and do what we shall tell you from
time to time, if you would live to look upon the sun."

Peter fell back astonished, while Leonard and Francisco turned their
attention to the approaching soldiers of the People of the Mist.

They advanced slowly and in silence, but their measured tread shook
the earth. At last they halted about a hundred and fifty yards away,
presenting a truly terrifying spectacle to the little band among the
rocks. So far as Leonard could see, there was not a man among them
who stood less than six feet in height, and they were broad in
proportion--hugely made. In appearance they were neither handsome nor
repulsive, but solemn-looking, large-eyed, thick-haired--between black
and yellow in hue--and wearing an expression of dreadful calm, like
the calm of an archaic statue. For the rest they seemed to be well
disciplined, each company being under the command of a captain, who,
in addition to his arms, carried a trumpet fashioned from a wild bull's
horn.

The regiment stood silent, gazing at the group of strangers, or, rather,
at the boulders behind which they were concealed. In the centre of their
hollow square was a knot of men, one of them young, and huge even in
comparison with his companions. This man Leonard took to be a chief or
king. Behind were orderlies and counsellors, and before him three aged
persons of stately appearance and a cruel cast of countenance. These men
were naked to the waist and unarmed, except for a knife or hanger fixed
at the girdle. On their broad breasts, covering more than half the
skin-surface, the head of a huge snake was tattooed in vivid blue.
Evidently they were medicine-men or priests.

While the adventurers watched and wondered, the king or chief issued an
order to his attendants, who ran to the corners of the square and called
it aloud. Then he raised his great spear, and every captain blew upon
his horn, making a deafening sound.

Now the enemy stood still for a while, staring towards the stones,
and the three medicine-men drew near to the chief in the centre of the
square and talked with him, as though debating what should be done.

"This is our chance," said Juanna excitedly. "If once they attack us it
will be all over; a single volley of arrows would kill every one of us.
Come, Otter."

"No, no!" said Leonard. "I am afraid of your venturing yourself among
those savages. The danger is too great."

"Danger! Can the danger be more than it is here? In a mi