped him -unfasten the remaining buttons of his coat and remove -the garment. But even with the weight of -that on the shaft, the arrow held firmly to the something -<span class='pageno' id='Page_140'>140</span>that was in Harvey’s pocket, and he was at -last compelled to cut the flannel. Then all saw that -the point was embedded firmly in a pincushion, no -larger than a plum, a pincushion well stuffed with -cotton and which had barred the way to the boy’s -heart.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“How on earth did you happen to be carrying -such a thing in your pocket?” asked Hope-Jones.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He did not answer. He was looking at the little -article, and his face turned pale as he thought of his -narrow escape from death; and at the same time he -thought of those he had left behind and of the giver -of that which had so strangely saved his life, Señorita -Bella Caceras, niece of the famous Captain Grau, -who, the evening before the departure of the three -from Callao, had made this little present to the lad, -that he might have some token to carry with him -into the wilds of Peru. Thus a girl’s thoughtful -gift and a boy’s romantic manner of carrying the -keepsake had resulted in the arrest of a Majerona -arrow, aimed at the heart.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He did not explain all this to his companions, who -pressed closer, congratulating him and patting him -on the back, for every moment they realized more -and more what a narrow escape he had had; no, he -kept his secret and later he sewed up the pocket, -replaced the little pincushion, and vowed that he -would carry it with him so long as he lived. He -<span class='pageno' id='Page_141'>141</span>also saved the arrow, so that when he returned to -Callao he could present it to the señorita.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The men attempted to assist him into the fort, but -Harvey protested that he was as well and as able to -be about as ever in his life.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Then let’s start for the white rock,” said Ferguson.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“No, indeed,” was Señor Cisneros’s rejoinder. “I -for one favor a good rest.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Perhaps that would be a better plan.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Indeed it would,” assented Hope-Jones. “I -confess that I am played out.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“First, let’s give these bodies some sort of burial,” -said the Peruvian, and he pointed to the corpses -that were strewn over the ground.</p> - -<p class='c000'>They dug a trench with their picks, and gathering -the dead Majeronas from near the fort and from -several hundred yards away, they placed them in -the shallow opening and covered them with earth. -Fourteen were thus interred. How many savages -had been wounded they never knew. A few of -those who had been struck by bullets and not killed -during the battle, had been helped away by their -comrades; others, who were mortally wounded, had -been killed, as was the custom of the tribe.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_142'>142</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XI.<br /> <span class='large'>BEYOND THE WHITE ROCK.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_4 c006'>The grewsome work of burial completed, they -reëntered the little fort and made preparations -for the night. First, they went to the river bank -and enjoyed a bath in the cool, crystal waters; and -there for the first time they discovered many bruises -on their bodies, caused by bumps and knocks received -during the quick action of the afternoon.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Ferguson had scraped one of his shins while sliding -down the rock after emptying his rifle at the -approaching Majeronas, and the cut on his left hand -pained him greatly. Hope-Jones found a black and -blue spot on his right shoulder, which he could not -account for until he remembered that in his excitement -he had several times neglected to press his shot-gun -close when firing; and a little later he discovered -that the lobe of his right ear was torn.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“An arrow struck there,” said the captain, after -examining the wound. “You had as narrow an -escape as had Harvey.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Then the captain looked at his own physical condition -<span class='pageno' id='Page_143'>143</span>and reported that the tendons of his left ankle -had been strained, and that a long powder burn on -his right cheek marked where a flash had sprung -upward from an imperfect cap on his old-fashioned -rifle.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But of them all Harvey showed more marks of -battle. A very painful black and blue spot on his -side told where the foot of the Majerona had struck -him after the drop from the rock, and two bruises on -the back of the head marked his contact with stones -on the occasions of his falling. His hands were -scratched and torn in several places, but he could not -tell how these minor wounds had been received until -the captain remarked that he had never seen a brush-heap -disappear so rapidly as when the boy pulled -away branches from the opening, to make room for -the bomb; and then the lad recalled that at the time -he had felt the sharp prick of thorns.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Although they were refreshed after the bath, they -limped more or less on their return to camp.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Is that due to the fact that we have just seen -where we have been hurt?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Partly that and partly because the excitement is -over,” said the captain.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It will be good to have a hot supper,” the elder -American remarked, changing the subject; “but I’ll -be switched if I feel much like making a fire and -cooking.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_144'>144</span>“What have we to cook, anyway? There’s not a -bit of fresh meat in the camp, and I’d rather go to -bed hungry than hunt for anything,” interposed -Harvey.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Go to bed?” queried Hope-Jones.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Well, turn in, lie down, go to sleep, or whatever -you call it; but it’s going to be ‘go to bed’ for me, -because I shall pile up some of that dried moss over -there and make a couch.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“A good idea,” said the señor. “We will all do -it. As for supper, I for one propose to eat my last -ration of dried meat and not try for any game to-night.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The others did not demur, and although the sun -was not yet set, they proceeded to bring in the moss -and distribute it under the boughs that had sheltered -them from dropping arrows. But as the three adventurers -from Callao were spreading their blankets and -kicking off their shoes, Señor Cisneros interrupted them -with, “Not so fast there! What about a watch?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“A watch to-night? Is one necessary?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Certainly, and every night, so long as we are in -this region. The Majeronas are probably gone for -good, but some of them might return. Yes, sirs, we -will take our turns, above and below, as they say on -shipboard.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Who first?” asked Hope-Jones.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Suppose we draw lots. Better still, let Harvey -<span class='pageno' id='Page_145'>145</span>choose which watch he will stand, as he is the one -most used up, and we men will draw straws!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Harvey decided that he would prefer to be sentinel -from six till eight o’clock, then have a night’s -rest through, so the others lay down under the -shelter, and he stationed himself in the opening, near -the river, with Ferguson’s rifle in hand.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A heavy rain fell on the following day, and they -were only too glad to remain under the shelter of -the boughs which, reënforced with the canvas of the -shelter-tent, made an almost perfect watershed. -Harvey was somewhat feverish in the morning, and -the others felt even more wearied than on the night -before, so all were rather pleased than vexed that -the elements had conspired to delay their journey.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Lest the younger member of the party should fall -ill, Señor Cisneros early set about administering the -remedies which were at hand, the first of which was -quinine, and he gave Harvey ten grains. Then, -believing that a hot foot-bath would prove beneficial, -he cast about for a utensil that could be improvised -as a tub, and finding none, he dug a hole, two feet -deep and about two feet square, into which he -poured water heated by Hope-Jones over a brisk fire -built in a corner of the fort, where a ledge of rock -sheltered the crackling wood from the rain. This -novel bath was at the edge of the lean-to of boughs, -and when Harvey, following the captain’s directions, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_146'>146</span>plunged his lower limbs into it, raindrops fell on -his knees, but these and his body to the waist were -covered with moss, and the lad was compelled to -stay in that posture for ten minutes and “steam,” -while the captain added hot water until the patient -yelled out that he was being scalded.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I dare say you think you are,” said the Peruvian, -as he desisted, “but I can bear my hand in here.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Notwithstanding a demonstration to this effect, -Harvey protested against the temperature being increased, -and at last was permitted again to roll over -on his moss couch, where, covered with blankets, he -soon fell asleep.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was three o’clock in the afternoon when he -awakened. The fever had passed, the aches had -disappeared from the muscles, and he said that he -felt somewhat better, though a trifle weak. To -prove there was at hand a remedy for this condition, -Señor Cisneros pointed to Ferguson, who was busy -in the far corner, turning ‘round and ‘round, over -the glowing heat of embers, the ramrod of the captain’s -rifle, on which were spitted a dozen little -birds; and from the broilers came a savory odor that -caused Harvey to smack his lips in expectation.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“They are plovers,” said the señor. “Hope-Jones -went out about ten o’clock to find you a delicacy, -and he succeeded in bagging enough for us all.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The wild birds, reënforced by one of the captain’s -<span class='pageno' id='Page_147'>147</span>palm-shoot vegetables, furnished a most edible repast, -and it was not long thereafter before Hope-Jones, -Ferguson, and the youngest member of the -party turned in, the captain taking the first watch.</p> - -<p class='c000'>When Harvey awoke in the morning, he reported -himself fit for any task, and the others, having recovered -from strains and bruises, agreed to start as -soon after breakfast as the packing of the camp -equipment would permit. Before the departure, -Señor Cisneros fastened a pole firmly between two -of the rocks and attached thereto a handkerchief.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It’s possible, though not probable, that hostile -Indians may appear again,” he said. “In that event -it would be well for us to retreat to this position, -which is naturally fitted for defence, and which we -have rendered even more impregnable. As the -boulders do not show their peculiar form from down -stream, we might pass the place by in our haste to -seek shelter, but with that flagstaff set I don’t believe -we could miss it.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Hadn’t we better give our little fort a name?” -asked Harvey.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“To be sure we had,” said Ferguson. “Victory -do?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I would suggest Majerona Hill,” said Hope-Jones.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Would not Fort Pincushion be more appropriate?” -asked the captain.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_148'>148</span>“Capital! Capital!” exclaimed the two men, -and the boy blushed as he had done on the occasion -when he felt the object in his pocket which had been -pierced by the arrow.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Although the white rock, which had been their -goal since leaving Callao, had seemed only a short -distance from the fort, yet they were nearly half -an hour reaching a point beneath its strange formation, -and all four expressed astonishment at the -brilliant, pearly white lustre. Ferguson was the -first to touch the stone, and in passing his hand -over the surface, he noticed that his finger nail left -a mark.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“My, how soft it is! Almost as soft as soapstone! -Can you tell us, Mr. Geologist, what manner -of outcropping the Earth has given us here?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Harvey, thus appealed to, took from his knapsack -the little hammer which he had brought for such -purpose, and knocking off a fragment, he examined -it critically, then said:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It looks very much like alabaster.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Alabaster in these regions?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, and it is not unusual. The stone is found -near Cuzco, and it abounds in the Cordilleras of -Chile. To be sure, the best quality comes from Tuscany, -but excellent specimens abound in this interior -region, and we have found an unusually large -deposit.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_149'>149</span>“It seems to me that I perceive a faint odor of -lime,” said Hope-Jones.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Then I am correct in saying that this is alabaster,” -the boy answered; “for alabaster is a -compact variety of sulphate of lime.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Now for the mine!” exclaimed Ferguson, and -they at once turned from the shaft and made ready -to continue the journey.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Old Huayno directed you to proceed farther -north for a half mile, until you should see another -white rock, did he not?” asked the captain.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Then put your compass on something level, -Hope-Jones, and give us the bearings.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Englishman did so, and the needle pointed in a -direction that took them away from the stream, into -the light growth of woods. They tightened their belts -and started, pushing forward rapidly and eagerly. -Months afterward Harvey said that no stage or event -of the journey, not even the encounter with the savages, -was so firmly impressed on his mind as was this -period after they swung to the left from the bank of -the river Marañon.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I had a stuffy feeling,” he explained; “all -choked up, and didn’t know whether I should cry -like a baby when I reached the mine, or shout like a -man. I thought all the time of mother, father, -Rosita, and Louis, of what riches would do for them. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_150'>150</span>Yes, to be sure, I thought of myself as well, but to -tell the honest truth, it was not so much with the -idea of having great riches at hand, as it was to be -able to purchase some books that I wanted, and a -sail-boat.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>These thoughts of the boy were shared in their -intensity by the other members of the party. Hope-Jones -had left an aged mother in England, who, -though not in want, would be none the less a sharer -in any good fortune that might come to her son; -Ferguson built air-castles for his sister, who was -studying music in Boston, and who had written him -only by the last mail that she would be perfectly -happy, could she but go abroad. As for the captain, -he had long wished that six months might be passed -in Lima and the remaining period of the year in their -home in Huari. Thus busied they said little or -nothing during the first ten minutes after leaving -the Marañon, but kept on diligently, making -as much speed as was possible over the rough -country.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Their speculating reveries were interrupted by the -captain, who called a halt for a conference.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Your old Indian friend said something about -trees having been felled across the path from the -river to the mine, did he not?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Then it is about time for us to meet with them -<span class='pageno' id='Page_151'>151</span>in quantity. There are a few here and there, but -not enough as yet to indicate that we have reached -the region where the Ayulis placed obstructions. -Another matter to consider is that a white rock hereabouts, -although the timber is sparse, would not be -so readily seen as the pile of alabaster on the river -bank. And again, it must be remembered that the -Ayulis did not use a compass in determining the -course of their journeys; they judged such a direction -to be north, and another south, by the relative -bearing of the sun. Therefore, although Huayno -said to go north from the river, yet his ‘north’ might -have been northeast or northwest.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What then do you propose to do, sir?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I believe it would be wise to spread out. You, -Hope-Jones and Harvey, walk over to the right -until you are within easy calling distance of one -another, and Ferguson and I will do the same on -the left. We will then move forward in a fan-shape -and cover the country closely, watching out for a -white rock and for fallen trees that seem to have -been felled systematically. Everybody move slowly,” -he added. “About like this,” and he took several -paces, to give them an example.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Fifteen minutes later not one was in sight of the -other, and then they commenced the slow forward -journey, “beating the country,” one might say, not -for animals or birds, but for signs that a century -<span class='pageno' id='Page_152'>152</span>before had marked for the aborigines of Peru the -place where great treasure lay buried.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Harvey, between the captain and Hope-Jones, -could hear the swish of the latter’s walking-stick as -he cut the plants through which he moved, but not -a sound came from his left. Occasionally a little -animal darted from a decayed log; or, with a whir, -a bird, startled from the undergrowth, would fly -ahead, slanting upwards. But he saw nothing else. -The trees were not much nearer together than in an -orchard. Of course they were large of trunk and -branch, and the shade was almost continual. Here -and there one had fallen, but the boy saw no signs -of a number having been felled by man. After -fifteen minutes had passed he heard Hope-Jones -call: “Anything in sight, Harvey?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Nothing.” Then he repeated the question, turning -to the left.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Not a sight that is cheering, my boy,” was the -captain’s answer.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Peruvian’s voice was quite indistinct, and -Harvey, believing he had borne too far to the right, -altered his direction somewhat. Then time commenced -to hang heavy, and the minutes dragged -like hours as he moved on, but ahead he saw an -interminable succession of giant trees, interspersed -here and there with immense heliotrope bushes, but -never a rock of prominence or a number of trees -<span class='pageno' id='Page_153'>153</span>felled as if to offer a bar to progress. Finally there -came a call that set his blood tingling.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Come on, Harvey, and bring Hope-Jones with -you!” shouted the captain.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The lad repeated the cheerful words, and soon the -crackling of underbrush announced the approach of -the Englishman, who, panting from his exertions, -joined the boy, and then the two made equal haste to -the side of the Peruvian, who guided them by frequent -shouts.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What is it?” both asked.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Ferguson has seen something and is waiting,” -he answered, then called out: “Give us a word, -over there!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>A shout came in reply, and going in the direction -of the sound, the three made the most haste possible.</p> - -<p class='c000'>They found the elder American standing near a -mass that resembled a mound, and in every direction -ahead of him were similar curious shapes.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Don’t you think these have been formed by heaps -of fallen trees, covered in time with vegetation?” -he inquired.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You may be right. Here, lend me your pick-axe, -Hope-Jones;” and taking the tool the captain -commenced vigorously to make an opening. The -mound yielded beneath the blows and proved to be -little more than a mass of foliage supported by soil -that had been formed of dead timber. Within were -<span class='pageno' id='Page_154'>154</span>gray, shrivelled pieces of wood, some of which Harvey -drew forth and eagerly examined.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes,” he exclaimed, “these are pieces of trees, -almost fossilized.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Then we are in the right path,” said Hope-Jones. -“But where is the white rock?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That remains to be found. Let’s push onward,” -said the captain.</p> - -<p class='c000'>As all the mounds seemed to be within reach of -the eye on both sides, and to extend in a line straight -ahead, they continued their way together and -travelled through the strange land that spoke of the -Ayulis’ anger and the efforts of the aborigines to -prevent their treasure falling into the intruders’ -hands.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Captain Cisneros remarked that the trees were -not so tall as those they had left behind, which, he -said, was conclusive evidence that the primeval -growth had been cut down, and that this thin forest -had sprung into being since that day. It was -noticed that the ground sloped somewhat from both -right and left; they were, in fact, in a little valley, -through which, as Ferguson remarked, a stream once -flowed and probably still flowed during the rainy -season.</p> - -<p class='c000'>For nearly fifteen minutes they kept on, and then -as suddenly as the mounds had commenced, they -came to an end, and beyond them the trees were of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_155'>155</span>ancient growth once more. They looked at one -another quizzically, as if to say: “We have passed -the obstructions. Where is the white rock that -marks the mine?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“We’ve missed it somehow,” said the captain. -“Perhaps it’s to the right, or the left. Hope-Jones, -you and Harvey go around the mounds on one side, -and Ferguson and I will go on the other.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>They separated, as proposed, and carefully surveyed -the country for the landmark which meant -fortunes to them. The two parties were an hour -making the detour, and when they met again at the -point where Ferguson had first called their attention -to the curious earth formations, neither had any -encouraging report to make. All were puzzled. -What could it mean? Had old Huayno hoaxed -them, and thus vented his wrath against white men? -The captain asked this question and was assured by -both Hope-Jones and Ferguson that they, who had -known the old Indian, could not entertain the -thought for a minute. Could he have been mistaken -concerning the location of the second white -rock? That was possible, but where could they -search for it, if not among these mounds? Huayno’s -estimate of distances had proved different from -theirs; still the general direction had been correct, -and they had found all the landmarks that he had -named—all save the last and the most important.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_156'>156</span>While discussing what had better be done, they -unstrapped their knapsacks and ate the noonday -meal, for the morning had passed. This done, the -captain said that he would keep on some distance in -the general direction they had followed since leaving -the river, and while he was gone the others could -explore the mound region more thoroughly.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was four o’clock when they met again, weary -and discouraged, for not one had seen aught that led -him to believe they had located the mine.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I thought I had the rock in sight once, boys, -but it turned out to be a tree with white blossoms,” -said the captain.</p> - -<p class='c000'>As the shades were lengthening in the woods, the -explorers turned back to the river, and once arrived -at the white rock on the bank, they decided to camp -there for the night and not walk to Fort Pincushion. -So they pitched the shelter-tent, built a fire -and cooked some game which they had killed on the -return trip. Then, after arranging for the watch, -those who could “turn in” went to sleep immediately, -for their brains were fatigued by the disappointment, -even as their bodies were by the physical -exertion.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_157'>157</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XII.<br /> <span class='large'>HARVEY AS A SENTRY.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_4 c006'>Harvey was called at two o’clock in the morning, -and he posted himself as sentinel under a -small tree that grew near the shelter-tent. He had -become somewhat accustomed to being rudely awakened -and to being alone while the others slept, and -now that an attack by Indians was improbable, and -it was no longer necessary to strain his sense of hearing -that he might note the slightest sound, the novelty -of the situation appealed to him.</p> - -<p class='c000'>This night the moon in its third quarter shone -from out a cloudless sky, and at the altitude of the -great intermontane valley in which they rested, the -rays were brighter than at points nearer the sea -level, so the river bank and the open country were -visible with nearly the distinctness of day.</p> - -<p class='c000'>As the boy walked a few times back and forth, a -rifle on his shoulder, then paused for a short rest -under the tree, he puzzled his brain to account for -their not having found the second white rock. He -<span class='pageno' id='Page_158'>158</span>believed implicitly in the truth of all that Huayno -had said, and was confident that not far from where -he stood great riches were stored in the ground.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But could they ever locate the mine? It would -be a task of years to demolish all those mounds and -ascertain which hid the entrance to the old workings; -and should it be attempted, others must learn -what they were doing on the banks of the Marañon, -others would flock to the place with picks and -shovels, and among these others some one or two -might first find the store of yellow metal.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Thus cogitating he walked closer to the river and -stood beneath the great white rock, which shone -resplendent in the moonlight, glistening and seeming -to be translucent. Studying the strange geological -formation attentively, he noticed for the first -time that only the side facing up stream and the side -facing the woods were white; those facing down -stream and the opposite shore were much darker, -almost a slate color. This peculiarity had not been -remarked, because no member of the party had gone -farther down stream. The boy also saw that the -rock was several feet from the river and that its -lower portion, where the water washed, had turned -this same slate color.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He paced slowly back to the tree, meditating on -these observations, and endeavoring to solve the -reason for the varying of the physical features of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_159'>159</span>the unique landmark. In the midst of this his mind -strangely reverted to the time of a dinner party that -had been given at his father’s home in Chucuito -about six months before, and try as he might he -could think of nothing else than this entertainment -and the people who were present; then of the conversation -that had occurred—and the moment the -mind cell that contained the impression left by that -conversation opened, he had the solution of the problem -which confronted them.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At this dinner Don Isaac Lawton, editor of the -<cite>South Pacific Times</cite>, had been asked to explain the -absence of rain on the Peruvian coast-line. He had -done so in these words:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The absence of rain on the coast is caused by the -action of the lofty uplands of the Andes on the trade-wind. -The southeast trade-wind blows obliquely -across the Atlantic Ocean until it reaches Brazil. -By this time it is heavily laden with vapor, which -it continues to bear along across the continent, -depositing it and supplying the sources of the -Amazon and the La Plata. Finally, the trade-wind -arrives at the snow-capped Andes, and here the last -particle of moisture is wrung from it that the very -low temperature can extract. Coming to the summit -of that range, it rushes down as a cool and dry wind -on the Pacific slopes below. Meeting with no evaporating -surface, and with no temperature colder than -<span class='pageno' id='Page_160'>160</span>that to which it is subjected on the mountain tops, -this wind joins the south trades and reaches the ocean -before it becomes charged with fresh moisture.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Harvey, recalling this conversation, for it had been -imprinted upon his mind, because it was the first -explanation he had heard of this Pacific coast -phenomenon, began to reason that if the trade-winds -blew in a certain direction over Brazil and in a -certain direction on the coast, there was undoubtedly -a regularity of the wind currents in this intermontane -valley. He had noticed since leaving -Huari that what breeze stirred, blew in their faces; -therefore the general direction of the wind was up -stream, or toward the southwest.</p> - -<p class='c000'>That being true, the reason why a portion of the -great white rock had turned a slate color was evident—it -was weather-stained, and the remaining -portion, sheltered from the winds, retained its lustre. -At this stage in his reflections he recalled a sentence -from his geology: “Alabaster is soluble to a certain -extent in water.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>This white rock was high above the river and had -not been dissolved by the stream. Its northern portion -had undoubtedly been worn by rains, and it was -probably not so high as when old Huayno was a -young man; still it had been better preserved than -if the full force of the stream had been brought to -bear upon it.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_161'>161</span>“What if conditions had been different and the -rock had been wave-washed all these years?” -Harvey asked, and then answered himself: “It -would have been worn down and all sides would -have been weather-stained, even as the more exposed -portions are.