telling me, as we came along, a strange tale of your life,
young man," he said, in a feeble voice. "It served to sustain me, when
otherwise I should have sunk with pain. Can I believe you?"

"Indeed, Senor, I have only told the truth," replied Pedro. "I was
found by the Indians, when an infant, alone in a wood. My complexion
shows that I am Spanish; and see, the crucifix and chain which were
around my neck when I was discovered, I have ever since worn."

"Merciful Providence, what do I behold?" exclaimed the wounded man,
starting up and gazing eagerly at the ornament Pedro exhibited. "It
is--it is! Come to my arms, my son, my son! I have found you, alas!
but to quit you too soon again."

Pedro had thrown himself upon his father's neck, for such there could be
no doubt Don Gomez was.

"Oh, do not say so, my father, whom I have so long sought. Do not say
that you must quit me!" he cried, in an agony of tears.

"Alas! it is the climax of my destiny," answered the Spaniard. "I have
longed to discover you, and now that my wishes are fulfilled, death
claims me as his own. Such has been my fate through life. I cannot
even leave you the wealth I have amassed, for of that also I have been
deprived."

"O do not think of that!" exclaimed Pedro. "It is sufficient for me to
know that you are my father; and do but recover and I will learn to work
for you and support you. Say that you will not die, and I shall be
happy."

I need not further describe the scene. Pedro sat by his father's side,
and deep and earnest was their conversation. Ned and I left them alone
and joined the Indians at their fire, for we saw that we could render no
further assistance to our patients. The Indians had brought food with
them, and as there was a supply of maize and dried meat and cocoa in the
cavern, we had no reason to complain of hunger.

Manco had given orders that one of the Indians should at all times be
stationed at the bridge I spoke of, leading to the ledge, to give notice
of danger; and they regularly relieved each other at the post, though
few would have ventured to cross that rocky ledge even in broad
daylight, much less at night, uncertain what reception they might meet
with at its termination. The night passed slowly, though I managed at
intervals, as did Ned, to obtain some sleep. I after a time got up and
stood at the mouth of the cave, looking up at the dark sky studded with
thousands of stars, and then glancing