ared to appertain to
the so-called Sun Children; but, not a little to his chagrin, the azotea
was utterly devoid of human life.

But that disappointment was of brief existence, for, almost as though
his action was the signal for which they had been waiting, mother and
daughter came slowly into view, arm in arm, clad in robes of snowy
white, with their luxuriant locks flowing loose as upon former
occasions.

Both lads--three of them, to be more exact--gave low exclamations
of eager interest as those shapes came in sight, while even Cooper
Edgecombe gazed with growing interest upon the scene, wholly
unsuspecting though he was as yet.

A slight nod from the professor warned the brothers to stand ready
in case of need, then he offered the exile the glass, begging him to
inspect yonder fair women upon the teocalli.

The glass was levelled and held firmly for a half minute, then the exile
gave a choking cry, gasping, ere he fell as one smitten by death:

"Merciful heavens! My wife--my child!"

CHAPTER XXI. DISCUSSING WAYS AND MEANS.

In good measure prepared for some such result, in case their
expectations should prove true, friendly hands at once closed upon the
exile, hurrying him back, and still more completely under cover, as
quickly as might be.

Cooper Edgecombe seemed as wax in their hands, not utterly deprived
of consciousness, but rather like one dazed by some totally unexpected
blow. He made not the slightest resistance, yielding to each impulse
given, shivering and weak as one just rallying from an almost mortal
illness.

Yet there came an occasional flash to his eyes which warned the wary
professor of impending trouble, and as quickly as might be the stunned
aeronaut was removed from the point of observation, taken by short
stages back to the spot where rested the flying-machine.

Ixtli seemed something awed by this (to him) inexplicable conduct on
the part of the gaunt-limbed stranger, but gave his new-found friends
neither trouble nor cause for worry, bearing them company and even
lending a hand whenever he thought it might be needed.

The Gillespie brothers were far more deeply stirred, as was natural,
but even Waldo contrived to keep a fair guard over his at times unruly
member, speaking but little during that retreat.

With each minute that elapsed Cooper Edgecombe gained in bodily powers,
and while his mental strength was slower to respond, that proved to be a
blessing rather than otherwi