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>In the region of the peculiar mounds they had -noticed a depression, and all had agreed that it probably -formed the course of a stream during the -rainy season. Perhaps the second white rock had -stood in this depression; it was undoubtedly not so -high as that which was nearer the river, even in old -Huayno’s day. What then would have been the -natural result of a low rock of alabaster, washed five -and six months in the year by swiftly running -waters?</p> - -<p class='c000'>Again he answered himself, to the effect that -under such circumstances a rock of this description -would have been worn down in the eighty years, -perhaps almost to a level with the country, and -its entire surface would be slate-colored, like -the weather-beaten sides of the landmark on the -Marañon.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Five minutes later Harvey entered the shelter-tent -and awakened Ferguson.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“My turn to stand guard, eh?” said the elder -American, as he threw off the blankets and commenced -putting on his clothing.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_162'>162</span>The boy made no answer until he was joined on -the outside by the young man; then he said:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“No, it isn’t your turn, and it won’t be for an -hour, but I would like to go into the woods for a -little while and don’t wish to leave the camp unguarded.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Go into the woods! Are you crazy, lad? Has -the moon affected you?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I have an idea that I can find the second rock.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You have, have you?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes.” And then he explained his chain of -reasoning.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Now I call that clever,” said Ferguson, “and I -believe you have hit the nail on the head. Don’t -you want somebody to go with you?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“No. There’s no danger. I shall carry my shot-gun. -Besides, the camp must be guarded, and I -don’t want to awaken the other two.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Why not?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“They’ve had their watch; and besides, if I fail, -there won’t be so many persons disappointed.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Sensible precaution, that.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I wish I had Mr. Hope-Jones’s compass.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Here it is. He gave it to me in the woods because -his pocket is torn.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Let me have it, please. Mr. Ferguson, 5280 -feet make a mile, do they not?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_163'>163</span>“And one-half of 5280 is 2640?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Certainly.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I cover about two feet at every step through -this broken country, do I not?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“About that. But what are you driving at? -You are the greatest boy to fire questions at one that -I ever met.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Why, I want to go in the direction old Huayno -gave for exactly a half mile, or as near that as -possible, and then investigate.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Well, take care of yourself, and if anything -happens fire a shot and I will hurry to your aid.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Good-by.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Good luck.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>And the boy disappeared in the timber. “One, -two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten,” -Harvey counted, and then into the twenties and into -the hundreds, thus numbering the steps as he took -them in a north direction, guided by the compass -needle. He soon lost sight of the camp and of the -white rock and was well in the region of the tall -trees. He had carried only his shot-gun, the little -iron hammer, and the compass. The early morning -was cool, the air bracing, and as the moon’s rays -gave plenty of light, he made quick progress; but -from the start he so regulated his steps that they -would not be much over two feet each in length. -Whatever addition there might be to that measure -<span class='pageno' id='Page_164'>164</span>he thought would in the total correspond with old -Huayno’s idea of a half mile, for the Indian’s estimate -had invariably been less than the actual -distance.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He had counted one thousand before he stopped -to rest; and then the halt was but momentary, -more to tighten his belt and shift his shot-gun from -one shoulder to the other, than because he was -tired. Soon after starting again, he noticed to his -satisfaction that he had entered the slight depression -which they had observed in the afternoon, and -through which it was believed a river ran during -the rainy season. Its course there was north to -south, where it entered the Marañon. Thus the -strength of one link in his theoretical chain had -been proven; if the second white rock was directly -north from the main river, it undoubtedly stood in -the bed of this periodical waterway.</p> - -<p class='c000'>About this time he entered the region of the -curious mounds and was able to remain in the -little valley, for the waters had washed a way -around each, not so deep as the channel, however, -proving that a portion of the flow had soaked -through the strangely formed hillocks.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At his two-thousandth step the boy noticed that -the mounds had increased in size and were closer -together. A hundred yards farther they appeared -to be merged into one, which was several hundred -<span class='pageno' id='Page_165'>165</span>feet in circumference, and which appeared to be a -little table-land, indented by the depression across -its surface. At the opposite end from where he -had entered the table-land, or rather on the opposite -side of the circle, the river-bed swept in an angle to -the east.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Perspiration stood in beads on his forehead; his -heart beat wildly. Was he right? Was this little -table-land, this mound larger than all the others, an -elevation at the mouth of the mine? Was the decomposed -wood under his feet the remains of trees -which had been felled in the greatest number by the -Ayulis, because of proximity to the treasure? If -these facts were true, then where had the white rock -stood? Why, at the point where the river of winter -changed its course to the east; that was the most -probable point, if the pillar that marked the mine -opening bore north from the Marañon, as old Huayno -had said.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It took him but a minute to reach this point, and -once there he put down his rifle, then commenced -to crawl on all fours over the little hillocks with -which the big mound was dotted, striking the -ground hard blows with his hammer. After having -done this for a quarter of an hour or so he stopped, -for he was almost out of breath, then when rested -he moved to the other side of the depression, at a -point a few yards beyond, where it turned east at -<span class='pageno' id='Page_166'>166</span>right angles. There his foot encountered something -hard, and throwing himself down, he commenced -feverishly to tear aside the vines and -creepers that formed a covering. When they were -removed he saw a dark brown rock that was covered -over with decayed vegetable matter. Scraping this -off, the lad made use of his little hammer, and after -three or four blows a wonderful thing happened.</p> - -<p class='c000'>As the dirty brown shells of an oyster open and -reveal an interior of pearly white, so the breaking of -the rock showed a seam that was the color of milk.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Ferguson, standing guard near the Marañon, was -wondering what kept Harvey so long and was blaming -himself for permitting the lad to enter the -woods unaccompanied at such an hour, when his -attention was attracted by the crackling of underbrush -some distance away, and then the sound of -footfalls nearing him rapidly.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Harvey’s on the run!” he ejaculated. “Wonder -if it’s a puma this time, or what?” and swinging his -rifle on his shoulder, he started at a double quick to -the forest, where he met the boy, hatless and minus -his shot-gun, just beyond the first line of trees.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He had no opportunity to make inquiries, for the -lad waved a piece of rock the instant he caught sight -of him and screamed:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I’ve found it! I’ve found it! Look at this! -will you?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_167'>167</span>It happened that the shelter-tent had not been -erected in a very secure manner the evening before, -for all hands had been too tired and discouraged; -they had used a very thin piece of wood for a centre-pole. -Therefore the result of a wild rush under the -canvas by Ferguson and Harvey, both anxious to -tell the cheering news, was the collapse of the cloth -structure, and in the entangling folds three men and -a boy were soon struggling. To add to the confusion, -Hope-Jones, who had been dreaming of the -Majeronas, imagined an attack was on, and reaching -out for the fancied opponent nearest him, he commenced -pommelling Ferguson lustily. The elder -American, who was so imprisoned by the canvas that -he could not defend himself, might have been seriously -injured had not Señor Cisneros rolled himself -free, and dragged the bellicose Englishman away. -He then freed the others, and as Harvey was still -breathing heavily, after the wild dash through the -woods, he drew the boy to him, believing he had -been injured.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“No, I’m not hurt,” exclaimed the lad, panting. -“Look, I have found the white rock over there in -the woods! Here’s a piece that I chipped off,” -and he exhibited the specimen of alabaster, to which -he had held firmly.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Hope-Jones, who by this time had come to his -senses, gave a yell of joy, and the captain, jumping -<span class='pageno' id='Page_168'>168</span>to his feet, caught Harvey by the shoulders in an -embrace, then urged him to relate the details of his -exploration.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Of course there was no thought of attempting to -sleep again that night; they did not even straighten -up the shelter-tent. Hope-Jones and Ferguson -favored starting at once in search of the treasure, -but the captain said it would be wiser first to eat -breakfast. “Besides,” he added, “Harvey needs -some rest.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>So they built a fire and soon were enjoying tin cups -of hot coffee and some broiled duck’s meat—for the -captain had snared wild fowl the evening before -and had prepared it while on watch.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Although the moon was setting when the start -was made from the camp, they pushed on quickly, -for their watches told them that in another half -hour dawn would come; and when at last they -reached the large centre mound and the point where -Harvey had found the second white rock, a gray -light was penetrating the woods.</p> - -<hr class='c013' /> - -<p class='c000'>Three happy men, and a boy who was even -happier, sat around the camp-fire on the banks of -the river Marañon that evening.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You say the quartz is the richest you ever saw?” -asked Harvey.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_169'>169</span>“Yes, it is,” and the captain lifted one of the -many pieces they had brought from the mine as -samples, and all looked at it for perhaps the hundredth -time that day.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“How long do you think we had better remain -here?” Ferguson inquired.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Perhaps a fortnight. That will give us ample -time in which to explore the property and stake it -off.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Another member of the camp was a friendly -Ayuli Indian, who had appeared on the bank as -they emerged from the wood. He with others had -been driven far from his village by the marauding -band of Majeronas before the latter’s encounter -with the white men, and he was making a long -detour on his return. They had detained him -over night and on the morrow intended sending -him with letters to Huari, from where they would -be forwarded to Chicla and then to Callao.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_170'>170</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XIII.<br /> <span class='large'>BELLA CACERAS RECOGNIZES A VOICE.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_4 c006'>One evening early in November, 1879, several -persons met at the home of John Dartmoor -in Chucuito, a suburb in Callao.</p> - -<p class='c000'>From La Punta, a seaside resort, had come Captain -and Mrs. Saunders, with their sons, Carl and -Harold, the first-named a boy who was just graduating -from his teens and the latter a much younger -lad. Carl was the chum of Louis Dartmoor, Harvey’s -elder brother; and these three, Carl, Louis, -and Harvey, had experienced many adventures in -Callao Bay together. Another adult guest was -Don Isaac Lawton, a courtly British colonial, editor -of the <em>South Pacific Times</em>, a man greatly esteemed -by both Mr. Dartmoor and Captain Saunders, indeed -by all the American and English residents of -Peru.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A younger visitor was Bella Caceras, whose -name has appeared in earlier chapters. Seated -beside her on a couch in the little parlor this evening -was Rosita Dartmoor, whose strong resemblance -<span class='pageno' id='Page_171'>171</span>to her Peruvian mother was as marked as was her -younger brother’s resemblance to his American -father.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A dinner had preceded the social evening, and the -occasion of the gathering was to celebrate Rosita’s -fifteenth birthday. One who did not know how -rapidly girls mature in these South American countries -would have thought her several years older; -indeed, in the United States she would readily have -passed for a miss of eighteen or nineteen, and so -would Bella Caceras, who was Rosita’s age. Both -girls wore long skirts, and in Peru they were considered -old enough to enter society. This winter -would have witnessed their <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">début</span>, had it not been -for the circumstances of the times preventing the -social entertainments that for years had marked -Lima and Callao as gay cities of the West Coast.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Peru, in this November of 1879, was a nation of -mourning, a country plunged in despair. Eight -months before she had taken up arms against Chile, -to prevent the latter’s seizure of land to the south -which was rich in nitrate of soda. Entering the -contest with a well-equipped army and with a navy -that was deemed by many the equal of the enemy’s, -she had met a series of reverses that were disheartening, -and in this early summer month—the seasons -below the equator are the reverse of those to -the north—it was evident that the country’s doom -<span class='pageno' id='Page_172'>172</span>was sealed, and that any day a conquering army -might move from the south and besiege the capital.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Fate had been unkind to the northern republic. -One month after hostilities had commenced, the -largest war-ship, the <em>Independencia</em>, had been lost -on a reef near Iquique while in pursuit of a little -Chilean gunboat that was hardly worthy the capture. -In October, the <em>Huascar</em>, a turret-ship of great -power, had been surrounded off Point Angamos, -while steaming north, by nearly all the ships of the -Chilean fleet and had been captured after a bitter -engagement, but not until nearly one-half of her -crew had been killed and she had been set on fire -in several places.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was during this engagement that Grau, admiral -of the Peruvian navy, had been killed; and that -is why Bella Caceras was in mourning, for he was -her uncle. The loss of the <em>Huascar</em> had cast a -gloom over all Peru, and the despair was heightened -a few weeks later by the news that the gunboat <em>Pilcomayo</em> -had been captured.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Meanwhile revolution had left its scar upon the -country. Prado, the president, had fled to Europe, -and an attempt by his ministers to form a government -had been resisted by Don Nicolas de Pierola, -who with a force of mountain men and some army -and navy officers, who flocked to his standard, had -attacked the palace in Lima, which they had captured -<span class='pageno' id='Page_173'>173</span>after a bitter struggle; and as a result, Pierola -was at this time dictator of Peru. The land -forces had not been more successful than had the -maritime. Reverses had been met in the south, and -orders had been given to concentrate troops in the -vicinity of Lima, to take part in the defence of the -capital; for now that the Peruvian navy had been -nearly annihilated, the ocean highway was clear, and -it was possible for Chile to move transports as she -wished.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Callao was the one strong point in the country. -Defended by large modern guns in the castles, in -the Chucuito forts, at Los Baños and at La Punta, -the city was pronounced able to withstand any bombardment. -But a blockade! That was what the -residents feared, for with a cordon of ships in the -offing commerce could not be maintained; supplies -of food from the north and south and supplies from -Europe, upon which the residents greatly depended, -would cease.</p> - -<p class='c000'>As yet no Chilean ships had appeared off the port, -except to reconnoitre, but rumors came from the -enemy’s country that a squadron for blockade duty -was forming, and more heartrending than all was -the report that machinists were busy on the <em>Huascar</em>, -putting her in trim, and that she would form one of -the fleet. At this news Peruvians gnashed their -teeth with rage.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_174'>174</span>It would be bad enough to have the ironclads -<em>Blanco Encalada</em> and <em>Almirante Cochrane</em> dominate -the sea within their sight, but to be compelled to -witness a little turret-ship, once the pride of the -Peruvian navy, steam near San Lorenzo island at -the entrance to the harbor, flying the lone star flag -of the enemy, would be the last drop in the bitter cup.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The gloom which overspread the country had -little part in John Dartmoor’s home on this evening. -They were all very happy, for any day they were expecting -the return of Harvey from the interior, and -a letter received from him had told them that his -mission had been successful, even beyond their most -fanciful expectations.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was only the extreme of circumstances that had -influenced Mr. Dartmoor to let his younger son -undertake this hazardous trip. At the time of the -lad’s departure he had believed he could postpone -the evil day for several months, but a few weeks -later came the news of the naval engagement off -Point Angamos and the defeat of the <em>Huascar</em>, which -caused a financial panic in Callao and Lima, and -among the many forced to the wall was the American -iron merchant.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He bravely faced the storm and was ably assisted -by his wife and children, who cheerfully accustomed -themselves to the new life that was made necessary. -They gave up their handsome home and moved into -<span class='pageno' id='Page_175'>175</span>a little cottage; Mrs. Dartmoor yielded her jewels, -that more money might be paid their creditors; -Rosita denied herself the pleasures which her father’s -wealth in former years had enabled her to enjoy, and -Louis, believing that he should no longer be a burden -at home, secured a position as purser’s clerk on one -of the steamers of the Pacific Steam Navigation -Company.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A fortnight before this evening the same persons -had met at Mr. Dartmoor’s home to bid good-by to -Louis, who had planned to sail on the morrow, and -while they were gathered in the little parlor a clerk -had arrived from the ship chandler’s, where Mr. -Dartmoor had found temporary employment, and had -brought a letter received late in the afternoon. It -was from Harvey, and the lad had written:—</p> - -<p class='c014'>“<span class='sc'>Dear Ones at Home</span>: I have found it, or -rather we have found it. The mine is here, just -where the old Inca said it would be found. Mr. Ferguson, -who is somewhat versed in such matters, says -that millions are buried. From the study that I have -had, I know that our assays have shown twenty-five -per cent gold to seventy-five per cent gross.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Of course it is difficult to work this mine, because -no means of transportation exist, but as Mr. Hope-Jones -says, ‘Gold is gold,’ and there will be no lack -of capital to exploit what we have found. This -<span class='pageno' id='Page_176'>176</span>letter I have written with the stub of a pencil, -seated on the side of an ironwood tree. It is sent -by a native, who has promised to take it to Chicla, -from where it will be forwarded by post. We shall -start home in about two weeks, after we have collected -sufficient samples. My love for everybody, and I -hope this letter will not arrive too late.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-r c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“<span class='sc'>Harvey.</span></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c014'>“P.S. Please ask Rosita to tell Bella Caceras, -the next time she sees her, that I have appreciated -her gift very much. It has been a constant companion.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The joy which the receipt of this letter had given -them all can well be imagined. John Dartmoor saw -the rehabilitation of his fortunes at no distant day, -and the reinstatement of his wife and children in the -life to which they had been accustomed. The letter -had also made it unnecessary for Louis to go to sea, -but as he had promised the superintendent of the -steamship company to take the position, and as it -would have been difficult to find another person competent -for the place on such short notice, he had -made one voyage to Panama, returning the evening -before this entertainment in honor of his sister’s -birthday.</p> - -<p class='c000'>To another member of this party Harvey’s news -had also brought happiness and relief from worry. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_177'>177</span>Mr. Lawton had felt the burden of financial depression -almost as much as had Mr. Dartmoor, and -although he had weathered the first storm, yet every -one knew that it was but the matter of a month or -two before his publishing house would be compelled -to close. The very day after the boy’s letter came -to Chucuito, Harvey’s father had entered the editorial -rooms and had said:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Don Isaac, can you hold out for a little while -longer?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, I think I can,” was the reply. “But what -is the use? The end must come, and might as well -happen now as later. Advertisers simply cannot -pay their contracts, for all business is at a standstill, -and there is a straight loss in the circulation -with the currency so depreciated.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Well, I wish you to hold on until Harvey -returns.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Why so, my friend?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Because I know that nothing would give my son -more pleasure, after caring for his mother and sister, -than advancing you all the money necessary to tide -you over.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Do you think so, Dartmoor?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Indeed I know it, and can promise it for him.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Thank God!” exclaimed the Britisher fervently, -but in a choking voice. His eyes were unusually -brilliant, for they had grown moist. He was a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_178'>178</span>bachelor, all his relatives were dead, and his newspaper -was the one object that made life dear to him.</p> - -<p class='c000'>That evening Mr. Dartmoor said to his wife: “It -seemed so strange for me to speak of Harvey lending -money. But it is a fact, and he will really be -lending it to us, for it will be his.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I am certain you know Harvey better than that,” -Mrs. Dartmoor had replied. “You see if his very -first act is not to insist that his interest be transferred -to you.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“But I would not accept it.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Nor should I wish you to. But he will have it -arranged in some manner, that I know.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Although Captain Saunders was not in financial -distress, for he was paid in gold by the American -Board of Marine Underwriters, for whom he was -agent on the West Coast, yet the letter from the -interior had made him none the less happy than it -had the others, for John Dartmoor was not only a -close friend of his Peruvian life, but they had been -chums in boyhood, even as their sons were at this -time; and for Don Isaac he had the same regard.</p> - -<p class='c000'>None of them in Chucuito permitted the news to -alter their mode of living. Mr. Dartmoor remained -at the desk in a ship chandler’s, and with his wife -and Rosita lived in the little cottage, waiting until -the adventurers should return from the interior. -The good news had been noised about in Callao and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_179'>179</span>Lima, and several offers had been made Mr. Dartmoor -by persons anxious to advance money and -secure a promise of an interest in the wonderful -mine. But all these the American refused, saying -that the property was not his, but his son’s, and he -did not wish to make any arrangements until the lad -should return.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It will be noticed that Harvey in writing had -refrained from making mention of the encounter -with the Majeronas. He had done this so that his -parents might not be alarmed. And he had said -nothing concerning Señor Cisneros. So that all they -knew was that the mine had been located, that it was -rich in gold, and that the boy was well.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Let’s see, it’s a little over two weeks since the -letter came, is it not?” asked Captain Saunders on -the occasion of this birthday entertainment.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, two weeks ago Tuesday.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“He said that they expected to leave within a -fortnight?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Then he is due now at any time.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I hardly expect him so soon,” said Mr. Dartmoor. -“The Indian runner, accustomed to the country, and -having nothing to carry, would be able to make -much better time through the mountains than Hope-Jones, -Ferguson, and my son, burdened with their -camp utensils, and with the samples of ore. So I -<span class='pageno' id='Page_180'>180</span>would not be surprised should another week elapse -before their arrival.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You are doubtless correct. I had not thought of -those matters.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Wouldn’t it be jolly though if they should arrive -unexpectedly to-night!” exclaimed Carl Saunders, -and Louis added, “I should say so.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>They were interrupted by a loud ring at the bell.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I wonder if it can be possible!” exclaimed the -elder Dartmoor boy, springing to his feet and rushing -out into the hall. All conversation ceased, and -they listened intently. But it was not the voice of -Harvey that sounded when the door was opened. -The tones, however, they recognized as those of -a very dear friend, General Matajente, the smallest -officer in the Peruvian army, a man who had been a -captain in the navy during the administration of -President Prado, but who had joined the land forces -of Pierola and had rendered that leader such signal -service that he had been rapidly promoted.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Are your parents in?” they heard the general -ask Louis, and the next minute he came hurriedly -into the room, apologizing for having called at such -a late hour, and expressing himself overjoyed at meeting -so many of his friends at one time.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The general was an exquisite in the matter of dress, -and wore black mustachios that were so long and -stood out so prominently that he gave a person the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_181'>181</span>idea of a walking cross. Although he was much -undersized, yet those who knew him never gave the -matter of his height any thought, for he was a most -courageous and pugnacious personage. Both Carl and -Louis had seen him facing an enemy, and had marvelled -at his quickness and his dexterity. They had -been present on the <em>Pilcomayo</em>, which he once commanded, -when the captain had fought a duel with a -naval officer who was much his superior in physique, -yet who had been in the hands of the little man as a -mouse in the paws of a kitten. They had also seen -him lead the famous cavalry charge in Lima, and -sweep right into a battery of guns, sabring the -artillerists until all the pieces were silenced. When -they thought of these things, Captain Matajente, as -they always called him to one another, appeared -as a giant, rather than a dwarf, which he was in -reality.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Had we known that you were in the city, general, -we should have sent you an invitation on behalf -of Rosita,” said Mr. Dartmoor.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I know you would, and I am delighted that I -happened in. The fact is I came from Lima only on -the last train.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Are you going to remain long?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Only over night,” he replied. “I came to listen -in detail to some remarkable adventures; as remarkable, -I am sure, as any that ever happened to three -<span class='pageno' id='Page_182'>182</span>young men; and I came also, Mr. Dartmoor, to -introduce my cousin, Anton Cisneros, a resident of -Huari, who has journeyed to the coast on a business -trip.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I should be delighted——”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Mr. Dartmoor was cut short by the entrance from -the hallway of a tall, dark-featured Peruvian, clad -in a long poncho and wearing heavy top-boots, -who was presented to those who were in the parlor.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Rosita,” whispered Bella Caceras, “I believe that -Harvey has returned. Look at the general. Don’t -you notice a twinkle in his eyes? And what is -Louis waiting out in the hall for? I hear voices, -Rosita! I tell you, it’s your brother!” and the -vivacious Peruvian girl darted from the room. A -second later she gave a little scream of delight, then -was heard to say: “I knew it! I knew it! Rosita, -come here!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Ah! the little minx has spoiled my surprise!” -said General Matajente to those in the parlor. “Harvey, -come in and bring your friends!