was evening when I reached the foot of the mountains. My horses
were tired out, and the worst part of the journey still lay before me.
However, the light had not altogether faded, so I began the ascent,
hoping to meet with some of Sorillo's men. As it chanced, I had not
long to wait.

A sudden "Halt! who are you?" brought me to a stand, and I answered at
random, "A friend of the Silver Key."

"Are you alone?" asked the voice, with just a tinge of suspicion.

"Yes," I replied. "I am Juan Crawford, and am looking for Raymon
Sorillo. Can you take me to him?"

A man stepped from behind a rock, and eyeing me suspiciously,
exclaimed, "Wait, senor. I cannot leave my post, but I will call for a
guide;" and putting his hand to his mouth, he whistled softly.

The sound was answered by one from higher up, and presently a second
Indian, armed to the teeth, came running down. The two talked together
in whispers, and at last the second man said, "Come this way, senor; I
will lead you to the chief. He will be pleased to see the son of Don
Eduardo."

Under the circumstances I thought this rather doubtful, but I followed
him up the path.

"Are you staying in the ravine?" I asked.

"Yes, senor, for the present."

"Did you go with the chief to Lima?"

"Ah, the senor knows of that! The old crocodile showed fight, and
killed a good man; but he is safe enough now."

"He has not been put to death?" I asked, my forehead clammy with
perspiration.

"Not yet, senor; he must first be tried."

"But what have you discovered?" I asked, thinking the fellow might be
able to give me some information as to the cause of Don Felipe's
abduction.

In this I was mistaken. The man knew, or pretended to know, nothing
about it. The chief had given orders, but not reasons, and had, as
usual, been obeyed unquestioningly. At a word from him his men would
have ridden into Lima and dragged the president from his palace.

It almost seemed as if Sorillo expected his stronghold to be attacked.
The path was guarded by sentries, and a score of men were stationed at
the entrance to the ravine, They passed us through without trouble, and
before long I found myself in the presence of the chief.

"You are surprised to see me?" I said briskly.

"Yes; I thought you were in Lima."

"I was there last night."

"You have made a wonderfully quick journey. You must be tired and in
need of refreshment. Come; I can at least offer you a good supper