owned by
plumes which in loftiness and splendor surpassed all other headgear
present--the great chief Monitaya.

At the shore, beside a row of empty canoes, Yuara was waiting. He
mentioned for his men to bring their dugouts to the regular landing
place, and when they obeyed he gave commands. Then he turned and walked
toward Monitaya.

"I go," stated Lourenco, rising. "You stay here until called. Yuara has
told his men to leave all weapons in the canoes."

He walked away after the son of Rana, and if any misgiving was in his
heart it did not show in his confident step. Halting before the big
chief, he began talking as coolly as if there were not the least doubt
of welcome for himself and those with him. Monitaya gave no sign of
recognition, of friendliness, or of enmity. Proud, statuesque, he stood
motionless, his deep eyes resting on those of the Brazilian.

"Sultry weather," remarked McKay.

"Just so, Capitao," agreed Pedro, narrow eyed. "We shall soon know
whether we shall have storm."

"Indications are for violent thunder and lightning soon," Knowlton
contributed. "See those husky clubmen awaiting? Looks as if a public
execution were about to be pulled off."

"Yeah. But say, ain't that chief a reg'lar he-man, though! No
pot-bellied fathead like that there, now, Suby guy. Hope I don't have to
drill him. I bet I won't, neither. He looks like he had brains."

Hoping Tim was right, but dubious, all watched the progress of the
parley. Lourenco evidently was stating his case in logical sequence,
recalling to the chief's mind the time when he had led him to revenge
against the Peccaries of Peru, then going on to tell of the arrival of
the strangers and the object of their search. Yuara's sudden, quick
glance at him showed that the Raposa had been mentioned for the first
time. A little later his face became slightly sullen, and the watchers
guessed that Lourenco was now referring in somewhat uncomplimentary
terms to the treatment received in the _maloca_ of Suba. Soon after that
the Brazilian ended his speech.

In a deep, quiet tone Monitaya spoke first to Lourenco, then to one of
his subchiefs. The bushman beckoned to his waiting companions. At the
same time the subchief stepped out and called two names. As McKay,
Knowlton, Tim, and Pedro arose and stepped ashore with the weaponless
men of Suba, out from the great human arc came two men. All advanced
toward the chief. And though the Americans were studying the ce