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Harvey here!” exclaimed Mrs. Dartmoor, rising -quickly, and she ran to the door, followed by her -husband.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Yes, Harvey was there, and so were Hope-Jones -and Ferguson.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Why, you have grown nearly a foot!” said -Mr. Dartmoor, holding him off at arm’s length after -<span class='pageno' id='Page_183'>183</span>the first welcome was over. “And you are almost -black.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Then all fell to talking at once, as is usual on such -occasions. General Matajente explained that he had -met the travellers by chance as they were leaving the -Oroya Railroad station in Lima, after coming in -from Chicla. That was at five o’clock in the afternoon, -and he had taken them to his home, where they -had removed the stains of travel. He had been -pleasantly surprised to find that the companion of -their interior journey had been his cousin from -Huari, and from him he had learned something of -the adventures of the four. Anxious to hear the -story in detail, and also to be a witness to the joyful -reunion, he had accompanied them to Callao and on -to Chucuito. He had planned that Harvey’s entrance -should be a surprise, but the keen ears of -Bella Caceras had enabled her somewhat to turn the -tables.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The five had dined in Lima, but were nothing -loath to again sitting down at the board, and at ten -o’clock all drew up chairs. Then, as every one -insisted that the story of the adventures be told -that night, Hope-Jones described their experience -from Lima to Huari, and the captain took up the -thread of the story from the time of their departure -from the mountain town. Mrs. Dartmoor shuddered -when the adventure with the puma was related, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_184'>184</span>and the girls turned pale. But when it came to the -battle with the Majeronas, the details were listened -to with breathless eagerness, and Harvey felt his -mother’s arm press him closer.</p> - -<p class='c000'>There were two scarlet faces in the room as the -captain detailed the sequel to this fight and Harvey’s -narrow escape from death; and then, for the first -time, the men learned who had been the donor of -the pincushion that had stayed the arrow’s flight, -for Bella Caceras had jumped to her feet, and had -run over to the boy’s side when she heard how he -had carried her little gift, and what it had done for -him. The two were for several minutes the objects -of many good-natured jests, but they bore them -bravely, and, all being interested in hearing of the -further discoveries, the narrative was resumed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was after midnight before everything had been -told, and before they thought of rest. Mr. Dartmoor -insisted that Señor Cisneros should remain -with him, and that Hope-Jones and Ferguson also -should stay. As the house was too small to accommodate -all whom the genial American wished to -accommodate, Captain Saunders invited General -Matajente to go with him to La Punta, and he also -urged that Louis join them as Carl’s guest. This -arrangement was finally agreed upon, and the party -for La Punta withdrew, being accompanied as far as -the little railway station by Don Isaac, who had -<span class='pageno' id='Page_185'>185</span>refused all invitations and had said that he would -prefer to walk to his rooms in Callao.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“For,” he explained to Captain Saunders, “I feel -a strange buoyancy to-night; even as if I were a -boy again.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The editor had good cause for this. A few minutes -before good nights were said, he had been taken -to<a id='p185'></a> one side by Mr. Dartmoor, who had whispered:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I spoke to Harvey of my wish that you should -share our good fortune, and he is enthusiastic at the -idea.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_186'>186</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XIV.<br /> <span class='large'>BLOCKADE OF CALLAO HARBOR.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_4 c006'>Louis Dartmoor and Carl Saunders were -early astir at the home of the latter’s parents -in La Punta the next morning. The Peruvian residence -of the American captain was a suite of rooms -in a large, rambling hotel, situated at the extreme -tip of the narrow peninsula that juts into the Pacific -west of Callao, and forms, with San Lorenzo Island, -three miles distant, a shelter for the bay.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was only a stone’s throw from the hotel to the -beach, and as was their frequent practice, the boys -donned their bathing suits in the bedrooms, and -running down the rear stairs, took a dip in the -ocean before breakfast, diving through the inrushing -breakers and swimming out some distance from -the shore. They were in the water about a half -hour and had returned to the rooms by half-past six. -Faustina, Mrs. Saunders’s cook,—the suite occupied -by the Americans resembled in many respects the -apartment house of the United States, inasmuch as -<span class='pageno' id='Page_187'>187</span>they had their independent kitchen and dining room,—had -just arrived from Callao, and had put the -water for the coffee over to boil. So the boys, having -plenty of time on their hands before breakfast -could be ready, dressed at their leisure, after a brisk -rub-down with coarse towels, then went out on the -broad veranda, where Louis told Carl of some of his -experiences while on his one voyage as purser’s clerk; -then they began discussing the return of Harvey.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The veranda was unusually wide, even for a South -American country, and ran the entire length of the -hotel. From the north end it commanded a view of -the bay and also of the entrance to the harbor, which -was past the north end of San Lorenzo. The channel -between that island and La Punta was so strewn -with reefs as to be dangerous for any except very -light-draught vessels. When they had reached the -end of the veranda, a light mist had obscured most -of the bay, and it was quite dense to seaward; but -while they were talking this mist gradually disappeared -under the influence of the sun’s rays, and a -breeze had commenced blowing from the south, so -that within a quarter of an hour the waves had -turned from a dull gray to bright indigo, except -close in shore, where they broke in white foam before -dashing on the stony beach.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Louis, happening to glance toward the end of San -Lorenzo soon after this transformation was wrought, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_188'>188</span>seized Carl’s arm and gave a yell as he pointed in the -direction where ships round the headland to enter -port. “Look! Look!” he said.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Carl did so, then gasped, “The Chileans!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, the Chileans! The blockading fleet! One, -two, three, four, five ships!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Oh, Louis!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, Carl!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Isn’t that the <em>Huascar</em>?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Great Scott! I believe it is! Our little <em>Huascar</em>, -with the lone star flag at her gaff! Isn’t that -terrible!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“And there’s the <em>Pilcomayo</em> too. Think of it. -The gunboat that Captain Matajente once commanded; -and now he is perhaps asleep in our guest -room. We must tell him and also tell father.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Wait a minute, Carl. That’s one of the big ironclads, -I guess; that one to the right of the <em>Huascar</em>, -Wonder whether it’s the <em>Blanco</em> or the <em>Cochrane</em>?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I don’t suppose anybody can tell at this distance. -They are sister ships, you know, and I heard father -say they differed only in their superstructure. -Whichever she is, she is the flagship, for I can make -out the admiral’s pennant at the fore truck. And -look, a steam launch is putting off from her side and -making for shore! Perhaps they are sending notice -of a bombardment!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The boys then hurriedly left the end of the veranda -<span class='pageno' id='Page_189'>189</span>and ran into the little parlor, then into the first bedroom, -where they found Captain Saunders shaving. -Both were too excited to say anything for a full -minute, and the American, somewhat vexed at the -intrusion, exclaimed:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Carl, you should not bring your friend in here, -for I am not yet dressed.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“But father—the Chileans—the Chileans—are—in -the offing.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The Chileans! Who said so? It must be a -bola!”<a id='r2' /><a href='#f2' class='c011'><sup>[2]</sup></a></p> - -<div class='footnote' id='f2'> -<p class='c000'><span class='label'><a href='#r2'>2</a>. </span>Many false rumors and many grossly exaggerated reports were -current up and down the coast during the Chile-Peruvian war, and -these were designated by the term “bola.”</p> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>“But it’s not a bola, father. We have seen them -ourselves. There are five ships—one of the big -ironclads, the <em>Huascar</em>, the <em>Pilcomayo</em>, and two -other vessels; all are steaming up and down.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Captain Saunders placed the razor on the dresser, -hurriedly washed his face, and went with the boys to -the point from where they had viewed the fleet. -They had no more than reached the end of the veranda -than they heard the pattering of bare feet on -the wood floor, and turning, saw General Matajente -running toward them, exclaiming at the top of his -voice: “What’s that I heard? The Chileños? Did -any one say the Chileños were in sight?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was well for the boys that they had frequently -<span class='pageno' id='Page_190'>190</span>been impressed with the little general’s prowess, else -they might not have restrained their laughter at the -sight which he had presented. Hearing their report -of the enemy, he had jumped from his bed and had -run without stopping to dress. The evening before, -Captain Saunders had given him a pair of his pyjamas, -and these the little general had been compelled -to turn up both at the legs and arms, until the fold -of the former reached to his knees and of the latter -to his elbows. He was evidently accustomed to -wearing a nightcap when at home, and such an article -not being in the American’s wardrobe, the Peruvian -had tied his handkerchief over his head. -Beneath this band of white his long, black mustachios -stood out straight and his shaggy eyebrows protruded.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In his haste and excitement he pushed Carl and -Louis one side, and to see the better, when he reached -the place that commanded a view of the harbor -entrance, he stood up on the foot-board of the rail. -Then he broke out into violent exclamations.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“C-a-r-a-m-ba!” he hissed, “the audacity of -them! To bring the <em>Huascar</em> here with their abominable -flag flying! And my little <em>Pilcomayo</em>! My -pride! My treasure! With dirty Chileños on her -decks! C-a-r-a-m-b-a! It is too much! It is too -much!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Tears commenced to roll down his face, and he became -<span class='pageno' id='Page_191'>191</span>almost hysterical. The man who, during his -lifetime, had faced death perhaps a hundred times -without flinching, the man who, in the streets of -Lima, had led a cavalry squadron right into the very -centre of a battery, was sobbing like a child. But -they understood those tears and also the convulsive -chokings. They knew that not only sorrow, but -anger, was struggling for utterance, and in addition -to all was humiliation.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“They are coming ashore, coming to give notice!” -he explained, noticing for the first time the little -steam launch that was now some distance from the -largest ship. “I hope that notice will be of a bombardment; -that they will engage the forts like men, -and not skulk in the offing and destroy ships that -cannot fight. O for one shot at them with the -castle guns!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>He darted away from the railing and started for -the stairs that led from the veranda to the main -floor beneath.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Where are you going, general?” asked Captain -Saunders, catching the little officer by the sleeve of -his pyjamas.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“To the castles,” he replied.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“But you cannot go in this attire. Remember, -you are not yet dressed.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Peruvian officer then realized for the first -time that he had appeared in his night clothes, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_192'>192</span>his one fault being his vanity, he became as humble -as a reprimanded child when he appreciated what a -sorry figure he had cut. To add to his confusion, -Mrs. Saunders came from her rooms at that moment, -and before her husband could reach her side and -ask her to withdraw, she had taken a dozen steps -in their direction. In his anxiety not to be seen, -the general had stepped behind Carl, and had whispered -to the boy: “Shield me! Shield me, I beg -you!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>That was easy to do, for the youth was much taller -than the officer, and considerably broader, so that, -standing still, he completely hid the diminutive -general, who remained quiet until Mrs. Saunders had -left the balcony. Then, darting from behind his -human barrier, he made haste by a side door to the -room where he had passed the night.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A few minutes later Faustina announced that -breakfast was on the table, and Carl and Louis at -once sat down with Captain and Mrs. Saunders. -Although the latter was much interested in the news -of the advent of the Chilean fleet, she asked if General -Matajente had been awakened, and suggested -that they await his arrival. But Captain Saunders -understood the officer so well that he knew he would -not wish to present himself before the boys after his -peculiar appearance, and he also realized that the -Peruvian wished to reach Callao with all haste; so -<span class='pageno' id='Page_193'>193</span>he made excuses for him, and with his own hands -carried a tray laden with edibles to his room.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I shall go to Callao with our friend,” he said, -on his return. “It is necessary that I know at -once what course the Chileans have decided to -take.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“May we go with you?” Carl asked.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, if you hurry, for I shall not detain the general. -The next dummy leaves in ten minutes. If -you can catch that, you may go. But not so fast -with your coffee, Carl. You will choke.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What do you think they will do?” asked Mrs. -Saunders.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I hardly think they will bombard,” he replied, -“for they know the range of the guns in Callao, and -they could not approach near enough to do any -damage without exposing themselves to the Peruvians’ -fire. So I expect they will send notice of a -blockade. However, it may be of a bombardment, -and in that event, Louise, we shall have to move to -Lima to-night. So immediately after breakfast, you -had better call in Faustina and pack the trunks; -then we shall be ready for any emergency.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What if they declare a blockade?” his wife -asked.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Then our future actions will depend greatly upon -its nature. If a close blockade be declared, one that -will prevent the entry of any vessels until the war is -<span class='pageno' id='Page_194'>194</span>ended, I believe it would be wise for you to leave at -once for the States with the children.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Oh, father, please don’t send me. Let me remain -with you.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Would you not wish to go with your mother, -Carl?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, of course, but——”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“If I should have to go, let him stay with you,” -Mrs. Saunders said. “I can understand exactly how -he feels about leaving now. He would be a companion -for you, dear; and besides, the experience would -be valuable.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Well, well, we shall see about it later. Matters -may not come to such a pass that it will be necessary -for anybody to go. Are you ready, boys? Then -join me at the dummy, and I will walk over with the -general. Pardon him, Louise, if he does not come in -to say good-by; he is quite put out by the course of -events.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>A half hour later the four had reached Callao, and -Captain Saunders, with Carl and Louis, went direct -to the editorial rooms of the <em>South Pacific Times</em>, -knowing that there they would hear the first reliable -news; and General Matajente went to the office of -the captain of the port. In Mr. Lawton’s apartments -they found Mr. Dartmoor and Harvey, and -several other American and English residents of -Callao, all assembled for the same purpose. Harvey -at once joined his brother and their chum.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_195'>195</span>“Where are Hope-Jones and Ferguson?” asked -Louis.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“They left early this morning for Lima, by the -first train, I believe; before we knew the Chileans -had been sighted. And I want to know, Louis, why -you didn’t tell me last night that the <em>Huascar</em> and -the <em>Pilcomayo</em> had been captured while I was in the -interior? It came as a great shock this morning.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That’s so, Harvey. I confess I had completely -forgotten that you were not as well posted as we. -But tell me, does father think that this will make -any difference with your mine?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Don’t call it <em>my</em> mine, Louis. It belongs to us -all; or rather, it is father’s, and that is just the same -thing.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Well, does he think the arrival will interfere -much with your plans?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“No. He is rather glad than otherwise that the -fleet has come, for he believes it will hasten the end. -Of course, it will be impossible for us to do anything -until peace shall be declared, that is, to commence -any mining; so the sooner Peru yields the better.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“In the meantime, what are you going to do?” -asked Carl.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Señor Cisneros will return to the interior this -week with a surveyor and a deputy from the mining -bureau, so as to comply with the law and perfect our -claim, and some one will go to either New York or -<span class='pageno' id='Page_196'>196</span>London and interest capital, in order that we may -have the ready money with which to secure machinery -and bring the ore to the coast. In the meantime, -we shall be able to borrow sufficient from one -of the banks here to pay all preliminary expenses.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Who will go to New York?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That I don’t know. We have arranged to -hold another meeting to-night at Chucuito and -decide.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Their attention was attracted by the entrance of -an officer in the service of the Pacific Steam Navigation -Company, who had come from the office of the -captain of the port.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Has the Chilean launch arrived at the mole?” -asked Don Isaac, eagerly; and the others pressed -near.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It has. And the admiral has served notice on -all interests that he intends maintaining a close -blockade. Non-combatants will be allowed forty-eight -hours in which to leave; after that no vessel, -sail or steam, will be permitted to enter port or -depart. So my ship, gentlemen, will be the last -to leave.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Hearing this, Captain Saunders jumped to his feet, -and beckoning Carl to his side, bade him come, and -the two hurriedly left the room.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What’s the matter, father?” the boy asked, as -they walked rapidly across the plaza.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_197'>197</span>“Didn’t you hear Captain Brown say that his ship -would be the last to leave Callao?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, sir.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Then I have no time to lose in securing a passage -for your mother, Harold, and yourself. The -boat will be crowded; hundreds will apply who will -not even be able to get berths. By going to the -office at once, I can perhaps reserve a stateroom.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Father, I wish you would let me remain with -you.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Do you know what it means, Carl, to be in a -blockaded city with all supplies cut off?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I can imagine, father; but I should like very -much to stay with you. Besides, I am some little -help in the office, am I not?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes. But with a blockade established, no ships -will come in, and I shall have nothing to do.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Then, isn’t that a reason for my remaining? -You will be very lonely, and should have one of -your sons by your side.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Captain Saunders smiled. “Very well put, Carl,” -he said, “but I wonder how much Louis and Harvey -have to do with your anxiety to remain? But you -may do as you wish, and I shall reserve a stateroom -for your mother and Harold. Now that this is -settled, I wish you to take the next dummy back to -La Punta, and tell your mother what has occurred; -then help her all you can with the packing. I shall -<span class='pageno' id='Page_198'>198</span>be home early this afternoon,” and he turned in the -direction of the Pacific Steam Navigation Company’s -offices, while his son kept on to the railroad station.</p> - -<p class='c000'>As Captain Saunders was leaving, after having -secured the quarters on the Panama steamer, he met -John Dartmoor and Señor Cisneros.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Are you going to send Mrs. Dartmoor to the -States?” he asked.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“No. I should like to, but she and Rosita would -prefer to remain and move to Lima in the event of -open hostilities. The señor and I are about to -engage a berth for some one who must go to the -States and arrange to secure working capital for -our mine. Saturday’s boat will be the last out, you -know.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, so I heard Captain Brown say, and I came -here at once to engage passage for Mrs. Saunders.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I am very sorry to learn that she is going, but I -think you are wise. We may see some pretty tight -times here.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“There’s little doubt of it.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Are both boys going?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“No, Carl remains with me.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That will delight Louis and Harvey. And by -the way, Saunders, I am going to move back to my -old home in Chucuito this week. Suppose you and -Carl come and live with us after Mrs. Saunders and -Harold leave; or at least make us a visit.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_199'>199</span>“I should be very pleased, Dartmoor; that is, to -visit until I can find suitable quarters.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Do so, then.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>That evening a meeting was held of those interested -in the Bella mine—for so Captain Cisneros -had insisted upon naming the property after he had -learned the true story of the pincushion in Harvey’s -pocket. It was decided that both Hope-Jones and -Ferguson should go to New York, for the purpose of -interesting capitalists; that Señor Cisneros should -return to the interior, and that Mr. Dartmoor should -attend to the company’s interests in Callao and -Lima.</p> - -<p class='c000'>So it happened that when the last steamship sailed -from Callao before the blockade commenced, Harvey -waved an adieu from a small boat to the two young -men with whom he had passed such adventurous -times in the interior; and from another boat Captain -Saunders and Carl fluttered handkerchiefs and were -answered with love signals waved by Mrs. Saunders -and Harold.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_200'>200</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XV.<br /> <span class='large'>DARNING THE NEEDLE.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_4 c006'>The darkest period in Peruvian history was the -year 1880. Defeated on sea and on land, the -nation had drawn its forces toward the centre and -awaited a final struggle near historic Lima, the City -of the Kings.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But the Chileans, triumphant, were in no haste to -follow up the victories of Tarapacá, Tacna, Arica, and -Point Angamos; they realized the enervating influences -that always are at work in an army that is -inactive and on the defensive; and although as early -as January nothing hindered the northward movement -of their land forces, they refrained from striking -the decisive blow, and passed the time perfecting -the transport service, increasing the efficiency of the -troops and laying by stores of munitions of war.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The blockade of Callao, established toward the -close of 1879, was maintained without interruption, -and the harbor, which only two years before had -been second only to San Francisco in commercial -<span class='pageno' id='Page_201'>201</span>importance on the west coast of the Americas, became -a drear waste of water, for not a vessel, of sail -or steam, was permitted to enter, unless it might be -an occasional war-ship of a neutral power; nor could -any craft depart after the expiration of the forty-eight -hours which the Chilean admiral had given -as notification.</p> - -<p class='c000'>During those two days and two nights, craft of all -description and flying flags of all nations prominent -in the maritime world put to sea and sailed north -or south, some laden, but the majority in ballast; -and when the last one had departed and the enemy’s -cordon was close drawn in the offing, the Bay of -Callao reflected only one story—the death of commerce.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Where two hundred ships had swung at anchor, a -Peruvian sloop or an abandoned bark rose sluggishly -with the ground swell; where once was seen the men-of-war -of the Peruvian navy, awaiting the word from -Lima to dash south, now appeared only the wooden -corvette <em>Union</em>, the obsolete coast defence monitor -<em>Atahuallpa</em>, and the school-ship <em>Maria Theresa</em>; once -there was constant danger of collision in the harbor, -because of the press of small boats—cutters, gigs, -and barges, propelled by oars; steam launches darting -here and there, whistles blowing lustily; lighters -moving slowly as long sweeps were pushed, and sailboats -gliding with white wings outstretched,—now -<span class='pageno' id='Page_202'>202</span>the appearance of even a rowboat caused conjecture.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Before Harvey’s departure for the interior, the -bay had been a never ending source of delight to the -three boys; indeed, it had appealed to all foreign -residents, as well as to the natives, but to none more -than to the members of the Callao Rowing Club, for -the placid waters permitted their going some distance -from the shore, even in the racing shells, and -the trade wind not reaching the water near the -beach line, and the surface not being ruffled, it was -possible to feather the spoon oars by sliding them, -even as is done on pond and river. After the -blockade was established, Carl, Louis, and Harvey -occasionally went out for spins; but the wide waste -of harbor had little attraction, and they soon abandoned -visits to the boat-house at Los Baños, preferring -to take their recreation in the fields, on -horseback, or in some of the games that had been -introduced from the United States and England.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Other members of the club felt the same about -rowing in the bay; and a fortnight after the Chilean -vessels appeared in the offing, the governing board -decided to close the boat-house until peace should -be declared and normal conditions be restored in -Callao. So the shells, practice boats, canoes, and -the sail-boat were carefully housed in the large covered -barge that was anchored a short distance from -<span class='pageno' id='Page_203'>203</span>shore; the doors were securely fastened, and Pedro, -the keeper, was told he would have to seek other -employment. The members removed their effects -from the lockers in the apartments which had been -rented from the owner of the Baños del Oroya, and -the lease to these shore quarters was surrendered. -But the Callao Rowing Club did not disband. The -organization was maintained, and to-day it is a flourishing -athletic association, famous up and down the -West Coast.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In naval parlance ships are “darning the needle” -when they steam back and forth before a harbor, -out of the reach of shore batteries, yet near enough -to prevent entrance and departure of vessels. This -is what the Chileans did day after day, week after -week, and month after month, and it became an -accustomed sight to see their low, black hulls in the -offing, steam rising lazily from the funnels.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The vessels first on blockade duty were the <em>Blanco -Encalada</em>, which flew the admiral’s pennant, the -<em>Huascar</em>, the <em>Angamos</em>, the <em>Pilcomayo</em>, and the -<em>Mathias Cousino</em>. Others were added after a time, -and there were frequent changes in the squadron; -but the little <em>Huascar</em> was kept on the station as -an aggravation to the Peruvians. The <em>Angamos</em> -was a cruiser of a modern type and armed with one -rifle gun, which, reports said, could throw a shell -from Callao to Lima—eight miles.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_204'>204</span>The monotony of the blockade was broken after -the first month by a short bombardment of Callao, -which was brought about by the Chucuito forts -opening upon a steam launch from the <em>Blanco -Encalada</em>, that ran in close to La Punta, evidently -to reconnoitre the shore battery there. The shots -from the land guns were fired at six o’clock in the -evening, and the Chilean squadron steamed into the -harbor one hour later. The first broadside from -out in the bay was followed by a panic in the seacoast -city and a wild rush of the residents to escape -into the environs. Among the thousands who fled -from their homes were Mr. Dartmoor and the members -of his family and Captain Saunders and Carl. -After that exciting night, most of which was passed -in the fields, they and many others moved to Lima -and only visited Callao during the day.