t again. This time the pin came out, with a fine whitish
powder adhering to the part that had been wetted. Now what was this
powder? It was nothing else than lime that had been burned, and then
pulverised. Perhaps it was the ashes of the molle tree, of which we
have already spoken, and which, as we have said, possess a highly
alkaline property. The ashes of the musa, or plantain, are sometimes
used; but, after all, it is most likely that it was the molle ashes
which Guapo carried, for these are most highly esteemed by the Indians
of Southern Peru; and Guapo was a connoisseur in coca-eating. Whichever
of the three it was--lime, molle, or musa--Guapo carried the pin to his
mouth, and, without touching his lips (it would have burnt him if he
had), he inserted it, so as to penetrate the ball of chewed coca-leaves
that rested upon the tip of his tongue. This was stabbed repeatedly and
adroitly by the pin, until all the powder remained in the coca-ball; and
then the pin was withdrawn, wiped, and restored to its place, along with
the stopper of the gourd.

Guapo now remained quietly "ruminating" for a period of about forty
minutes--for this is about the time required for chewing a mess of
coca-leaves. Indeed, so exactly is this time observed, that the
Indians, when travelling, measure distances by it; and one "coceada" is
about equal to the time occupied in walking a couple of English miles.

The coceada of our old Indian being finished, he drew his llama-wool
poncho around him; and, leaning back against the rock, was soon buried
in a profound slumber.

CHAPTER FIVE.

THE PUNA.

By early dawn Guapo was awake, but he did not immediately awake the
others. It was still too dark to follow the mountain road. His first
care was to have his coca breakfast, and to this he applied himself at
once.

Day was fairly broke when he had ended the process of mastication, and
he bethought him of descending from the rock to arouse the sleepers. He
knew they still slept, as no voice had yet issued from the grove of
molles. The mule and horse were heard cropping the grass, and the
llamas were now feeding upon an open spot,--the first they had eaten
since their halt, as these creatures do not browse in the night.

Guapo descended with fear in his heart. How it would have joyed him to
hear the voice of his master, or of any of them! But, no. Not a sound
proceeded from any one of the party. He stole nimbly along the ledge