."

"Yes, that is so," agreed Montt; "but I have studied the history of the
Inca races very closely, and, so far as my experience goes, there is no
nation on earth whose prophecies are so likely to come to pass as are
theirs. I am personally aware of many occasions on which prophecies
made by members of this strange race have come true in the most
marvellous way. For myself, I feel convinced that the Incas really have
some means, unknown to us, of foretelling future events; for I once
visited in my youth an old woman in this very town of Antofagasta, who
prophesied many things about my future, many of which have, so far, come
true, and the rest of which will doubtless happen in due time."

Montt finished his remarks to the accompaniment of a chorus of derisive
laughter, and a number of voices were raised in protest against his
attempted imposition upon their credulity. Whereupon the lieutenant
became somewhat angry, and replied shortly:

"Well, gentlemen, you may believe me or not, as you please; but it is
the truth that I am telling you; and I can take you to that identical
personage, if you wish, for I believe she still lives here, and you can
therefore experiment for yourselves, should you feel so inclined. For
my own part I believe implicitly everything that she told me. Now, are
any of you willing to accompany me to this Inca woman's house and put
her powers to the test?"

There was a lengthy pause, for all the officers were either Chilians or
of Chilian descent, and the South American races are notoriously
superstitious. But Jim, being an Englishman, had no qualms; and he
felt, for some reason or other, a great curiosity to see this strange
personage. He therefore replied:

"Well, Montt, if none of these other gentlemen feel disposed to go with
you, perhaps you will have no objection to take me? I am very much
interested in all matters of this kind, and I have been impressed by
what you have just told us. I should very much like to go with you, if
you don't mind."

Montt bowed gravely and answered: "By all means, Senor Douglas; I shall
be only too pleased; for I am sure that the woman would interest you,
whether you believe in second sight or not. I shall be off duty to-
morrow evening, after six o'clock. We shall dine at half-past, as
usual, I suppose: how would half-past seven suit you as the time for
going ashore? We could be back before midnight, easily, if we went at
that time."

"Yes," D