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Little damage was done by the bombardment; -only a few houses were destroyed, and no loss of life -was reported. But the brief engagement was signalled -by as remarkable an incident as any ever -related concerning war times, and the story thereof -is told in Callao to this day. Immediately after -dinner that evening the daughter of an American -bookseller sat down before the piano in the parlor -of her father’s home and commenced playing. After -rendering one of Mozart’s compositions she swung -around on the stool, in order that she might easily -<span class='pageno' id='Page_205'>205</span>reach for more sheet music, and the motion brought -her feet and lower limbs from beneath the instrument. -At that instant the <em>Blanco Encalada</em> opened -fire out in the bay, and a shot from one of her guns, -flying shoreward, pierced the side of this residence, -cut through the piano stool, as neatly as would a -buzz-saw, crushed the lower part of the piano, and -made its exit through another wall. The young -woman fell upon the floor unharmed. Had she not -swung partly around her legs would have been shot -away. No other residence of any consequence was -struck that night, the dwellings destroyed being -ramshackle structures.</p> - -<p class='c000'>One week later an attempt was made at midnight -to destroy the monitor <em>Atahuallpa</em> with a torpedo, -but side-nets had been lowered around the war-ship, -and the submarine engine was caught in the meshes, -where it exploded, throwing water on board. The -report caused alarm in the city, but investigation -proved that no damage had been done. Attempts -were made later in January to destroy the <em>Union</em>, -and they also failed. Short bombardments became -of more frequency, and those who remained in -Callao grew accustomed to the gun-fire and the -whistling of shot and shell.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Thus passed the late summer and early spring of -1880. With each succeeding week the value of food -products increased, for no supplies came into port, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_206'>206</span>and the irrigated lands were not of sufficient area to -furnish all vegetable products that were required. -Demand was made on the interior, but the means -of transportation were so poor that articles thus -brought commanded almost prohibitive prices. Eggs -were sold for two and three dollars a dozen, and -meat became worth almost that sum per pound; -potatoes, even in the land of their birth, brought -fancy prices, and milk and butter were soon not -obtainable. But rice and corn were in plenty, so -that, although the majority were compelled to deny -themselves a variety of diet, there was no fear of -starvation.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_207'>207</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XVI.<br /> <span class='large'>JOHN LONGMORE’S REVENGE.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_4 c006'>Señor Cisneros returned from the interior -toward the latter end of January, and immediately -after the report of the surveyor and the deputy -inspector had been filed, a patent was issued to the -Bella Mining Company of Callao and New York, to -dig ores from the district which had been chartered -and to extract precious metals therefrom.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Beyond this action, which secured the claim, nothing -could be done until peace should be declared. -Hope-Jones and Ferguson undoubtedly had interested -capitalists of the United States, but it was -impossible for the Englishman and American to reenter -Callao; and it was equally impossible for them -to communicate with their associates in Peru, because -all mail service had ceased with the establishment of -the blockade.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The fact that mining operations had been delayed -did not greatly inconvenience the Dartmoors, for the -banks of Lima were only too glad to come to their -<span class='pageno' id='Page_208'>208</span>assistance. And at that period occurred a demand -for agricultural implements, so great that the receiver -who had control of the bankrupt hardware store -reported rapidly increasing business, notwithstanding -the fact that Callao was often under fire; and -with the consent of local creditors he engaged the -former owner of the establishment to conduct the -new trade, which promised soon to pay all indebtedness -and leave a profit.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Mr. Dartmoor regretted that he had not sent his -wife and children to the States, when he saw how -the war promised to drag along; and Captain Saunders -was sorry that he had not insisted upon Carl -going north with his mother. But the boys were -very well satisfied to remain. Not a day passed -without some excitement—the firing upon forts -and the attacks on war-ships at anchor, and the -kaleidoscopic panorama of Lima, which was the -centre of a brilliant army corps.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Dartmoors lived in the capital until the latter -part of June, when the bombardments having practically -ceased, they reopened the house at Chucuito -and lived there part of the time. Mrs. Dartmoor and -Rosita would pass several days in each week in the -spacious suburban home, returning to Lima in the -evening; but Louis and Harvey would frequently remain -all night, and usually Carl Saunders was with -them. Although the boys enjoyed life in Lima for -<span class='pageno' id='Page_209'>209</span>a season, they were happier near the ocean, for all -three were splendid swimmers, and every morning -they could run over to the Santa Rosa beach and -have a dip before breakfast.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On one of these occasions—it was the morning -of July 3—they left home somewhat earlier than -usual; indeed, it was a half hour before dawn, for -they had been asked to go to Callao immediately -after breakfast and assist on their father’s books.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Whew!” exclaimed Louis, as they emerged from -the house. “It’s rather cold for a dip, isn’t it?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The water is warmer than the air, fortunately,” -said Carl, who had been a visitor for nearly a fortnight -with his chums.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“And a brisk run will put us in condition,” added -Harvey. “So let’s be off!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>They started at a swinging pace to cover the quarter -mile, which was the width of the peninsula at -this point, and leaving behind them the rough breakers -of Mar Bravo, in which no man could live, they -rapidly neared the more peaceful shore on the bay -side, where bathing was safe for those who could -swim.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But they did not take a “dip” on this morning; -instead they became witnesses to a tragedy, one of -the tragedies of history.</p> - -<p class='c000'>For, as the lads swung down beneath the Santa -Rosa fort, toward the line where the rollers break, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_210'>210</span>they saw a number of forms gathered on the beach, -and a sentinel’s call to “halt” brought them to a -sudden stand.</p> - -<p class='c000'>An officer came running up, a very small officer, -who, as soon as he saw who the intruders were, -exclaimed, “Good morning, boys”; and recognizing -General Matajente, they at once felt at their -ease.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You are out rather early, are you not?” he asked. -“But you are in time to witness something that I -am sure will interest you. How would you like to -see the <em>Blanco Encalada</em> blown out of water?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>This question was asked in a whisper; and without -waiting for it to be answered, the diminutive general -turned and walked down to the beach, closely followed -by the three thoroughly astonished and interested -lads.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A dozen officers and a score of soldiers and sailors -were gathered near the water line; but towering -above them all was a figure that the boys at once -recognized in the growing light, and Harvey, exclaiming: -“Why that’s John Longmore! I haven’t -seen him since the <em>Huascar</em> was captured!” darted -forward and seized his old-time friend by the hand.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The man thus addressed had once been a recluse -on San Lorenzo Island, having lived there in solitude -from the time of his wife’s death until the outbreak -of the war with Chile. He was an American by -<span class='pageno' id='Page_211'>211</span>birth, but he had so loved his Peruvian wife, for -whom he had abandoned the sea, that for her sake -he had sworn allegiance to this South American -country.</p> - -<p class='c000'>When war had been declared he enlisted on board -the <em>Huascar</em> and was one of the crew during all her -famous engagements. Wounded during the fight off -Point Angamos, he was sent home; and soon thereafter -he followed Captain Matajente into the ranks -of Pierola’s forces, and took part in the famous charge -upon the artillery in Lima.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The boys had known him while he lived on San -Lorenzo Island, frequently rowing over to the -rugged place where his hermit’s hut was perched; -they had been with him during some of the exciting -scenes of the early war and had witnessed his daring -in Lima. But since old John had become a captain -in the Peruvian army they had not met him as frequently, -and a week before Harvey’s return he had -been sent north on recruiting duty; so the lad had -not been able to greet him until this morning.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He grasped Harvey cordially by the hand, -exchanged a few words with him, then with Carl -and Louis, and finally saying, “You are just in -time,” he left them to attend to the work in hand.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A remarkable sight met their gaze when they -turned from greeting their old-time friend to learn -what was going forward. For a space of several -<span class='pageno' id='Page_212'>212</span>yards the beach appeared to have been transformed -into a market stall. The sand and stones were covered -with meats and fresh vegetables, of a quality -that would have made them tempting even before -the blockade had transformed ordinary food products -into delicacies, and of a quantity that bespoke -a large outlay of money. Rich red shoulders of -beef, the fat white and firm, told of the slaughter of -a young Andean bull; rounded joints of lamb and -mutton spoke of importations from the fertile grazing -lands of the interior. Quail, snipe, and plover, -which all knew must have come from the mountain -valleys, were piled promiscuously, and so were barnyard -fowl of the western slope. There was much -green stuff in sight—corn, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, -and beans; baskets were filled with tomatoes, -paltas, and the tempting chirimoyas.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The boys looked upon all this in astonishment, -marvelling equally concerning the use to which it -was about to be put, and the means by which it had -been procured. In the rapidly growing light, they -saw other strange sights—articles in marked contrast -with the wealth of edibles: barrels marked -“gunpowder” and kegs filled with even more powerful -explosives. Near these was a peculiar machine, -resembling druggists’ scales inverted, and -minus the weighing pans. Drawn up on the beach, -so that only the stern rested in the water, was a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_213'>213</span>large lighter. A number of sentinels surrounded -this strange conglomeration and also the soldiers, -sailors, and officers of both army and navy, who -were gathered near.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Harvey,” said General Matajente, approaching -the boys, “it’s lucky you came. Can you tell us -what time the tide turns? Since Captain Longmore -and I left the navy, to join the land forces, we have -not kept posted on such matters.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was not unusual for persons to appeal to the -younger Dartmoor boy for information concerning -conditions in the bay. For three years before going -into the interior, he had made them a special study, -and had found that the information so gained aided -him greatly when acting as coxswain in regattas. -After removing from Lima to Chucuito, he had -resumed these observations, probably more from -force of habit than other reason, and so he was able -to answer promptly, “At twenty-nine minutes after -six, sir.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Then we have no time to lose. Captain, as this -is your idea, I wish you to take command here and -carry out your plans.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>At the order from General Matajente, Old John—the -boys could not think of him save as Old -John, the sailor, although he was now an artillery -officer—stepped forward, and by his command work -was begun. The object of their endeavor at first -<span class='pageno' id='Page_214'>214</span>puzzled the lads, but in a few minutes all became -quite clear.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Sailors and soldiers rolled the barrels and kegs of -explosives to the side of the lighter, and the larger -ones were lifted into the hull and placed amidships. -Also into the hull went Old John, who was handed -the peculiar mechanical contrivance, and the boys, -who were permitted to peer over the sides, saw him -make fast the base to the floor of the craft, then busy -himself adjusting the arms, to one of which they saw -a spring had been attached. The kegs of explosives -were now passed in and placed nearer the peculiar -machine than had been the barrels, then Captain -Longmore, still remaining within the lighter, directed -that the provisions be handed to him.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The more bulky of these, such as the shoulders of -beef, were distributed on the bottom of the boat, but -arranged in such a manner that portions of their surface -would show above the mass of green stuff that -was soon thrown in. Although the beef, mutton, -potatoes, cauliflower, and the other vegetables were -stowed away in bow and stern with apparent carelessness, -more attention was given to the placing of -the products amidships, in the vicinity of the explosives, -and above the mechanism a space about a foot -in diameter was kept open.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The game, the fruit, and the smaller vegetables -were placed in tempting array on top of the coarser -<span class='pageno' id='Page_215'>215</span>products, and after adjusting the edibles to his satisfaction, -John Longmore sprang out and called all the -sailors round him.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Now, in with her, men! But carefully, so as not -to dislodge the cargo! Wade out beyond the line -of breakers and hold her there, steady, until I come.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>They formed ten deep on each side of the craft, and -slowly pushed her down the beach and into the water; -then, following orders, they waded out until the bow -was about ten feet from shore. The big boat rose -and fell on the glassy rollers, and was kept in place by -the sailors, who held firmly to the gunwales.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What time is it, sir?” asked Old John.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Exactly half-past six,” replied General Matajente.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Then the tide has turned and is on the ebb. -Shall I let her go, sir?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, if all is in readiness.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“In a moment, sir, as soon as I attach this,” and -he held up a percussion cap; “and this,” and he -displayed a small shoulder of lamb.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Strange combination! thought the boys as they saw -these last articles needed to complete the engine of -death that was about to be set sailing under the most -alluring flag of peace—agriculture; and they -watched intently as the gaunt seaman strode through -the surf to the side of the lighter, then climbed on -board.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_216'>216</span>The morning was misty, but at such a short distance -from shore he was easily discernible, bending -over and moving his hands and arms. He was not -engaged in this for more than two minutes, then he -dropped over the side, and called out, “Push her -off, men!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Old John waded ashore, and the lighter, loaded -with explosives and disguised with market gardeners’ -truck, with the choice from butchers’ stalls, with -delicacies from the fruiterers; yes, even with a few -flowers, which were strewn carelessly on top, as if -placed there by some one who had given them -as a memento to the owner of the cargo—this engine -of death drifted slowly into the mist, out toward the -sea, borne by the ebb tide.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The artillery captain spoke for a moment with -General Matajente, then turned to the boys and bade -them good-by, saying that he must go to the castles.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“But first, won’t you please tell us what you did -when you went on the lighter while the men were -holding her?” asked Harvey. “We saw what was -done on shore, but cannot understand what followed.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Certainly, my lad. You noticed that I carried -a percussion cap and a shoulder of lamb?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I placed the meat on the arm of the machine to -which the spring is made fast, and the percussion cap -upon an open keg of powder, beneath the other arm. -Do you understand?”</p> - -<div id='p216' class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_223.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>“The engine of death drifted slowly into the mist.”</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_217'>217</span>“Yes, I think so. When the piece of lamb is lifted -the spring will fly up, the opposite arm will descend, -explode the cap, and——”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Exactly,” the captain said.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“But could not a person see all this arrangement -and suspect something?” asked Louis. “You left -quite a space there.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That is all filled in, and I put the most tempting -game and fruit right above the powder.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Then,” said Carl, slowly, “you expect the boat -will drift far out in the bay; will be sighted by one -of the ships on blockade; that an attempt will be -made to take the stuff on board, and all hands will -be blown to kingdom come?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That is what I hope, my lad.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It’s horrible!” said Harvey.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Old John laughed in a peculiar manner and walked -away.</p> - -<p class='c000'>As the boys were going slowly up the beach, Carl -said:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Did you notice the change in Old John? I -believe he’s insane.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“So do I,” said Louis.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“And I,” echoed Harvey. “The old whaler we -once knew on San Lorenzo couldn’t have planned -such a trick.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_218'>218</span>They had not gone far before they were joined by -General Matajente. He walked on in silence until -they reached the La Punta road, then they heard -him mutter:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I don’t like it one bit, boys; I don’t like it one -bit.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Don’t like what, general?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That business down on the beach.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Why then did you permit it, sir?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Orders, my boy, orders. It was not the old -boatswain who suggested the plan to a naval officer, -but a captain in the artillery arm who went to headquarters. -John Longmore told the people in the -palace at Lima of his plan, and I was sent down here -to oversee the operations.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Then you do not approve of what has been -done?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Orders, my boy, orders,” was his only reply.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_219'>219</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XVII.<br /> <span class='large'>JOHN LONGMORE’S REVENGE (<em>continued</em>).</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_4 c006'>When the sun was an hour high the mist faded -away; the gray mantle disappeared, and -Callao Bay became of two colors, a green within the -space of an imaginary arc extending from the tip of -La Punta to Los Baños, and a blue beyond, as far as -San Lorenzo, where it merged into the indigo of the -immensity of waters.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Upon the surface of the green, circling around -occasionally when caught by a surface current, but -steadily moving with the tide, was a market gardener’s -lighter, crowded from keel to gunwales with -every variety of produce. Such a sight had not been -witnessed for more than six months, not since those -ships, discernible far in the offing, had enforced the -closing of the port. Before that time these lighters -had been frequently rowed and sailed over the bay, -moving toward the heart of the city from the fertile -region of the Rimac on the north.</p> - -<p class='c000'>When men saw what manner of craft was adrift -<span class='pageno' id='Page_220'>220</span>they rubbed their eyes, to make sure that sleep was -not with them and conjuring a fanciful vision in -a dream. No, the boat was still there, rising and -falling on the slowly undulating rollers and moving -ever toward the open. Then between La Punta’s -tip and the northern shore perhaps a dozen persons -sprang into skiffs, whitehalls, and wherries, and let -fall oars to race for the prize.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Halt!” called a soldier standing on the beach -near the big, smooth guns on The Point.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Halt!” An infantryman levelled his rifle beneath -the forts at Chucuito.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Halt!” yelled a red-uniformed guard, stationed -on the mole in Callao.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Halt!” A boatman who was pushing off from -Los Baños dropped his oars and came back on shore.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Halt! Halt! Halt!” was heard at intermediary -points, for around all the sweep of land bordering -the bay stood sentinels, and their orders were to -permit no man’s interference with the progress seaward -of that lighter laden with garden truck.</p> - -<p class='c000'>From these guardsmen was learned the nature of -the craft that was so jealously watched, and the news -spread with lightning rapidity over the city of Callao, -to Bella Vista and haciendas adjoining, to Miraflores, -to Chorillas, and all over Lima; and from there -it was wafted up the mountains to Chosica and even -to Matucana.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_221'>221</span>Peru was to be revenged! That was the keynote -of the message, and then followed in more or less exaggerated -form an account of what had been done -and what was the expected sequel. Revenge! After -having been humiliated in the south by many defeats, -after suffering from blockade—which is a -thumb-screw torture inflicted by one nation upon -another—and after being insulted by the flaunting -in their face of the lone star flags hoisted on the -<em>Huascar</em> and the <em>Pilcomayo</em>; after all these had occurred -and all this time had elapsed, Peru was at last -to be revenged!</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Chilean fleet would be blown out of the water -before noon! This was the word which was sent -from mouth to mouth.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Early risers, who were on the streets soon after -dawn,—venders of water and venders of such scant -green stuff as could be obtained,—hurried to the -shore and dotted the beach here and there, gazing -seaward expectantly. All that day jackasses wandered -unattended around the streets of Callao, braying -mournfully, and bearing on their backs casks -that had been filled from the river Rimac, or baskets -that contained plantains and coarse vegetables.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In a few minutes these hucksters and providers -of the day’s drinking supply were joined by other -men, persons who lived near the beach and had run -from breakfast tables when the news had reached -<span class='pageno' id='Page_222'>222</span>them; some were only half dressed, for they had -jumped from their beds at the summons. Then -from out all the streets of the seacoast city poured -a throng, and men were joined by women and children. -A solid human line marked the entire water-front, -and behind it formed others. Balconies of -buildings that faced the sea were rented that morning, -and then space in windows was sold. Callao’s -shore line was the tier of a gigantic amphitheatre; -the bay was the arena.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A severe earthquake shock is followed by an exodus -from the seacoast to Lima, which is on high -ground and beyond reach of a tidal wave. At such -times all manner of equipages are pressed into service; -railroad trains are overcrowded, and those who -cannot ride in car or carriage, on horses or mules, run -or walk along the road. But no flight from the -coast to Lima ever equalled the outpouring from the -City of the Kings toward Callao on this morning of -July 3, 1880; and within two hours after the -lighter had been pushed from the Chucuito beach -the depopulation of the capital commenced, and a -wave of humanity swept down the highway and -spread out over the pampas country.</p> - -<p class='c000'>After taking leave of General Matajente, the boys -had directed their steps toward the Dartmoor residence -on the Mar Bravo side of the peninsula, and -realizing each minute more and more vividly the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_223'>223</span>stupendousness of the impending tragedy, they increased -their speed accordingly, until, when the -house was reached, they were running as fast as -they could; and bounding up the stairs, two and -three at a time, they burst into the dining room, -reaching there nearly out of breath.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Mr. Dartmoor was at breakfast, and with him at -table was Captain Saunders, who had been his guest -over night. The men listened in astonishment to -the recital, and at its conclusion the iron merchant -said:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“No business can be transacted this day. We -may as well go to Callao and witness this deplorable -attempt at destruction of life and property.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You may well say deplorable,” remarked Captain -Saunders. “Torpedo warfare is to be regretted -under any circumstances. But against the modern -engines of destruction, which are projected beneath -the water, the enemy has some means of defence. -He may let down nets at the sides and entangle the -projectile, or by continual vigilance keep his ship -from being struck. Against this bomb-laden market -boat there is no defence, except accidental discovery -of its true character. It is an abominable -trap, and if any one is killed thereby, it will be coldblooded -murder.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You say that General Matajente did not approve -the action?” asked Mr. Dartmoor.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_224'>224</span>“Indeed he did not, sir. His expression told us -more than did his words, however. He seemed to -be thoroughly disgusted.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I should expect as much from him, and I believe -that Peru as a nation will not approve such methods -of warfare. Let us hope this attempt will not succeed. -I am surprised, though, boys, that your old -friend should have conceived such a plot.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That man, John Longmore, is insane,” said Captain -Saunders, with emphasis. “He has been insane -ever since he received that sabre cut on board -the <em>Huascar</em>. He is a monomaniac in his hatred of -Chileans.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“We noticed his peculiar actions this morning, -father,” said Carl.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The boys were hastening their breakfast while -this conversation was taking place, and announced -themselves ready for departure as soon as their -fathers pushed back chairs from the table.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“If this succeeds, it will be deplorable for another -reason than the immediate loss of life,” said the captain, -rising.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You mean because of a postponement of peace -negotiations?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I fear you are correct.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“How will it affect the peace negotiations, sir?” -Louis asked.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_225'>225</span>“Because the Chileans will become so incensed that -they will not listen to the propositions for arbitration -which have recently been made by commissioners -sent from Washington. Not only that,” said Captain -Saunders, “but any hope of Chile abandoning -her idea of territorial annexation will be gone. I -prophesy that if this lighter, armed and equipped -by John Longmore, does any considerable damage -in the Chilean fleet, that Peru will pay for it with -the province of Tarapacá.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The richest province?” said Harvey.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, my lad, the richest nitrate of soda country -in the world.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>By this time they were on the plank road that -leads from Chucuito to Callao, and after a brisk -walk of fifteen minutes reached the business section. -They were too early to meet the mass of humanity -that later surged through all the streets; but they -encountered some hundreds of persons who were -rushing toward the water-front.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“This will be a gala day,” remarked Captain -Saunders.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, until the truth is known,” was Mr. Dartmoor’s -reply. “Then you will see a reaction and -genuine sorrow. I know these people, I have lived -among them since we parted company in the States, -immediately after the war—and,” he added in a -low tone, “I married one of them.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_226'>226</span>“Pardon me, my old friend,” said Captain Saunders, -“I did not intend to wound your feelings. I -was not speaking bitterly of the Peruvians as a -people, but of those who are responsible for this -action to-day.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You must remember that an American suggested -it.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That is true, John, but he is insane, I am certain. -Those who gave it the stamp of approval are the -guilty ones.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>They had reached the large building owned by -the English Railroad Company, and the boys, who -had walked somewhat in advance, stopped in front -of the entrance to the flight of steps and looked -back inquiringly.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes,” said Captain Saunders, in reply, “go -ahead.” Then he added, “There’s no better place, -is there?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“No. We may as well go up here.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The railroad building was situated on the beach, -and a broad balcony on the second floor jutted out -over the water. This veranda and nearly all the -rooms on the floor were leased by the English Club. -From no place, except the tip of La Punta, could a -better view be obtained of the bay.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Mounted on tripods at both ends of this open space -were two large telescopes; numerous marine glasses -were on tables. For years, until 1880, these clubrooms -<span class='pageno' id='Page_227'>227</span>had been a favorite place for captains of the -merchant marine and naval officers to lounge during -afternoons, and they had been no less enjoyed by -the Anglo-Saxon residents of Callao and Lima.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The boys hurried to the railing as soon as they -had reached the veranda and looked seaward. Out -in the offing, darning the needle, were six ships on -blockade duty. About a mile from shore, heading -well out from the Chucuito beach, was what appeared -to be a small boat. They knew it was the lighter, -and glances which each in turn took through one of -the telescopes showed that the cargo of vegetables -and meats had not been disturbed. It was the only -craft moving on the bay. At anchor, but safe under -the forts, were the monitor <em>Atahuallpa</em>, the corvette -<em>Union</em>, and the training ship <em>Maria Theresa</em>, remnants -of the Peruvian navy. Within the new pier were -perhaps a score of vessels, tied up until the blockade -should be over. Nothing else was on all that broad -expanse of beautiful harbor, except a little schooner, -moored at a buoy, and an abandoned, unseaworthy -bark.</p> - -<p class='c000'>For several weeks after the blockade had been -established, the members thronged the club-house -and waited their turn to gaze through the powerful -lenses at the ships flying the lone star flag; but long -before July, 1880, came around, the enemy’s fleet had -ceased to attract attention; and as nothing stirred -<span class='pageno' id='Page_228'>228</span>in the bay, the men shunned the balcony because the -view it commanded was disheartening. It told of a -dead commerce, of stagnant trade. But this morning -all those who possessed the little blue membership -tickets hastened to the quarters, and many -brought friends, so that within an hour after the -arrival of Captain Saunders, Mr. Dartmoor, and the -boys, the place was overcrowded, and late comers -were compelled to go higher and seek vantage points -in windows of the railway company’s offices.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Chucuito party was fortunate, both in arriving -early and in being joined by a number of intimate -friends, for they were enabled to take possession -of one of the large telescopes, and hold it for the -morning.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Don Isaac was the first to come, and he listened -attentively to the recital by the boys, who told again, -for his benefit, of the strange doings at the break of -day on the Chucuito beach. They had hardly finished -when Señor Cisneros appeared.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What is this I hear? Are they going to use a -torpedo in broad daylight? I fear it will prove certain -death for the crew that attempts to approach -those ships,” and he pointed seaward.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Captain Saunders explained that the torpedo was -not of the kind generally launched from war vessels, -or sent from shore, and he briefly described the construction -of John Longmore’s engine of death. The -<span class='pageno' id='Page_229'>229</span>Peruvian’s face flushed while he listened to the recital, -and his eyebrows contracted.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“This should not be allowed!” he exclaimed. -“It is a crime! Pierola should be appealed to and -asked to stop this slaughter.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>At these words Mr. Dartmoor looked at Captain -Saunders triumphantly. He had been correct in his -estimate of the people. First, the officer who had -been ordered to oversee the details of launching the -lighter had denounced the work to which he had -been assigned; and now a representative citizen from -the interior deplored the event in even more energetic -terms.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was too late to stop the enactment of the -tragedy, too late to appeal to Pierola. The fiendish -plot, hatched in the crazed brain of the old whaler, -and approved by a hot-headed official in Lima, must -go forward. The boat which was laden with market -produce had drifted two miles from shore, and -was nearing the line where the green water of the -harbor merged into the blue beyond; as it passed -from one colored surface to the other events began -to move rapidly—and all the while, from along the -shore, came the buzz of the many thousands who had -crowded as near as was possible to the water’s edge.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Look!” suddenly exclaimed Louis. “A boat -is putting off from the mole!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It’s the state barge,” said Harvey, after a glance -<span class='pageno' id='Page_230'>230</span>through the marine glasses. “I wonder what’s up -now.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The question was soon answered by the craft itself, -which was rowed alongside the <em>Union</em>. Believing it -had been sent out only to carry an officer back to his -ship, they paid no more attention to this section of -the harbor until Carl called attention again to the -corvette, by saying that a steam launch had put -off from her side. Puffs of smoke came from the -short stack on this small vessel, and after swinging -under the stern of the <em>Union</em> she shaped a course -out toward the open.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The foreigners on the club veranda looked at one -another in amazement; the natives on the beach set -up a shout.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Thank God!” fervently exclaimed Señor Cisneros. -“They are going to tow that lighter back to -the shore.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Out steamed the launch, at full speed, sending -spray flying at the sides of her stem, and leaving -astern a narrow path of white that marked where -her propeller had churned the water.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Until this small craft appeared in the bay, the -Chileans had evidently given no heed to the lighter -that, by this time, had well entered the blue; if it -had been sighted by them, no sign to that effect had -been made; they continued to steam slowly backward -and forward, patrolling the entrance. But when the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_231'>231</span>launch had covered half the distance between the -shore and the provision-laden barge, the cruiser -<em>Mathias Cousino</em>, which at that time happened to be -the nearest to La Punta, changed her course and -made toward the harbor. Ten minutes later she -fired a bow gun, and the shot plunged into the water -not far from the launch.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Peruvian boat at once put about and made for -the <em>Union</em>. A dense cloud of smoke from her stack -told that the stoker on board was using all his -energy, and that the boiler had been called upon for -the highest pressure it could stand.</p> - -<p class='c000'>An expression of disappointment could be seen on -the faces of Mr. Dartmoor and Señor Cisneros. The -crowd shouted again, and the noise made by the -many thousands was like the roar of a train, or the -rasping of stones over stones on a beach when the undertow -sucks them back. One could not tell whether -this shout was in approval or disappointment.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I do not believe it was ever the intention to have -that launch tow the lighter back to port,” said Captain -Saunders.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You do not?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“No.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Why did she go out, then?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It was a ruse.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“But what could have been the object?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That ship’s manœuvre answers your question,” and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_232'>232</span>the captain pointed to the <em>Mathias Cousino</em>, which -was moving slowly toward the provision-laden craft. -“The Chileans had not noticed Old John’s floating -mine, or having noticed it were suspicious,” he added. -“The launch was sent to attract their attention, or to -lull their fears by an apparent anxiety to tow the -lighter inshore.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Whether Captain Saunders had surmised correctly -or not was never known in Callao; the instructions -given the officer in command of the launch were not -made public.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Every eye had been turned in the direction of the -Chilean cruiser that had left her station, and as she -came within a mile of the barge, men on the club -balcony climbed on the railings and on tables, that -they might see the better, expecting that she would -prove a victim to the floating mine. But after a few -minutes the <em>Mathias Cousino</em> altered her course, and -describing a broad semicircle, returned to her position -in the squadron.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“She has set signals!” said Captain Saunders, who -had been looking through the telescope.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“And the <em>Blanco</em> is answering!” remarked Señor -Cisneros, after sweeping his marine glasses to the -right, where the flagship formed one of the wings of -the fleet.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“She’s shaping a course for the lighter!” exclaimed -the captain, who had swung his telescope around; and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_233'>233</span>then every one looked toward the north, from which -point of the compass the big ironclad was lumbering -shoreward.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A breeze from the south, blowing somewhat earlier -in the day than was usual, had cleared the last -shadow of mist away, a cool temperature had prevented -the forming of a heat haze, and the eye could -discern even trees on San Lorenzo Island.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At the time of exchanging signals the <em>Blanco</em> was -about six miles distant from the <em>Mathias Cousino</em>. -She moved sluggishly, not over eight knots an hour, -for her hull had become foul with the marine growth -of the South Pacific; and it was a half hour from the -time she left the line before she reached the spot -where the cruiser had been. The lighter had moved -some two and a half miles from shore, and was still -drifting. To reach this craft the big man-of-war had -approached so near that even those who had no marine -glasses could make out features of her superstructure; -while persons sitting at the telescopes -counted the number of men stationed on the bridge -and on other elevated deck works.</p> - -<p class='c000'>By approaching this close the flagship came within -easy range of the shore guns, and when she was only -a few cables’ length distant from the lighter, a shell -was sent screeching over the water from one of the -rifled pieces in the castle. It struck to the south of -her, fully a quarter of a mile.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_234'>234</span>“That bluff is so poor that I should think her -commander would see through it,” said Captain -Saunders.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What do you mean by a bluff, father?” asked -Carl.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Why, that gun-fire, evidently ordered to lull the -suspicions of the Chileans, who might wonder if no -shots were let fly.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Didn’t they aim at her, then?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Certainly not, son.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>At that moment a shell flew from the Chucuito -fort, and it went as wild as had that from the castle.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Then everybody bent forward breathlessly, looked -out over the bay with staring eyes, and not a word -was spoken; a silence as of death had fallen upon -the multitude that thronged the shore lines. For -the <em>Blanco Encalada</em> had slowly passed between the -lighter and the land, had reversed her propeller, and -had come to a stop with the lighter alongside. None -could see this boat that was crowded with food-stuffs -and undermined with sufficient explosives to destroy -every ship out there in the offing, but they knew -that it had been made fast, and that greedy eyes of -half-famished sailors were spying the wealth of edibles—enough -food to put new life into every man -in the fleet, even as there was sufficient material, -hidden by the green, to insure every man a horrible -death.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_235'>235</span>Minutes passed like hours; the ticking of watches -could be heard. What could they be about on the -ironclad? Why the delay? Why did the crash -not come and be over with?</p> - -<p class='c000'>Harvey was watching as were the others, but all -at once he buried his face in his hands and covered -his eyes. The boy who had stood before the Majeronas -so bravely became dizzy when he thought of -the awful scene that might spring into being any -moment out in the bay; a lump was in his throat. -Carl and Louis also turned away at times. Strong -men were affected and nervously twitched their -fingers, tapped the floor with their feet, or bit the -ends of their mustaches.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“She’s away! She’s safe!” suddenly exclaimed -the captain. “She’s made out the trap and is putting -out to sea again!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Then everybody saw the lighter reappear under -the war-ship’s counter, and gradually the water and -sky line broadened between the big ship and the -boat.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_236'>236</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XVIII.<br /> <span class='large'>JOHN LONGMORE’S REVENGE (<em>concluded</em>).</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_4 c006'>Señor Cisneros gave vent to a sigh of -relief; so did Mr. Dartmoor. The boys were -both disappointed and pleased. If they could have -seen a war-ship destroyed without loss of life, the -spectacle would have thrilled them; or could they -have been eyewitness to a naval engagement in which -both sides had warning, they would have enjoyed -nothing better. They understood perfectly the -attitude taken by their seniors, and their love of fair -play told them that such methods of warfare as that -employed by John Longmore could have no honest -approval.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Captain Saunders picked up his hat from a table, -and, rising from the chair where he had ensconced -himself so as to look the better through the telescope, -he prepared to leave the veranda, and waited a -minute until the others could make ready. Several -club members had hurriedly taken their departure, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_237'>237</span>anxious to avoid the crowd that would throng the -streets.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Come, boys,” Mr. Dartmoor said, and he started -toward the stairs.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Just a minute, please, father?” asked Louis, who -had taken a seat at the telescope. Then he added, -“I wonder what the <em>Blanco</em> is signalling for?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“She is signalling, that’s a fact,” said Carl, who -had taken up a pair of marine glasses and was looking -seaward.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Hurry! Don’t you see you are keeping us all -waiting?” insisted Mr. Dartmoor.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“One second, please, one second! Oh, father, -look! There’s another ship coming up. See, that -one to the south is leaving the line!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Mr. Dartmoor turned and took the marine glasses -which Carl handed to him.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Take a look, captain,” he said, after a minute. -“I do believe another ship is planning to take the -cargo on board.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Captain Saunders put his eye to the telescope and -was heard to mutter:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You’re right, Dartmoor.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>He gazed at the oncoming vessel some few minutes -longer, then added: “Yes, sir; one of the -transports is making in this direction. And I think -that I can understand the reason.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Are we still in doubt as to the outcome?” asked -<span class='pageno' id='Page_238'>238</span>Don Isaac, who with Señor Cisneros had returned to -the corner.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes. And if I am correct in my surmise, the plot -will now succeed.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“How so? Don’t you think that the <em>Blanco’s</em> -officers guessed the nature of that cargo?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“No. I don’t believe they did. If they had, she -would probably have stood off a short distance and -put a shell into it, to test the correctness of the suspicion. -Instead of that, the admiral has signalled -another ship to approach. My strongest grounds for -believing that the ruse has succeeded are based on -the nature of the vessel that has been called from the -line.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“In what respect?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“She’s a transport. Moreover, she was formerly -in the coast service.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“If I am not mistaken, she is the <em>Loa</em>, formerly one -of the Chilean Transportation Company’s vessels. -You will remember her. She was on the Callao-Valparaiso -run a year or so ago.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I remember her well,” said Mr. Dartmoor. “I -once took passage on her to Arica. Why has she -been called?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Because she has machinery on board that can be -used for lifting the provisions from the lighter. -There is a heavy swell outside, and the <em>Blanco</em> could -<span class='pageno' id='Page_239'>239</span>not bring the small boat close enough to transfer the -green stuff; so the former coaster has been ordered -to do it. She is especially equipped, with steam -winches and swinging cranes, which have been used -for that purpose for many years, up and down the -coast. Watch, and you will see that I am correct,” -and he settled himself firmly in the chair, convinced -that the tragedy had been postponed, not -avoided.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Other club members had noticed the manœuvre -out in the open, and had returned to their seats and -positions near the railing; and still others, who were -descending the stairs, had been called back by their -friends. A movement had been noticed in the crowd -on the beach, a wave of humanity had receded toward -the city when the <em>Blanco</em> put out to sea again; now the -wave was sweeping back, for keen eyes all along the -water-front had noticed that change in position by -ships of the enemy.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The <em>Loa</em>, one of the largest passenger steamers on -the Pacific in that day, had been bought by the Chilean -government for the purpose of carrying troops -from Valparaiso to the Peruvian seaports. Pending -the embarkation of the large force that was ultimately -to march on Lima, she had been sent to the -blockading fleet with supplies. The vessel was -almost new, her engines were of a late pattern, and -she could steam a good fourteen knots. Therefore -<span class='pageno' id='Page_240'>240</span>her progress from the line was much more swift than -had been that of the <em>Blanco Encalada</em>. On she came, -parting the glassy rollers, throwing a curved wave to -port and another to starboard, smoke belching from -the stack, and steam flying in gray tangles from the -escape pipe.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What a shame!” remarked Señor Cisneros, as -they watched her approach. “I have heard that the -poor fellows out there have been attacked with -scurvy. Think what a treat those vegetables would -be to them after these long months of salt pork and -dry bread!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“We can only hope that they will discover the -plot,” said Mr. Dartmoor.</p> - -<p class='c000'>For ten minutes little was said by those on the -veranda; then Captain Saunders, who remained with -his eye glued to the object glass, exclaimed:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“She’s shifted her helm and will bring the lighter -on the shore side of her.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>They noticed that she had altered her course; then -she slowed down perceptibly.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Five minutes later the <em>Loa</em> appeared to be motionless; -if she was moving, it was very slowly; the -lighter had been brought abeam. Observers who -had no glasses could tell the relative position of the -two craft, so clear was the air; those with marine -glasses could see that preparations were going forward -to make the provision boat fast; through the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_241'>241</span>powerful telescopes every movement of persons on -the deck and bridge could be watched.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Captain Saunders commenced to describe rapidly -what was happening, for the benefit of those who -had no lenses to aid their vision.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The lighter is abreast the <em>Loa</em>,” he said. “They -have let a rope down over the side, and a sailor is -descending to the boat. There! he has found a -footing and is making the rope fast to the bow. -Another rope has been thrown him, which he is -making fast to the stern. Down this comes another -fellow, to help him, and another. Three of them are -now on board. Fenders are being thrown them to -place between the sides, for she is bumping heavily. -Ah! nearly over!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What was nearly over?” Mr. Dartmoor asked. -“The lighter?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes. She was almost swamped. I wish she had -been. Perhaps that wrench has dislodged the machinery -of the mine. Now they are passing down -poles and these are being used between the sides, -instead of fenders, so as to keep her farther off. -More men are going on board; there are fully a -score of them among the green stuff. I can make -out a number of them eating fruit. Poor fellows, -what a treat all that does seem! Little do they -know that they are enjoying chirimoyas, paltas, and -oranges while standing on the brink of death! Now -<span class='pageno' id='Page_242'>242</span>we shall be able to tell. The suspense won’t last -much longer!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What has happened?” asked Don Isaac.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“They have swung the crane around and are -lowering the chain with a basket attached.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That means they are loading with the green -stuff first, I believe. You said that was on top, did -you not, Carl?” asked the editor.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, sir,” the boy replied, in a choking voice. -“The fruits, the lettuce, beans, and such things are -scattered about over the meat and larger vegetables. -And flowers too.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Flowers?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“An armful of them, sir,” Harvey said.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Then that accounts for the bunch of red which -I saw one of the men throw on board just now,” -said Captain Saunders. “There goes the first basketful. -It is going up rapidly; the crane is swinging -inboard; it is being dumped on deck. Now the -crane is travelling back and the basket is lowered -again. The men fall to. They are loading with a -will, for an officer has gone down among them and -is directing. I suppose the poor devils stopped too -often to taste the fruit. The second basketful is -going up! up! up! That also is dumped. What’s -this? The basket is not coming back! No, hooks -are being lowered on the end of the chain. They -must have put in all the vegetables that were on top -<span class='pageno' id='Page_243'>243</span>and have reached the meat. Ah, they are commencing -at the bow and not amidships. There goes a -shoulder of beef! Inboard with it! Out comes -the crane arm again and down go the hooks! Another -shoulder of beef! Those fellows are working -like mad. Why, Dartmoor, they must be nearly -famished. I suppose they didn’t appreciate what a -rich haul they had come across. Merciful God, if -Thou wilt but stay Thine hand!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The brief, fervent prayer was echoed by all who -heard. The faces of men and boys had become -ashen pale. Two hundred men were on the transport -<em>Loa</em>, two hundred hungry men, and there were -thousands of others in the fleet. The launch contained -enough fresh provisions to give them all a -treat for at least one day.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The <em>Blanco Encalada</em> had steamed only a short -distance away, and then had swung around and lay -rolling in the trough, waiting, her crew evidently -watching the work that was being pushed forward. -Other ships of the fleet, realizing from the signals -what was happening, had edged closer in.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“They are working their way aft,” continued -Captain Saunders. “Some smaller pieces are being -sent up the side. You say the infernal machine is -located exactly amidships?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, sir,” answered Harvey, in a whisper.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“There, there!” The captain held his hand out, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_244'>244</span>as if in a warning. “The officer is bending over; -a sailor bends over with him. The hook is being -made——”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The sentence was never finished.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A blinding flash sprang from the side of the transport, -a flash that dazzled the eye even in the bright -day, and for one infinitesimal measurement of time -everything stood out plainly—the side of the ship, -the lighter, the men bending over, the men grouped -among the provisions, and those who had manned -the chains. Then, in contrast with the lightning-like -movement of the great glare was the slow movement -of the steamship, parting in twain. She -opened as though a giant wedge had cleft her in -two; she had been rent asunder by a force that was -titanic. And as she thus divided, a roar the like of -which no man in Callao had ever heard came thundering -over the water. The great sound waves -threw themselves upon buildings, causing them to -tremble to their foundations, and thrust upon sensitive -ear-drums with deafening force. Then they -swept on, over the seacoast city, over the pampas -country, up to Lima, rattling windows there, and -passed from the City of the Kings to the spurs of -the Andes, which threw them back in a prolonged -echo, so that all the valley seemed filled with sound.</p> - -<p class='c000'>While the roar was spreading, a column of water -had sprung into being out in the bay, and spurting -<span class='pageno' id='Page_245'>245</span>through it was a writhing mass of steam. This -vaporous geyser bore in its embrace fragments of -men and fragments of iron, steel, and wood; it -carried dismembered human beings aloft in its gray -fantastic flight, and it also bore piston rods, segments -of crank shafts, plates, torn and twisted from -the hull, hatch coverings, deck railings, and sides of -superstructures; it enveloped a medley of wrought -metals and rough wood, and a medley of quivering -bodies. It bore upward also the ragged ends of the -transport <em>Loa</em>, lifting the segments that had been -torn asunder, so that the bow of the ship dipped -down, and the stern did likewise. Then these two -parts plunged beneath the surface, going in opposite -directions, and as they went, the spout of water fell, -and the steam settled down over all. This steam -could be seen whirling and eddying, and when the -light wind threw it to one side, the water was seen -to be whirling and eddying even as had done the -vapor, throwing up pieces of wood in places, and -also black objects, which those who still looked—and -they were not many, for the great majority had -turned their heads because of the horror—knew to -be the bodies of men.</p> - -<p class='c000'>From the sides of the <em>Blanco Encalada</em> boats commenced -to creep; from farther out in the bay other -vessels of the fleet cast great columns of smoke into -the air as they made haste to the rescue.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_246'>246</span>The many persons on the veranda of the English -Club said nothing for fully five minutes, so struck -with awe were they. Then Captain Saunders found -voice to call the boys.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“We had better go now,” he said. “You have -witnessed what will go down into history as the -crime of the Chile-Peruvian War.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>His prophecy was true. That which Mr. Dartmoor -and Señor Cisneros had said also came to pass, for -Peru as a nation mourned what had been done, and -the blush of shame came to the cheeks of many -whenever the sinking of the <em>Loa</em> was mentioned.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Months later those in Callao who had watched -this spectacle learned that one hundred Chileans -had been killed and fifty wounded by Old John’s -infernal machine.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“We had better go to Lima,” added the captain, -when they had left the veranda and had mingled -with the thousands who were slowly leaving the -beach.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Why? Do you think there will be a bombardment?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Assuredly there will be. The Chileans will be -avenged to-night.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>They went to the capital, and so did thousands of -other residents of the seacoast city.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At sunset the Chilean fleet steamed in close under -the guns, and paying no heed to the fire from the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_247'>247</span>forts, poured shot and shell into Callao until morning -came. Houses were destroyed, large buildings -were lacked through and through, and many fires -were started. There was a death list among those -who remained in the town, and many persons were -wounded.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_248'>248</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XIX.<br /> <span class='large'>A STRANGE DISAPPEARANCE.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_4 c006'>News filtered through the lines from the south -of serious reverses to Peruvian arms. It came -overland, for there was no communication by sea. -The word was to the effect that Arica had been -taken by assault on June 7, and that there had been -great loss of life in the Peruvian army.</p> - -<p class='c000'>No man doubted that the Peruvian city had -fallen, but as for the particulars, so many rumors -were afloat that no credence was given any of them, -and every one anxiously awaited definite information.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Much lawlessness prevailed about this time, both -in the cities and in the surrounding country. Nearly -half the population was under arms in Lima and -Callao, and these many thousand soldiers, inactive -save for the daily drills, became restless, and when -given liberty they resorted to deeds of violence. -Day after day reports reached the towns of country -haciendas having been pillaged, and the occupants -forced to pay tribute to marauding bands; citizens, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_249'>249</span>out late at night, were frequently robbed; and a -prominent English physician of Callao was attacked -while walking on the plank road leading from -Chucuito, and was killed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The army as a whole deplored this reign of terror, -and officers did their best to check the wave of -crime. Courts-martial were frequent; the guilty -were ranged against a wall and shot, but, despite -this energetic action, deeds of violence continued. -Some of the worst characters in Peru had volunteered -for the ranks, and as they were known as -desperate fighters, their services had been accepted. -All would have been well could they have been led -at once against the enemy, but retained in camp, and -months passing without action, their worst natures -came to the surface.</p> - -<p class='c000'>When the reign of terror had become recognized -as beyond the power of the authorities entirely to -subdue, Mr. Dartmoor regretted more than ever that -he had not sent his family to the United States; -indeed, he regretted that he had not left the country -with them before the enemy’s ships had closed -the port.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Captain Saunders, convinced that no vessels could -enter the harbor for many more months, and realizing -that in their absence his presence in Peru was of -no benefit to the American Board of Marine Underwriters, -decided upon an overland journey, with Carl, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_250'>250</span>to one of the northern cities, from where they could -take passage for Panama. He spoke of the plan to -Mr. Dartmoor, and the iron merchant decided to -accompany him. Mr. Lawton, hearing of their proposed -trip, and having arranged his affairs in a satisfactory -manner, said that he also would go.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“But your newspaper?” asked Captain Saunders.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I shall suspend publication. All my obligations -have been met, thanks to Harvey and his father, and -I am in a position where I can close the plant and -reopen it when peace shall be declared and business -resume.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I think it would be wise for us all to go,” -declared Mr. Dartmoor. “Nothing can be done -with the mine until this unfortunate war shall come -to an end, and we are constantly exposing our lives -here. What will you do?” he asked, turning to -Señor Cisneros, who had remained in Callao, hoping -that the clouds of depression might lift.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I shall return to Huari and wait for peace,” he -replied. “We are safe in the mountains. I wish -you all could go with me.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>They thanked him, but declined. Mr. Dartmoor -had not been home save for a brief period since the -Civil War; he wished his children to become better -acquainted with the great republic to the north, and -he was anxious that Mrs. Dartmoor should see more -of the United States.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_251'>251</span>Plans were formed to travel overland to Payta, -and some forty or fifty other Americans and English -decided to accompany them. The day for departure -had been set when two events occurred, the first of -which put a temporary stop to preparations, and the -second altered their arrangements materially.</p> - -<p class='c000'>One evening, during the last week in July, five -young persons were gathered in the parlor of Mr. -Dartmoor’s Chucuito residence—Carl Saunders, -Louis and Harvey Dartmoor and their sister Rosita, -and Bella Caceras. The presence of the girls in -the Callao suburb was due to a temporary truce that -had been agreed to by the commander-in-chief of -the land forces and the admiral of the Chilean fleet, -whereby it was agreed not to exchange shots for a -fortnight.</p> - -<p class='c000'>This had no effect upon the blockade, but it made -Callao a safe place to live in so far as the element -of bombardment was eliminated, and, taking advantage -of the lull in hostilities, those who had homes -near the sea removed from Lima, so as to enjoy -the bracing salt-laden air and have a brief respite -from the crowded, soldier-burdened life of the -capital.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The evening had been prefaced by one of those -dinners for which John Dartmoor’s home had been -noted before his financial difficulties had embarrassed -him. To be sure, this day the dishes were not as -<span class='pageno' id='Page_252'>252</span>numerous as they had been before the blockade, and -that which was served cost four and five times the -price of edibles in the olden times, but steaming -pucharo was there, as of yore, and there was no -lack of paltas and other fruit.</p> - -<p class='c000'>After the enjoyable hour at table, Mr. Dartmoor, -Captain Saunders, and Señor Cisneros went to the -billiard room, and Mrs. Dartmoor accompanied the -young people to the parlor, from where, after a few -minutes’ conversation, she went to her bedroom, -having some sewing to do—for these days of preparations -were busy ones, and, as all women know, -it was upon the mother that the greatest burdens -fell.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Toward eight o’clock, Harvey, who had stepped -out on the balcony for a minute, suggested that -they stroll over to Mar Bravo beach.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It’s a perfect night,” he said. “The moon is -full and there’s hardly a cloud to be seen; only a -few of fleecy white that scud along as if ashamed -to interrupt the light.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Do you realize, sir, that if you should change -that sentence a trifle you would have a verse for a -poem?” laughingly said Bella Caceras. “But you -are right. It is lovely. Let’s all go. The evening -is warm and we do not need any wraps, do we, -Rosita?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I think not,” and rising, Miss Dartmoor joined -<span class='pageno' id='Page_253'>253</span>her friend, then all passed out the door and down -the stairs.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Where are you going?” called Mr. Dartmoor, -from the billiard room.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“To the beach, father,” answered Louis.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Don’t be gone long.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“No, sir; not over a half hour.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was the first time the five had visited Mar -Bravo beach since the happy days preceding the -blockade, when these evenings at Chucuito were of -frequent occurrence.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“This does seem good!” exclaimed Harvey, as -he sat down on a circular, flat-topped stone, as near -the line where spray dashed as he could venture -without being wet.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What did you say?” called Bella Caceras, who -was seated somewhat above him.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I said that this seems good,” he called back. -For, although they were almost within touch, the -roar of the breakers and their accompanied undertow -was so loud as to drown conversation.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Better than fighting Majeronas with pincushions?” -he heard her mischievously ask.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At this he followed a receding breaker, and snatching -a clump of seaweed from the swirl, he returned -and threatened to crown the Peruvian with the dripping -mass unless she offered an apology.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I’ll be good! I’ll be good!” she shouted, endeavoring -<span class='pageno' id='Page_254'>254</span>to rise. “Oh, look at the beautiful starfish -you have in the bunch!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Harvey deposited the seaweed at her feet, and -Rosita came over with Carl and Louis, to examine -closely the red stellerid that had been so unexpectedly -captured. The time passed only too quickly, and all -were surprised when Louis, looking at his watch, -and recalling the remark he had made to his father, -said they must hasten home, for they had been absent -from the house nearly an hour.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On the return, when halfway between the beach -and the Dartmoor Row, as the house owned by the -boys’ father and those adjacent to it were called, -Carl proposed a race.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I can’t run,” protested Bella Caceras.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Oh, try,” urged Louis.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Let me whisper in your ear,” said Rosita, and then -exclaiming, “Pardon me, boys,” she said to her friend, -very low, “Let’s start with them, then you and I -stop suddenly, and walk on. We will have a nice talk -all alone and they’ll never notice it.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Very well.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Will you race?” asked Carl.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, we’ll race.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Then all in line,” said Louis. “One, two, three, -and off!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Great rivalry had always existed between the boys, -and once started they strained every muscle to call -<span class='pageno' id='Page_255'>255</span>forth speed. Before his trip into the interior Harvey -had never been able to keep up with his brother and -chum; but that journey had toughened him greatly, -made him more agile, and this evening he surprised -the other two by taking the lead and keeping it. So -intent were all three, that they never looked around -until the house was reached, nor even then, for Harvey -dashed in at the front door, the others after him, -and all sat down on the steps, panting and out of -breath.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Well, that’s the jolliest sprint we’ve had for a -long time,” said Louis, when he had recovered sufficiently -to form the words.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I believe it is the first time we have tried to see -who could beat since we used to run from Chucuito -to La Punta in the old days of the Rowing Club,” replied -Carl. “And say, Louis, what do you think of -your young brother here? Beating us square and fair -by three feet or more in a three hundred yard dash!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Sh!” exclaimed the boy whom they were complimenting. -“Listen! What’s the row in the yard? -And, Louis, mother is screaming, calling out, or -something. Come on! Come on, Carl!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>They needed no urging, but dashed up the stairs, -two and three steps at a time, then through the -house to the rear balcony, which overlooked a large -court. There they met Mrs. Dartmoor, who was -crying hysterically.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_256'>256</span>“What’s the matter, mother?” asked Louis and -Harvey, at the same instant.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I don’t know,” she sobbed. “There was a noise -in the stables and your father went down. I heard -some terrible sounds, and then he called for Carl’s -father and Señor Cisneros. They were already on -the way to him, and the three must have had an encounter -with some one. It seemed as if all the -horses had been turned loose. Oh, I don’t know -what has happened!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>At that moment a voice came from below, calling:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Have the boys returned?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, father,” replied Louis. “We are here.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Come down.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“All right, sir,” he replied, and the lads obeyed -only too willingly. Mrs. Dartmoor, reassured at -hearing her husband’s voice, returned to her room.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Dartmoor Row, which included the house occupied -by John Dartmoor before his failure, and to -which he had removed since the discovery of the -gold mine, and the advance to him of money by capitalists -of Lima, consisted of a number of fine residences, -built in a semicircle in the heart of Chucuito -suburb. They were, in fact, the most pretentious -structures in this little place, and because of the prominence -in diplomatic and business life of the tenants, -they were known by foreigners all up and down the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_257'>257</span>West Coast. Back of the houses was a high fence, -which completed the circle, and which enclosed a -large court. Within the enclosure were the stables -and other outbuildings, arranged so that the whole -somewhat resembled an English country residence; -indeed, it was said to have been patterned from an -estate near London. Flights of stairs connected the -court with the different houses, and it was down one -of these that the boys ran. At the bottom they met -Mr. Dartmoor, Señor Cisneros, and Captain Saunders.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“We had a little brush with them,” said Louis’s -father.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“With whom, sir?” the lads asked, and they saw -that the iron merchant was holding a handkerchief -to the side of his head and that the Peruvian was -limping as if his leg pained him.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“With a rascally band of soldiers,” replied Mr. -Dartmoor. “But they were not half so bad as their -leader. Louis, who do you think he was?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“But, father, are you hurt?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Nothing to speak of. Tell me, who do you think -led the soldiers into the court?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Alfred?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, Alfred.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The scoundrel!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Mr. Dartmoor spoke of a young Englishman to -whom they had given employment about the place. -He had deserted from an English man-of-war, and, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_258'>258</span>believing his story to be true, that harsh treatment -had caused him to run away from the ship, the iron -merchant had found work for him. But he soon -learned that the young man was addicted to the use -of strong liquors, and after repeated warnings he was -compelled to discharge him. The notification that -he was no longer needed had brought bitter words -from the former sailor boy, who had denounced Mr. -Dartmoor and had threatened to “get even.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What did he try to do, father?” asked Harvey.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Try to do! He has done it. He and his band -have taken all the horses!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The horses?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, every one that was in the stables. Yours -and Louis’s, mine, and two that belonged to Mr. -Dartnell. I heard the noise and ran down the stairs. -There were fully twenty of them, and I could do -nothing, so called Captain Saunders and the señor, -but they got away.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>While this conversation was taking place they had -walked from the centre of the court to the stairs, -which they soon commenced to mount. At the top -they were met by Mrs. Dartmoor, who asked:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Did Rosita go into the court with you, boys?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Rosita? No,” said Harvey. “Is she not in the -house with Bella Caceras?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“No. I have called her several times.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Why, that is strange. They came back with us -<span class='pageno' id='Page_259'>259</span>from Mar Bravo. That is, they followed close -behind.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The boy ran into the house and called “Rosita! -Rosita! Rosita!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>No answer came.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Louis and Carl hurried after him. “They are hiding -downstairs,” said the latter. “They are playing -a joke on us because we ran away from them.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“They shouldn’t do that,” said Harvey. “They -must have heard mother call. A joke is a joke, but -they ought not to worry her.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The boys ran down the steps and out in front. -The girls were not in sight. They looked in the -doorways of the neighboring houses. No one could -be seen.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Rosita! Rosita!” called Harvey and Louis. -“Don’t try to hide any longer. We know where -you are.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>There was no answer.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Where do you suppose they are?” asked Harvey, -and his voice trembled.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I think we should tell father,” said Louis, and -running to the foot of the stairs he called to Mr. -Dartmoor.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What is it, Louis?” asked the iron merchant.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“We can’t find Rosita and Bella Caceras.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Can’t find Rosita! Why, what do you mean? -Rosita!” he called.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_260'>260</span>No reply came.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Where were they, boys, when you saw them -last?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Following us from Mar Bravo. We all started -on a foot race, and the girls were with us. They -couldn’t have been more than a dozen steps in the -rear.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Perhaps they are hiding behind the stones. Run -over to the beach and see if they are not.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The boys did as they were bid and returned in five -minutes. No sign of the girls had been seen. All -called again. There was no answer. Mrs. Dartmoor -came downstairs and added her cries to those -of the men and the boys. Not a voice was heard in -reply.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Rosita Dartmoor and Bella Caceras had disappeared.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_261'>261</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XX.<br /> <span class='large'>A CHASE INTO THE PAMPAS COUNTRY.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_4 c006'>They formed a startled group out in front of -the Dartmoor Row, standing in the white of -the moonlight, and for fully a minute not a sound -came from them, except low moans from Mrs. Dartmoor’s -lips. These, too, suddenly ceased, and the -woman fell toward her husband.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Quick, Louis! Help me! Your mother has -fainted!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The boy sprang to his father’s side.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“We must carry her upstairs.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Captain Saunders also hurried to assist, and the -three bore the deathlike mother to her bedroom, -where restoratives were applied, and she soon regained -consciousness.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“There, I am better now,” she said, as soon as she -could sit upright. “I must go down and look for -Rosita,” and she tried to struggle to her feet.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“No. Please don’t try to do that,” urged her -husband. “Louis will go, and so will the captain, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_262'>262</span>and with Señor Cisneros, Carl, and Harvey they will -do all that is possible. I shall remain by your side -until you are much better.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Then he stepped over to Captain Saunders and -whispered, “For God’s sake do what you can!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Rest assured that I will,” was the reply, and he -left the room with the boys.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Below they saw Señor Cisneros walking slowly up -and down the road, near the end of the row. He -was bent nearly double, and was carefully examining -the ground.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Come here,” he finally called to those who were -gathered near the door, and when they had approached, -he added, “Do you see these hoof prints, -rounding from the stables.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes,” they all exclaimed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Notice that they continue on in front of the -houses about a hundred feet and then stop.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>He had walked along while calling their attention -to the marks that were plain in the light-colored, -sandy soil of the roadway.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You are correct,” said Captain Saunders. “What -does it mean?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“First, let’s ascertain if they continue up the -main road,” and turning, he walked in the direction -of Callao again.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes,” he added, “they doubled over this stretch. -Notice how confused the imprints are, and now,” -<span class='pageno' id='Page_263'>263</span>when they had passed the corner, “see, they are -plain again on the way to the city! Those girls, -Rosita and Bella, have been kidnapped.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Kidnapped? By whom?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“By that scoundrelly Englishman and his ruffianly -band. After leaving the stables they made for the -main road. At the corner they saw the girls, and -as they were only a few feet away, they picked them -up and dashed off again. We did not hear them -nor the cries of the girls, which of course were soon -stifled, because we were so occupied in the court.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I <em>did</em> hear a scream,” said Captain Saunders, -“but paid no particular attention, thinking one of -the women servants had cried in alarm because of -the uproar in the stables. But, señor, for what reason -would they kidnap the girls?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“For a ransom. That English renegade knows -about the gold mine, and the thought came to him -at once to extort money. Here, Harvey, come -back!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The boy, who had started on a run, came to a -halt.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Where are you going?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“After them,” he replied.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You can do nothing alone and on foot. We’ll -all start. Louis, are there any horses in the neighborhood?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>He shook his head in negation.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_264'>264</span>“Oh, yes there are!” exclaimed Harvey, who had -quickly returned. “There are some at the fort.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Then hurry over there as fast as you can, explain -to the commandante what has happened, and ask -him if he will lend us mounts. Louis, you go with -him, and Captain Saunders, let your son go also. It -will take three of them to bring back the horses.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Certainly. Make haste, Carl!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The lads disappeared around the corner, and their -footfalls could be heard as they started to cross the -peninsula.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The señor at once went upstairs, and returned with -Mr. Dartmoor, who looked over the ground as the -others had done, and became convinced that the -Peruvian’s theory was correct.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Mrs. Dartmoor is better,” he said, returning to -the door. “Captain, will you do me a favor?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Anything you ask.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Then remain with my wife, for I must join in -this chase.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I shall do so willingly, if she needs any one.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, she does; for her nerves are completely -shattered, and I dare not trust her alone.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Very well, I will remain. Would you like to -have Carl accompany you?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“By all means. We need as large a force as can -be quickly mustered.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>They were upstairs again before this conversation -<span class='pageno' id='Page_265'>265</span>was ended, and Mr. Dartmoor, hastening to his wife, -reassured her the best he could.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I do not apprehend any harm will befall the girls, -aside from a rough ride,” he said. “Those marauders -want money, that’s all.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You will pay them?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, of course I will, should it be necessary; but -I don’t think it will be.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Hurry, then; oh, do hurry!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“We will be off as soon as the horses come. It -will be all right then for me to go and leave Captain -Saunders with you, dear?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, yes. I really do not need any one—but -if the captain could stay, I should like to have -him.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I am very glad that I can be of any service,” -said Carl’s father. “And let me assure you, Mrs. -Dartmoor, that I feel convinced your daughter and -Señorita Caceras will soon be recovered.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Meanwhile the men who were to go were making -hurried preparations, casting aside coats and vests, -and donning flowing ponchos; also exchanging shoes -for high boots. Mr. Dartmoor went into the boys’ -room and gathered an armful of articles, which he -thought his sons would need, and which he carried -downstairs so they might lose no time in getting -ready for the road.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“We’ll leave what we don’t want on the sidewalk,” -<span class='pageno' id='Page_266'>266</span>he called to Captain Saunders. “Please have one of -the servants take them in.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The clatter of hoofs sounded, and four horsemen -dashed around the corner and came to a sharp halt -in a cloud of dust. Four other horses were being -led. The first to dismount was a little man clad in -a brilliant uniform of red and gold braid.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“General Matajente!” exclaimed Mr. Dartmoor, -and he grasped the soldier fiercely by the hand. -“Thank God you have come!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Rosita and Bella kidnapped!” replied the officer. -“Never fear, we will soon be up with them.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Hurry, boys! dismount and make ready!” and -Mr. Dartmoor pointed to the clothing that lay on the -pavement.</p> - -<p class='c000'>So expeditious were the lads that they were fully -equipped by the time the men had tightened their -saddle girths.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Have you weapons?” asked the general, as they -all prepared to mount.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Mr. Dartmoor made an affirmative gesture.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“And the boys?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Each has a revolver. I have permitted them to -carry firearms since these dangerous times began.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Then let’s be off!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>They started at a canter up the road to Callao, -knowing the wisdom of not urging the horses at the -start. As for the course they pursued, the topography -<span class='pageno' id='Page_267'>267</span>of the land was such that the marauders could -have taken no other. In the city they received -information that directed them still farther. A -policeman near the English railway station had seen -the soldiers going rapidly to the northeast. Yes, he -had noticed two señoritas in the party, and he had -believed the troops were escorting them. Did they -call out? No.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Then,” said General Matajente, “they must have -been gagged, or else the scoundrels rode close and -threatened them. Tell me,” he inquired of the -policeman, “were the señoritas mounted—each on a -horse by herself?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, señor commandante.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Forward, then!” And the party started across -the city in the direction indicated. At the farther -end, not far from the Baños del Oroya, they came -upon a sentinel on guard near an artillery camp, and -from him they also secured information. The kidnappers -had passed on beyond Callao, going in the -same general direction.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“They have taken the road to Bella Vista, that’s -certain. Now we can go faster.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Spurs were pressed to flanks, whips were let fall, -and the horses dashed forward on a run. The three -men were in front and the boys close behind. -The animals that had been brought from the Santa -Rosa fort were the best in the stables, for General -<span class='pageno' id='Page_268'>268</span>Matajente, who had been the guest, during the evening, -of the commanding officer, and had heard Louis’s -and Harvey’s petition for steeds, had warmly -seconded their request and finally had selected the -mounts himself. Accustomed to command, the little -officer had unconsciously taken the head of the party; -and Mr. Dartmoor was rejoiced thereat, for the -courage and ability of the general had been tested -many times, and was known to equal that of any man -in the service of Peru.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It is two miles from Callao to Bella Vista, and -within five minutes after leaving the city they drew -rein in the little settlement, their horses snorting, -with heads uplifted, necks arched, flecks of foam -dropping from their mouths, and sweat commencing -to show on their shoulders.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Two roads branch from here,” said the general, -“and we must decide quickly which to take. Señor -Cisneros, perhaps you can aid us again.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The resident of Huari had already dismounted, and -he went at once to the fork, then walked rapidly in -a stooping posture along the highway to the right. -It was still bright moonlight and would be for several -hours, so that he had little difficulty in scanning the -ground. After going a hundred feet or so, he returned -with the information that no one had recently -passed that way, except a party of two or three, and -they had moved at a walk. Then he moved over -<span class='pageno' id='Page_269'>269</span>the left branch, going even farther this time, and -upon returning he said:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Not a person has passed over this road on horseback -in the last twenty-four hours.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>They looked at one another in alarm. Had a -mistake been made and all this time wasted? Who -had given the wrong direction, the policeman or the -soldier?</p> - -<p class='c000'>But suddenly the general exclaimed: “There -may be a clever rogue in that party. To horse, -señor! I have a plan,” and riding forward, he -led them along the road that branched to the -left.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Where can he be going?” asked Mr. Dartmoor. -“He must realize that every moment -counts.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“He believes they made a detour, and so do I,” -replied Señor Cisneros.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The general rode at a rapid gait full a quarter of -a mile, bending down close to the saddle, his head -almost on a level with his horse’s neck, scanning the -white roadway; then, drawing rein suddenly, he -exclaimed in a triumphant tone:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Try it again, señor, at this point.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Señor Cisneros was no sooner on his feet than he -said: “Yes, here are the tracks! They came out of -the short grass at this point.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“And they entered it below Bella Vista, believing -<span class='pageno' id='Page_270'>270</span>they could throw us off the trail!” added General -Matajente. “Now I think we have them. The -road is straight to the Rimac, then follows along its -bank for ten miles, and after that comes a bridle-path -up the hills. Forward! Not too fast, señores! -Easy with the horses for a few minutes, then we’ll -let them out!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>They rode close. No words were exchanged; the -only sounds were the hoof-beats and the hoarse -breathing of the horses. The speed was increased -gradually, General Matajente setting the pace, and -soon the gnarled cacti and dwarf shrubs of the -pampas country seemed to pass them by as do objects -seen from the window of a train. A half hour -of this riding brought a mass of vegetation in sight -ahead: rows of bamboos, palms, and willows. The -soil became more fertile; thick, heavy grass, dotted -here and there with yellow lilies, took the place of -the dry vegetation.</p> - -<p class='c000'>They had reached the valley of the Rimac. From -the dense underbrush on each side darted birds; the -cries of others sounded. A silver thread shone between -an opening in the woods ahead, and in another -minute the road turned more to the east, commenced -to follow the wanderings of the river, and became -no longer level but slightly up grade.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Halt!” said General Matajente, and when they -had drawn rein he added: “A five minutes’ rest -<span class='pageno' id='Page_271'>271</span>now may be worth a mile of extra speed later. -Everybody dismount! Now let’s lead the animals -to the bank and let them drink. But only a little. -Remember, boys, only a swallow or two. Beat them -back if you have to.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>They did as he directed, and had no little trouble -restraining the heated, panting animals; then returned -to the road again and waited by the horses’ -sides until the word was given to mount, when they -started once more, convinced that they were on the -right track, for all had been able to see the imprints -of hoofs on the roadway.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The scoundrels didn’t stop to water here,” said -General Matajente to Mr. Dartmoor, when they were -riding again. “They probably tried it farther along -and failed, for the banks are too high. I tell you, -my friend, we’ve got them!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The iron merchant reached out his hand and -grasped that which the little officer had extended. -No further words were exchanged, for the father -was too choked for utterance.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Fragrance from heliotrope bushes came to them, -borne on the light wind that swept down from the -mountains. The road turned frequently, and at no -time could they see far ahead; it was thrown into -shadow in places by dense grasses, and in others -stretched away in clear moonlight. On they rode, -faster and faster, the horses needing very little -<span class='pageno' id='Page_272'>272</span>urging, for they sprang forward gladly in the clear, -cool night. An hour passed without a word being -said by any one, then the silence was broken by -the general.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“They should not be far off now. I don’t believe -they had over a half hour’s start, and they do not -know how to save their horses. Besides, the most -of the animals they have cannot compare with these. -Of course those which they took from your stables -are runners, but all the others must be ordinary -cavalry mounts.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Mr. Dartmoor nodded his head, to signify that he -understood, but he did not speak.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Still they rode on, sweeping under willows that -touched their heads and shoulders, curving in and -out between the bamboo rows, at times near the -river, again several rods from the bank, following -the winding road that by this time had narrowed so -that only two could ride abreast, and was increasing -in up grade. They had passed through an unusually -long stretch of forest and had emerged into an equally -long reach of roadway, lighted by the moon, which -was still about two hours high—for it was nearly -midnight—when General Matajente yelled:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“There they are!” and pointed to markings -straight ahead that at first looked like tall bushes, -indicating another turn, but which a second glance -told were moving.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_273'>273</span>A burst of speed followed his exclamation, for -reins had been loosened, rowels dug into the horses -feverishly, and whips let fall. The pursued were -not a quarter of a mile distant and the pursuers -were rapidly nearing them, for the shadows grew in -size. Indeed, they grew so rapidly that the general -looked with care, and then cried sharply, “Halt!” -catching Mr. Dartmoor’s horse by the bridle, throwing -both the front animals almost on their haunches -and bringing those behind to a stand.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What do you mean?” exclaimed the iron merchant, -angrily. He had drawn his revolver.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You must not fire. Remember the girls are -with them.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Mr. Dartmoor replaced the weapon in his pocket. -“But why do we stop?” he asked.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“They have stopped. And see, one of the band -is coming to meet us. They want to parley. Let -me speak with him, will you?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, yes, and pardon me, general.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The little officer rode ahead a few paces, and -Señor Cisneros moved up to Mr. Dartmoor’s side, -then all pressed closer.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A man clad in a ragged uniform came riding -slowly from the group beyond.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Well, what is it, fellow?” said the officer.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“General Matajente!” The tone showed the -surprise felt by the bandit, but noticing the small -<span class='pageno' id='Page_274'>274</span>numbers behind the intrepid warrior, he regained -courage and said insolently:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Our captain wants money.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Who, pray, is your captain?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Captain Alfred. He sends word that the señoritas -must be paid for.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“If I did right, I would shoot you down, you dog.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Then they would kill the señoritas.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“And what would happen to the murderers?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The bandit shrugged his shoulders. “We are -forty and you are six,” he said.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“So many as that!” General Matajente was heard -to murmur; then aloud he said, “What do you -propose?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The captain wants twenty thousand pesos (dollars), -señor commandante, and he will release the -señoritas unharmed.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“And if he is refused?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The bandit drew his hand across his throat significantly.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Stop!” implored Señor Cisneros, seizing Mr. -Dartmoor’s bridle rein.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Twenty thousand dollars! You don’t suppose -we’ve anywhere near that sum at our command!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Our captain says that you can get it, señor commandante. -He knows of the gold mine.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“But even if we could get the money, it would -take a long time. Will you return the señoritas to -us if we promise to pay?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_275'>275</span>“I will ask the captain,” was the answer, and the -man rode back. He soon returned. “No, señor -commandante. The captain will keep the señoritas, -and they will be taken to our camp near Chosica. -He promises they will be unharmed if you will do -what he says.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What is that?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Return to Callao, secure the money, then two of -you, not more, come to Chosica twenty-four hours -from now. We shall be able to see you approaching -a mile away. If more than two come, it will be useless, -for no one will appear; but if you do as the -captain says, the señoritas will be delivered to you.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That can never be!” exclaimed Mr. Dartmoor. -“Twenty-four hours in those rascals’ hands! The -girls had better be dead. Let’s advance, general.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Please don’t interfere,” urged the officer. Then -to the bandit he said, “What do you suppose will -happen to you later?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“<i><span lang="es" xml:lang="es">Quien sabe?</span></i>” (who knows) and he shrugged his -shoulders again. “We shall have the money.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Harvey pushed forward his horse just then to the -side of General Matajente, and began to whisper -earnestly in his ear. After a few minutes the -officer said:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“This young man wishes to return with you and -reassure his sister and her companion. Will you -take him?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_276'>276</span>“What answer shall I give the captain?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That depends upon whether the señoritas are -unharmed and whether you do what we ask. When -the boy returns you come with him and we will -give the reply.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Very well, señor commandante. I can see no -harm in that,” and wheeling his horse he went back -over the road, with the boy following.</p> - -<p class='c000'>As soon as they were out of earshot General -Matajente said earnestly:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“When they return, hold your horses ready for a -sudden dash. Draw your revolvers, but keep them -concealed.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What do you propose?” asked Señor Cisneros.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I do not understand clearly myself, as yet. -Harvey has formed some plan, and will tell more -when he has seen his sister and Señorita Caceras!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The lad had indeed thought of a way to outwit -the bandits. It came to him suddenly, and was not -fully matured even when he started from General -Matajente’s side, but as he rode on he saw more -clearly, and his heart beat fast and the blood surged -to his cheeks. “If they are only mounted on Nigger -and Tom,” he thought. “If they only——”</p> - -<p class='c000'>His guide stopped further reflection by the sharp -command, “Wait here, while I ride on,” and Harvey -reined in his horse under an ironwood tree, about -fifty yards from the group, which could now be seen -distinctly ahead.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_277'>277</span>The envoy evidently conferred with the leader, -for after a few minutes another voice called out, -“Ride up! quick now!” and the boy urged his -horse forward. He was permitted to approach -within a few feet, and there he saw his sister -and her friend, both mounted on horses and seated -astride.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Thank God!” he thought, “Rosita is on Nigger -and Bella is on Tom.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The girls were not bound, nor were they gagged, -but forming a semicircle behind and at the sides of -them, partly in the road and partly in the long grass, -were a dozen mounted bandits, revolvers shining in -their hands. The girls were very pale, but did not -appear to have been injured in any way. They -looked like ghosts there in the moonlight, clad in -the white dresses they had donned for the evening -at Chucuito. They were strangely silent, and the -only greeting given Harvey was with their wild, -staring eyes.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The man who had called out rode from the centre, -and Harvey saw that he was Alfred, the discharged -servant.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Want to speak with your sister, eh, boy? Well, -you can. They’re all right. Yes, you may answer,” -he added, turning to the girls. “You see, we told -them we’d blow their brains out if they said anything.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_278'>278</span>“Oh, Harvey! Save us! Save us! Isn’t papa -coming?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It will be all right, Rosita,” the boy answered -nervously. “Have you been hurt?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“No, not much. My side pains me, for I was -lifted suddenly into the saddle.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“How are you, Bella?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Peruvian girl, who had not yet spoken, answered -hurriedly and somewhat wildly, “It’s horrible! -horrible!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Harvey gained control of himself by an effort, and -said: “We’re going to get you out of this all right. -Don’t worry any more. I’ve got to go now. Keep -up your courage.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>As he turned his horse, the bandit who had been -an envoy rode out from the bushes to his side.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“One moment,” said the leader, and Harvey drew -rein.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You can tell your father and the others that the -girls are in front and we propose to keep them there. -If any of you fire, they will be hit first. Now go -back, and I think you will advise the old gentleman -to pay.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>On the return trip Harvey continued saying to -himself, “Rosita is on Nigger and Bella on Tom.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“How are they, my son?” called Mr. Dartmoor, -as soon as the two were within hailing distance.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“They have not been hurt,” replied the boy, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_279'>279</span>who then rode rapidly to the side of General Matajente.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The captain wants his answer, señor commandante,” -exclaimed the bandit.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Just a minute; wait till I hear the lad’s report.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Meanwhile Harvey had been whispering rapidly: -“The girls are on our horses, Rosita on Louis’s and -Bella on mine. They are the swiftest horses in Chucuito. -Both are several steps in advance of the men, -and no one is touching them. They are good riders. -Shall I do it?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, and God help you. Quick now!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The boy swung his horse round, and rising from -his saddle yelled at the top of his voice:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“<em>Coo-ee! Coo-ee!</em>”</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was a call used by brothers and sister. When -out riding, if they became separated and wished to -attract one another’s attention, this was their signal. -It meant to hurry as well.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“<em>Coo-ee! Coo-ee!</em>”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Horses had learned the call, as well as the boys -and the girl. The animals always pricked their -ears and started toward the sound when it rang -out.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“<em>Coo-ee! Coo-ee!</em>”</p> - -<p class='c000'>A sharp ring of hoofs; a scream from up the -road—a scream, the intonation of which showed -that the one who gave vent to it understood.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_280'>280</span>Quick as a flash General Matajente wheeled his -horse, dashed up to the solitary bandit, and gave -him a blow on the head with the butt of his revolver -that caused the man to reel and fall from his saddle.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Open ranks there!” called the general. “Let -the girls through!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Two black streaks, bearing fluffy burdens of white, -were moving swiftly down the moonlit road, followed -several yards behind by a dense mass, from -which came cries and yells.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Close in after the girls, Dartmoor and Cisneros!” -ordered the little officer. “Carl and Louis go next! -Harvey, stay with me!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>On came Nigger and Tom, gaining with every -stride of their magnificent limbs; on into their -midst and through them, down the road, and as they -went the two men and two boys followed and covered -the retreat.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Fire!” called General Matajente, who had taken -his revolver from a saddle pouch. Two shots rang -out, one from his weapon and one discharged by -Harvey. A man fell from the front rank of those -who pursued, a horse toppled over, and there was -confusion in the mass.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Now ride for it!” called the general, and off the -two started, down the road, following the others.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Soon cries came again from the rear, horses at a -gallop were heard, and an intermittent firing began. -But the bandits were riding hard and their aim was -poor.</p> - -<div id='p280' class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_289.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>“Two black streaks, bearing fluffy burdens of white, were moving swiftly down the moonlit road.”</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_281'>281</span>“On with you!” exclaimed General Matajente, -digging spurs into his horse. “Ah! What’s -that?” and he pointed to a dense mass ahead of -them, ahead even of the girls and their escorts, a -mass that was coming forward swiftly. “Cavalry! -The commandante of Santa Rosa fort! He said that -he would follow.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was indeed a squadron, and the ranks opened -to let the fugitives pass through, then re-formed with -General Matajente at the head. The bandits, not -seeing the increased force because of a turn in the -road, came on wildly, and were met by a withering -volley from carbines. There was a short, sharp -struggle, and in five minutes twenty men lay dead -or wounded on the ground, and a score more had -been made prisoners.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Then all rode back to Callao, Rosita still on -Nigger, close by her father’s side, while Bella Caceras, -on Tom, had Louis and Harvey as escorts.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_282'>282</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XXI.<br /> <span class='large'>OLD GLORY IN THE BAY.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“The star-spangled banner,</div> - <div class='line'>O long may it wave!</div> - <div class='line'>O’er the land of the free</div> - <div class='line'>And the home of the brave.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_4 c006'>General Matajente and Señor Cisneros -acted as hosts one afternoon, a week after the -stirring events related in the last two chapters, and -entertained as guests at luncheon those who were -about to undertake the overland journey north. The -tables were set in the grand salle of the big hotel on -the tip of La Punta.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The truce agreed upon by the commanders of the -land and sea forces would end with the going down -of the sun on the morrow, and it was expected that -warlike operations would be renewed with vigor. -This meant active work for the general, and as his -friends would leave for the States within twenty-four -hours, he had suggested this means of bidding farewell.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_283'>283</span>Don Isaac was also there, and so were Señor and -Señora Caceras and Bella. The latter would, of -course, remain in Peru; at least everybody thought -they would remain, until, immediately after rising -from the table, Mr. Dartmoor announced that he had -persuaded Señor Caceras to send his wife and -daughter to the States with them. There was much -rejoicing among the young people at this, for they -had been drawn very close by the perils through -which they had passed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I don’t see how it is possible for me to get ready,” -said the señora.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Try,” urged Mrs. Dartmoor. “I will help you -to-night and to-morrow morning.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I would advise you to make the journey, madam,” -said Don Isaac “Your daughter does not seem to -have been well since her exciting experience.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“No, she has not, and I suppose the journey, especially -the sea voyage, would be of great benefit.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Indeed it will,” assented Mrs. Dartmoor. “Rosita -also needs a change. She has become very -nervous. For that matter, I think we have all been -somewhat upset by these trying times. I wish your -husband could accompany us.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I may be able to do so, at least as far as Panama,” -he said.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Then I shall go,” said Señora Caceras.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Bella brightened at this, and Harvey, who had -<span class='pageno' id='Page_284'>284</span>appeared somewhat worried when the conversation -had taken a doubtful tone, exclaimed in unromantic, -but no less hearty, tones, “Isn’t that bully!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“General Matajente, I wish that you could go,” -said Mrs. Dartmoor.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Duty, señora, compels me to remain.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“And you, Señor Cisneros?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I must return to Huari.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>From the large salle in which luncheon had been -served they went to the broad veranda above, where -there were many chairs, and from where they could -enjoy the beautiful view of the bay, the seacoast city -beyond, and Lima in the distance.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Both Carl and his father felt a twinge of sadness -when they saw the suite of rooms where they had -passed so many happy months before Mrs. Saunders -had returned to the States with Harold, but this was -followed by the glad thought that they would soon -be speeding north, homeward bound.</p> - -<p class='c000'>While the adults drew chairs near the centre of the -broad balcony, the young people walked to the end, -from where they could command a better view of the -bay and also of San Lorenzo.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Oh, those were happy days when we could row -over there in the practice boats!” exclaimed Louis, -pointing to the big island.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Are not these days happy, sir?” asked Bella -Caceras.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_285'>285</span>“Y-e-s,” he stammered, somewhat confused. -“You know, I meant——”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Well, what did you mean?” she demanded -laughingly.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It was a different kind of happiness,” said Harvey, -coming to the rescue.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You said that very prettily; didn’t he, Rosita?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, he did. But tell the honest truth, boys, -where would you rather be—out in the bay, or talking -with us here, on the veranda?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Here,” replied Carl.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“So I say,” Louis replied.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“And you, Harvey?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I would rather be out in the bay, and have you -girls with us.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>At this they all laughed heartily.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Look, there’s another ship coming to join the -fleet!” exclaimed the youngest lad, pointing seaward; -and they saw a seventh vessel farther out, -heading toward the six that composed the blockading -squadron.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It was there that you were capsized, was it not?” -asked Bella of Louis.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, just off the end of San Lorenzo, near where -the <em>Blanco Encalada</em> is cruising. My! Carl, but -that was an anxious evening! I don’t believe I ever -told you how frightened I was during the hours that -we clung to the overturned cat-boat.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_286'>286</span>“No, and I never told you. I think we kept one -another’s courage up, don’t you?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes I’m sure we did.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Let’s leave this place,” said Harvey, “and go -where the others are. It makes me homesick to -look out over the bay.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Why?” asked the girls.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Because the ships are all gone. It’s like going -through a house where everybody is dead.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Ugh! what a comparison!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Captain Saunders was talking when they came -near, and they drew up chairs and listened. He -had been telling those near him of a lonely six -months he had passed in Nicaragua, soon after the -close of the war, when he had been compelled to -remain in that country as an <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">attaché</span> to the United -States legation.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I had not been long married,” he was saying, -“and had left Mrs. Saunders and Carl in the -States, for there was no steamship communication -then, and the voyage to many parts of the Central -American coast was made in sailing vessels. It was -a very lonely life, there were few congenial spirits, -and the one or two who were companionable were -as homesick as I. On three occasions I was sorely -tempted to go on board a steamer and sail for New -York, and it is curious to note how old associations -influenced me at such times.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_287'>287</span>“How was that?” inquired Don Isaac.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The first,” said the captain, “occurred one hot -afternoon while I was lying in a hammock under a -cypress tree. It was a very oppressive day and I -was endeavoring to sleep, when suddenly from somewhere -came the notes of violin music. Somebody -was playing, ‘Maryland, my Maryland.’ The air -at once brought before my mind the two years I had -passed at college in northern Ohio, for one of my -old fraternity songs had been set to this music. I -saw the fresh green campus, bordered with maples, -the gray weather-stained dormitories, the red brick -gymnasium, and before me passed one after another -of my old college friends. An irresistible longing -came to rise and hurry to the land where they lived, -away from that land of strangers.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“And the second time?” asked Señor Cisneros.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Was one night while lying awake and tortured -with fever I heard the strains of ‘Home, Sweet -Home.’ Then came a picture of my wife and child, -of the wooden house, opposite the Episcopal church, -in the little village where I had left them. I could -see the yard, the well-sweep, yes, and I could hear -the wooden roller creak as the bucket was hauled -from the cool depths; and in my longing I believe -I called out for some of that cold, crystal water -which I had drunk when a boy.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_288'>288</span>“The third?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The third,” said Captain Saunders, sitting upright, -“was at Greytown, or San Juan del Norte, -on a Christmas day. I was looking out into the -bay when there rounded a cape and steamed in full -view a ship of graceful lines, and I saw fluttering -from her gaff——”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Oh, father!” interrupted Carl. “A man-of-war -is coming into the harbor!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>They all jumped to their feet, and hastened to the -end of the veranda.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“There,” said the captain, “there’s the picture -I saw. Look! The stars and stripes! An American -war-ship has arrived.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was so. A cruiser, of graceful lines and tapering -masts, was moving slowly over the passive waters -of the bay, and streaming from her halyards was -Old Glory. They watched her in silence as she -steamed to a point opposite Chucuito, where the -anchor was let go, and then the stillness of the afternoon -was broken by the discharge of cannon as her -forward guns fired a salute to the Peruvian flag that -had been broken at the fore truck.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That must be the <em>Pensacola</em>,” said Harvey.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, and Brown is her captain,” Captain Saunders -exclaimed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Why has she come here, do you suppose?” asked -Mr. Dartmoor.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_289'>289</span>“To take Americans and other foreigners to the -north before a general bombardment is begun. -Brown has probably received word that Chile contemplates -aggressive action, and he has come to our -rescue. Dartmoor, our overland journey need not -be undertaken. We can sail north in an American -man-of-war.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>A half hour later they left the hotel and went by -the little train, some to Chucuito and others to Callao. -While walking to the station, Bella Caceras, -who had been very quiet ever since the advent of -the <em>Pensacola</em>, stepped to Captain Saunders’s side -and said to him:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I’m so sorry. No, not exactly sorry, because -I’m glad for your sake, but I’m sorry for ours.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Sorry about what, young lady?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That mamma and I cannot go to the United -States.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“But why can’t you go?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You said, didn’t you, that the war vessel would -take away Americans and other foreigners? We -are Peruvians.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Bless my heart!” ejaculated the captain, “if -you look at old Brown only half as wistfully as you -do at me, he will not only take you, but will surrender -his cabin for your occupancy. Of course -you will go, if any of us do. I promise that.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Whereat Bella became happy again, and ran to the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_290'>290</span>side of her mother and father, to whom she told the -good news.</p> - -<p class='c000'>That evening the American consul sent word to -the members of the foreign colony that Captain -Brown of the <em>Pensacola</em> would take all citizens of -the United States on board the <em>Pensacola</em> on the -morrow and carry them to Panama, and that he -extended like invitations to other non-combatants -who wished to escape from the beleaguered city.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The word ‘non-combatant’ applies to you, Miss -Bella,” said Captain Saunders, smiling at the young -Peruvian.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He was right. The commander of the cruiser was -glad that he could grant passage to the friends of -the Saunders and Dartmoors, and by three o’clock -the next day those who had planned the overland -trip were stowed away, bag and baggage, on the -American man-of-war. As she steamed out of port -an hour later, two persons waved good-bys from -the Peruvian state barge, that had been pulled out -into the harbor. One was General Matajente and -the other Señor Cisneros.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The war-ship steamed near the <em>Blanco Encalada</em>, -and through a speaking-trumpet Captain Brown -thanked the admiral for permitting his entrance into -the harbor. Then the course was shaped for the -north.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At five o’clock the land was but a blue haze in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_291'>291</span>the distance. Carl, Louis, and Harvey stood at the -stern rail and watched the fading outlines.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Good-by, Peru,” said Carl, finally. “I suppose -I shall never see you again.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Poor Peru!” exclaimed Louis. “She has been -kind to us. I wonder what her future will be?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Harvey said nothing, but to him the shore line -was even more dim than to the others, for a mist -had formed in his eyes.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_292'>292</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XXII.<br /> <span class='large'>DARK DAYS IN INCALAND.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_4 c006'>The exodus from Callao was none too soon. -The day following the departure of the <em>Pensacola</em>, -the Chilean ships steamed close in, and for -forty-eight hours rained shot and shell into Callao. -Houses were set on fire in many quarters, and had it -not been for the non-combustible property of adobe, -out of which nearly all buildings were constructed, -the seaport would have been laid in ashes. As it -was, some of the finest residences were riddled, and -General Matajente learned with sorrow that the -Dartmoor Row had been partly destroyed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The castles, the Santa Rosa fort, the guns at Los -Baños and those at La Punta, replied vigorously to -the fire, striking the enemy repeatedly and ultimately -driving them out of range. But the cruiser -<em>Angamos</em>, armed with her powerful rifle, could stand -out in the harbor where no shot could reach her, and -throw shell after shell into the town. The screech -of these missiles was heard night and day; it became -<span class='pageno' id='Page_293'>293</span>horrible but familiar music, and men, yes even -women, slept of nights while the projectiles were -speeding on their way to give destruction and perhaps -death at their journey’s end.</p> - -<p class='c000'>August, September, and October of 1880 passed, -and no move to the north was made by the Chilean -land forces. Envoys from the United States had -arrived in Callao, and others had gone on to Chile. -They came with proposals of arbitration and the -expression of hope that peace would ultimately -result. They came instructed to do all in their -power to settle the difficulties between the republics, -and they also told Chile that she must not demand -territory from Peru as the price of peace. While -these negotiations were pending aggressive operations -ceased, and although the blockade of Callao -was maintained, there were no bombardments.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But Chile resented interference by the United -States, and particularly the insistence that no territory -should be demanded from Peru. For years she -had had eyes fixed on the rich nitrate beds of the -Tarapacá Province—the richest in the world, and -finally the government of the southern republic -announced that Peru and her ally, Bolivia, must -yield this district or Chilean armies would march on -Lima.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Protests were in vain. November brought the -news that army corps were being mobilized in Valparaiso -<span class='pageno' id='Page_294'>294</span>and in the captured city, Arica. Early in -December came the information that three great -divisions, numbering twenty-five thousand men in -all, had embarked on transports and were sailing -north. A week later a fleet of nearly fifty ships -appeared off the Peruvian coast, a few miles south of -Callao, and under cover of the guns of all the vessels -of Chile’s navy, men-of war coming from the south -and the others being withdrawn from blockade duty, -this great force was landed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Peru met the blow as best she could. Her army, -which had deteriorated during the long inactivity, -went into line with forebodings of disaster. The -troops under the red, white, and red disputed every -foot of ground between the capital and the sea, fighting -fiercely at Chorillos, Miraflores, and San Juan, -but they could not beat back the enemy; they were -defeated and routed, and Christmas day saw the -Chileans in Lima.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But the Peruvian army had not yet yielded, although -the enemy had taken possession of the capital; -the troops had withdrawn to the north, and from there -they continued to wage war. Several attempts were -made by the United States to bring about a peace, -overtures to arbitrate were frequently advanced; -but to all Chile turned a deaf ear, and insisted that -the demands made in 1880, that the nitrate provinces -be surrendered, must be met before the troops would -be withdrawn.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_295'>295</span>For three years this desperate, one-sided struggle -continued, and then Peru, compelled to purchase -peace at any price or lose her individuality as a -nation, made the best terms she could. Bolivia -yielded all her rights on the seacoast, and Chile -secured the port of Antofogasta forever. Peru -yielded the province of Tarapacá, and by the final -treaty, signed in 1884, she gave to Chile for a term -of years the provinces of Arica and Tacna, it being -agreed that in 1893 a vote of the people should be -taken, to determine to what power they wished -ultimately to belong.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Thus the land of the Incas emerged from its second -overwhelming defeat—the first at the hands of -Pizarro’s forces; the second at the hands of the -Chileans.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_296'>296</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XXIII.<br /> <span class='large'>AN APPEAL TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_4 c006'>The dawn of the twentieth century found Peru -recovering from the financial depression which -had followed the war, but still far from the position -which she had held before 1879. It also found -her knocking at the door of the great republic of the -north, and asking that a protecting arm be extended -below the equator, and that certain promises made -years before be fulfilled.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In the whirl that marked the last days of the -nineteen-hundredth term, the land of the Incas had -been lost temporarily from view. Peru’s ancient -enemy, Spain, had occupied the central position, and -at the hands of the vigorous northern country had -received even a more bitter defeat than that given -her on the west coast of South America when the -countries there had wrested their independence. -The Philippine Islands had changed in their allegiance, -so had Porto Rico, Guam, Tutuila, and Hawaii, -and Cuba had become independent.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_297'>297</span>All these events had overshadowed that which had -happened and was happening on the Western Hemisphere -to the south. But when the clouds of conflict -cleared away, there came into view a shade on the -southern horizon that told of trouble there. Peru -was seen gesturing and asking to be heard. Permission -granted, this is what she said:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Twenty years ago we were at war with Chile, -not through any fault of ours, but to save our southern -provinces from being taken away from us. Several -times during the early stages of that conflict we -had opportunity to make honorable peace, and each -time we were deterred because of the word that you -sent us, to the effect that exorbitant terms made by -the enemy should not be listened to, and that you, -with your great force, would prevent any seizure of -our territory. We listened and took heart. We -continued the struggle and waited. Internal affairs -withdrew your attention from us, and we were left -to do the best that we could. The best proved the -worst. Our richest lands were seized, and other land, -almost as valuable, was taken for a number of years, -upon a promise made that it would be returned. -That promise has not been kept. We have paid -Chile more indemnity than was paid by France after -the Franco-German War, and still our southern neighbor -insists upon the pound of flesh and demands complete -cession of the provinces of Arica and Tacna in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_298'>298</span>addition to Tarapacá. Therefore, we appeal to you, -to the United States of America, the mother of all -republics, and ask that you insist that justice be -done.”</p> - -<hr class='c013' /> - -<p class='c000'>It was a beautiful afternoon in early spring of the -year that was the most prosperous in United States -history. A man of about thirty-six or seven years -of age was hurrying along Pennsylvania Avenue, -not looking carefully to his steps, nor minding how -carriages might be approaching at street crossings, -so occupied was he with his thoughts. He was -warned by several coachmen and hailed by one or -more bicyclists, while the driver of an automobile -rang his gong loudly before he dodged from in front -of the rubber-tired wheels. Finally he ran squarely -into another man, and then came to a sudden stop, -for he must needs beg pardon. But as he lifted his -hat he caught sight of the person’s face and -exclaimed:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Carl Saunders!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Harvey Dartmoor!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>They grasped hands warmly. “Why, we have -not met since we left the steamer at New York -in 1880.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That’s so. More than twenty years ago. In -many things it seems like yesterday and in others -<span class='pageno' id='Page_299'>299</span>a century. What are you doing in Washington, -Carl?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I came on for a day, to attend to some business -for father. And you, Harvey?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I live here. At least I have a home here, and -pass half the time; the remainder of each year I am -in Peru. In fact, I am returning the day after to-morrow. -That reminds me, Carl, I have a very -important engagement at the White House.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“With the President?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, with the President. He has appointed two -o’clock as the hour when I may see him, and it now -lacks but five minutes of that time.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Then I must not detain you. Come and see me -when you have finished.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I will. Where?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Mr. Saunders named a hotel, and after a brief -hand clasp they parted.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Ten minutes later, in the White House, a dignified, -courtly gentleman asked the hurrying pedestrian -of Pennsylvania Avenue to be seated, and then -he said:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Have I the pleasure of addressing Mr. Dartmoor?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, your Excellency.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The Peruvian minister has spoken very highly -of you, sir, as one of the leading business men of his -country. He also informs me that you are a citizen -<span class='pageno' id='Page_300'>300</span>of the United States, and despite your love for the -sub-equatorial country you have never forsworn -your allegiance.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I have not, sir; nor shall I ever do so.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That I am glad to hear. It should not be an -easy matter for a citizen of this nation to relinquish -the ties. And now, sir, what may I do for you?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I have called, your Excellency, to place before -you briefly the conditions that exist in Peru, and the -causes that have led to the present state of affairs, -and to enlist your sympathy, if possible. I was a -spectator of many events of the war that began in -1879, and, since then, half my time has been passed -in Lima and in Callao. If you will grant me a few -minutes of your valuable time, I will say in as few -words as possible that which appeals to me as the -meat of this momentous question.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Proceed, sir.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I thank you. I will not burden you with the -events that led to the declaration of war, nor with -an account of the war itself, for that is not germane, -but I shall come at once to the time when the United -States entered upon the scene.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“In 1880 President Hayes offered the mediation -of the United States to the belligerents, and the -same being accepted, conferences were held in Arica -under the auspices of the representatives of the -United States in Chile, Peru, and Bolivia, Thomas A. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_301'>301</span>Osborne, J. P. Christiancy, and General Charles -Adams. Mr. Osborne declared, in his opening -speech, that the independence of the United States -was the origin of republican institutions in America, -and that the United States considered themselves in -a manner responsible for the existence of the institutions; -that the independence of the South American -republics was acknowledged, first of all, by the United -States, and the stability of the institutions founded -upon the independence, being put to a severe test -by the war, he hoped the belligerent republics, impelled -by the same wish that animated the United -States, would endeavor, by every means in their -power, to put an end to the war, by an honorable -and lasting peace. To this Chile replied haughtily, -that the province of Tarapacá must be ceded to her; -and the first conference came to an end.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“On June 15, 1881, new ministers were chosen to -represent the United States in the belligerent republics, -General Stephen A. Hurlbut in Peru and -General Judson Kilpatrick in Chile. To General -Hurlbut, Secretary of State James G. Blaine gave -the following instructions:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“’It will be difficult, perhaps, to obtain from -Chile a relinquishment of claims to territory, but, as -the Chilean Government has distinctly repudiated -the idea that this war was a war of conquest, the -Government of Peru may fairly claim the opportunity -<span class='pageno' id='Page_302'>302</span>to make proposals of indemnity and guarantee -before submitting to a cession of territory. -If you can aid the Government of Peru in securing -such a result, you will have rendered the service -which seems most pressing.’</p> - -<p class='c000'>“On August 25, 1881, General Hurlbut said, in -the course of his reception speech at Lima:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“’I wish to state further, that while the United -States recognize all rights which the conqueror -gains under the laws of civilized war, they do not -approve of war for the purpose of territorial aggrandizement, -nor of the violent dismemberment of a nation -except as a last resort, in extreme emergencies.’</p> - -<p class='c000'>“But, your Excellency, the efforts of General -Hurlbut and General Kilpatrick came to naught, and -on November 1, 1881, Mr. William Henry Trescot -was sent to Peru, Bolivia, and Chile, as a special -envoy. To him, in the course of his instructions, -Mr. Blaine said:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“’Already by force of its occupation, the Chilean -Government has collected great sums from Peru; -and it has been openly and officially asserted in the -Chilean Congress that these military impositions -have furnished a surplus beyond the cost of maintaining -its armies of occupation. The annexation -of Tarapacá, which, under proper administration, -would yield annually a sufficient sum to pay a large -indemnity, seems to us inconsistent with the execution -of justice.’</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_303'>303</span>“Mr. Trescot’s mission failed as had the others, -but, your Excellency, it did not fail through any -fault of his: it failed because of the change in the -policy at Washington. While this special envoy -was absent upon his delicate mission, the assassination -of President Garfield occurred and Mr. Arthur -became President. With his advent there came -into office a new Secretary of State, Mr. Frelinghuysen, -who at once altered the policy of his predecessor, -and Mr. Trescot’s instructions were changed by -wire. In the meanwhile, your Excellency, Peru, not -knowing of a change of heart at Washington, had -continued the struggle, believing that this great -country would continue upon the lines which it had -laid down and not permit the seizure of territory by -Chile. Not content with modifying Mr. Trescot’s -instructions, Mr. Frelinghuysen recalled that gentleman -to Washington. Fully appreciating the gravity -of the situation, although he was no longer an envoy, -Mr. Trescot, on June 5, 1882, wrote Mr. Frelinghuysen -as follows:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“’If the United States intend to intervene effectively -to prevent the disintegration of Peru, the -time has come when that intention should be -avowed. If it does not intend to do so, still more -urgent is the necessity that Chile and Peru should -understand exactly where the action of the United -States ends. It would be entirely beyond my duty -<span class='pageno' id='Page_304'>304</span>to discuss the character of the consequences of -either line of conduct; but I trust that you will not -deem that I am going beyond that duty in impressing -upon the government that the present position -of the United States is an embarrassment to all the -belligerents, and that it should be terminated as -promptly as possible.’</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Two weeks later, your Excellency, newly accredited -envoys were sent to Peru and Chile, Dr. -Cornelius A. Logan to the latter nation and Mr. -James R. Partridge to Peru. The instructions of -these gentlemen, your Excellency, were no longer -declarative that Chile had no moral right to demand -territory of Peru, but they contained the recommendation -that Peru be urged to make the best -terms possible, in order that the war might be -brought to an end.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Mr. President, the good offices of the United -States produced the sole effect of encouraging Peru -in her resistance, confident, as she was, of their -efficacy, thus greatly aggravating the condition of -the vanquished nation, only to find herself forsaken -in the end and defenceless in the hands of her -implacable enemy. In this regard, Mr. President, I -should like to repeat the words of Mr. Hurlbut. In -his official note to Mr. Blaine, dated Lima, October -26, 1881, he wrote:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“’If the United States, after denying to these -<span class='pageno' id='Page_305'>305</span>people every application for aid from any European -state, shall themselves refuse any help in their -desperate situation, it would seem to be almost a -breach of national faith. I myself am a profound -believer in the right and duty of the United States -to control the political questions of this continent, to -the exclusion of any and all European dictation. -This I understand to be the opinion held also by the -American people and to have been asserted by Congress. -This I also understand to be the doctrine of -the administration which sent me to this place.’”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The President was silent for several minutes after -Mr. Dartmoor had finished, then he said:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You have placed the matter before me very concisely, -sir. I am of course familiar with the details, -but I never had my attention called to them in such -a brief yet forceful manner.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Thank you, your Excellency,” said Mr. Dartmoor.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Your position,” continued the President, “is that -the United States, by interfering in the Chile-Peruvian -War, gave the last-named nation undue encouragement, -and because of a change in policy, failed -to impress Chile with the firmness of its position. -Because of this, you believe the United States should -now interfere and prevent Chile’s retention of the -provinces of Arica and Tacna?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, your Excellency.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_306'>306</span>“Mr. Dartmoor, I will place the matter before -Congress with the recommendation which you have -urged.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>He rose from his seat, and the conference was at an -end.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Harvey left the White House very much pleased -with the result of his call, and hurried to the hotel -where he had promised to meet his old friend, Carl -Saunders; and arrived there, he related in detail the -conversation with the President, and received the -congratulations of his chum of the Callao Rowing -Club days. Then they fell to discussing events that -had occurred those many years ago, and talked of the -persons they had then known. Both heard with -relief that all members of the two families who had -been so intimately associated were living. Carl was -delighted to learn that General Matajente was high -in favor with the government, and as belligerent as -ever, notwithstanding his advanced years.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“And John Longmore?” he asked.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Poor fellow! he died in an insane asylum.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“How is Señor Cisneros?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“He is very well, and is resident manager of the -mine.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That’s so, the mine! I forgot to ask about that. -Then it has paid?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, it has paid beyond our expectations, and -has made us all wealthy, so far as worldly goods are -<span class='pageno' id='Page_307'>307</span>concerned. But what are we doing here? I wish -to have you visit me at my home.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I should be delighted. Is it far?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“No; on Q street. Come. Rosita, who is visiting -me, will be delighted to see you.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>On the way Carl asked if Harvey had ever heard -of their esteemed friend, Don Isaac Lawton.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Why, yes; he is in Jamaica, and is in good -circumstances.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>They soon entered one of those large, elegantly -furnished residences for which Washington is -famous, and after closing the door Harvey called -out:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Rosita, here is an old friend from Callao!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>A tall, handsome woman soon appeared, and -grasped the visitor’s hand cordially. She was followed -into the room by one who was not so tall, but -even more beautiful and graceful.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“This is my wife, Carl. But, how stupid! Why, -you know her!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Know her? Know Bella Caceras? I should -say so!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>At the dinner table the guest remarked a curious -ornament on the wall.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Did I never tell you its history?” Harvey asked. -“To be sure I did. It’s the Majerona arrow.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“And the pincushion?” asked Carl.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I still carry that in my pocket.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_309'>309</span> - <h2 class='c005'>VOCABULARY.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'><span class='sc'>Pronunciation.</span>—ā, ē, ī, ō, as in fate, mete, site, rope; ă, ĕ, ĭ, ŏ, -as in hat, met, bit, not; ä, ë, ï, ö, as in far, her, fir, nor; ēē, as in -feet; ôô as in hoot.</p> - - <ul class='ul_1'> - <li>Alma Perdida, Äl’-mä Pār-dēē’-dä. - </li> - <li>Almirante, Äl-mē-rän’-tē. - </li> - <li>Antofogasta, An-tō-fō-gäs’-tä. - </li> - <li>Arica, Ä-rēē’-cä. - </li> - <li>Arroba, Ä-rō’-bä. - </li> - <li>Atahuallpa, Ä-tä-wäl’-pä. - </li> - <li>Ayuli, Ä-yôô’-ly. - - </li> - <li>Baños, Bän’-yōs. - </li> - <li>Bella, Bë’-yä. - </li> - <li>Blanco Encalada, Blän’-cō Ën-cä-lä’-dä. - </li> - <li>Bola, Bō’-läw. - - </li> - <li>Caceras, Käs’-ä-räs. - </li> - <li>Cajamaráca, Kä-hä-mä-rä’-cä. - </li> - <li>Callao, Käl-yōw’. - </li> - <li>Cerro de Pasco, Sār’-rō dā Päs’-kō. - </li> - <li>Chicla, Chēēk’-lä. - </li> - <li>Chile, Chēē’-lā. - </li> - <li>Chirimoya, Chēē-rēē-möy’-yä. - </li> - <li>Chosica, Chō-sēē’-cä. - </li> - <li>Chucuito, Chôô-quēē’-tō. - </li> - <li>Cinchona, Sēēn-kō’-nä. - </li> - <li>Cisneros, Cēēs-nē’-rŏs. - </li> - <li>Cordillera, Cōr-dēēl-yā’-rä. - </li> - <li>Covodonga, Kō-vō-dŏn’-gä. - - </li> - <li>Grau, Gräw. - - </li> - <li>Huari, Whä’-rēē. - </li> - <li>Huascar, Wäs’-cär. - - </li> - <li>Independencia, In-dā-pĕn-dĕn’-cēē-ä. - </li> - <li>Iquique, Ēē-kēē’-kä. - </li> - <li>Islay, Ēēs-lī’. - - </li> - <li>Jivaro, Hēē-vä,’-rō. - - </li> - <li>La Punta, Lä Pôôn’-tä. - </li> - <li>Lima, Lēē’-mä. - </li> - <li>Llama, Yä’-mä. - </li> - <li>Logroño, Lō-grōn’-yō. - - </li> - <li>Majerona, Mä-hā-rō’-nä. - </li> - <li>Manco Capac, Män’-cō Kä-päc’. - </li> - <li>Marañon, Mä-rän-yōn’. - </li> - <li>Matajente, Mä-tä-gĕn’-tā. - </li> - <li>Matucana, Mä-tôô-kän’-ä. - </li> - <li>Mirgoso, Mēēr-gō’-sō. - </li> - <li>Mutista Acuminata, Mu-tēē’-sēē-ä Ä-q-mēē-nä’-tä. - - </li> - <li>Oroya, Ō-rōw’-yä. - - </li> - <li>Palo de Sangre, Pä,’-lō dā Sän’-grā. - </li> - <li>Pedro, Pā’-drō. - </li> - <li>Peru, Pā-rôô’. - </li> - <li>Peso, Pā’-sö. - </li> - <li>Pilcomayo, Pēēl-cō-mī-yō. - </li> - <li>Prado, Prä’-dō. - - </li> - <li>Rimac, Rēē’-mäck. - </li> - <li>Rosita, Rō-sēē’-tä. - - </li> - <li>Señor, Sĕn-yṓr. - </li> - <li>Señora, Sĕn-yō’-rä. - </li> - <li>Señorita, Sĕn-yō-rḗē-tä. - - </li> - <li>Taruco, Tä-ru’-kō. - - </li> - <li>Ucalayli, U-cä-lä’-lēē. - - </li> - <li>Valparaiso, Väl-pä-rī’-sō. - </li> - <li>Vista, Vēēs’-tä. - - </li> - <li>Yucahualpa, W-kä-whäl’-pä. - </li> - </ul> - -<div class='lg-container-b c001'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_311'>311</span><em><span class='under'>Fighting Under</span></em></div> - <div class='line in6'><em><span class='under'>the Southern Cross.</span></em></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>A Story of the Chile-Peruvian War.</div> - <div class='c004'>BY</div> - <div class='c004'><em>CLAUDE H. WETMORE</em>.</div> - <div class='c004'>335 pages.      Illustrated.      12mo.      Cloth, $1.50.</div> - <div class='c004'><em>CONTAINING PRONOUNCING VOCABULARY AND MAP OF CALLAO BAY</em></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>This is one of the best stories for boys that has been issued, and -with great pleasure we heartily recommend it.—<cite>Observer.</cite></p> - -<p class='c000'>This story is full of thrilling interest and dramatic power. The -many picturesque descriptions give a real portrayal of the country -and its people.—<cite>Book News.</cite></p> - -<p class='c000'>This volume is so real that one imagines he is in the centre of -action. This doubtless is due to the author’s thorough acquaintance -with the customs and conditions of these countries.—<cite>St. Louis Star.</cite></p> - -<p class='c000'>Just now when there are so many reminders of the differences -existing between the South American States, and while the influence -of the Pan-American Congress in Mexico is being so strongly -felt, this book is very timely. It is a very vivid picture of the war -between Chile and Peru in 1879, and a portrayal of the customs and -manners of these states that is extremely interesting, and that throws -much light on present problems.—<cite>Christian Endeavor World.</cite></p> - -<p class='c000'>The bitter war of conquest waged by Chile against Peru has never -been given any popular presentation until now. The author is a -traveler who has covered all of South America and was a resident of -Peru when the war broke out. His picture of that period is absorbingly -interesting, and the promised sequel of this volume will be -awaited with great eagerness.—<cite>The Interior.</cite></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>W. A. WILDE COMPANY, Boston and Chicago.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='tnotes'> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c005'>TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE</h2> -</div> - <ol class='ol_1 c003'> - <li>Added the missing word ‘to’ on p. <a href='#p185'>185</a>. - - </li> - <li>Silently corrected typographical errors. - - </li> - <li>Retained anachronistic and non-standard spellings as printed. - </li> - </ol> -<div class='tnotes covernote'> -<p class='c000'>The cover image was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p> </p> -<p> </p> -<hr class="full" /> -<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK INCALAND***</p> -<p>******* This file should be named 53204-h.htm or 53204-h.zip *******</p> -<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br /> -<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/5/3/2/0/53204">http://www.gutenberg.org/5/3/2/0/53204</a></p> -<p> -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed.</p> - -<p>Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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