idden
to reveal that way, or even the fact of its existence, to strangers. He
tells me, however, that the matter is urgent, and that he adopted the
precaution of blindfolding you so that you might not learn the secret of
the approach, therefore I will let the matter pass, especially as I feel
certain that I have but to express the wish and you will forget that
such a way exists."

"Certainly I will, Mama Cachama," answered Harry cheerfully. "You saved
my life not long ago, and I should be an ingrate indeed if I refused to
conform to your wishes in so simple a matter as that. But I understood
you to say that you knew I was coming to you! How on earth could you
possibly know that? I didn't know it myself until a few hours ago!"

"Did not I tell you that I possess the gift of foreknowledge?" remarked
Cachama somewhat impatiently. "You had no sooner conceived the idea of
coming to me than I became aware of it; nay, I even knew the way by
which you were coming, and it was that knowledge which angered me, for I
knew that you could not visit the cave by the secret approach except
with the help of one of us! But let that pass. Follow me to my living
room, where I have provided a meal for you; and while you are partaking
of it you may tell me in what manner you think I can assist you."

Ten minutes later Escombe once more found himself in the cavern which he
knew so well, partaking of a most excellent stew, and detailing to his
hostess between mouthfuls all the particulars relating to the
disappearance of Butler and his party of peons. He brought his recital
to a close by enquiring whether Cachama or Yupanqui had chanced to see
any of the missing ones.

"No," said Cachama. "They have not passed near here, or Yupanqui would
certainly have seen something of them and mentioned the fact to me. But
you have done well to come to me, for it will be strange indeed if I
cannot help you. You wish to know what has become of the Senor whom you
call Butler; is not that so? Very well. Seat yourself there before me,
hold my two hands in yours, and recall to your mind as vividly as
possible all the circumstances, be they ever so trivial, that you can
remember relating to the doings of the day upon which the Senor
disappeared, beginning with the moment of your awakening. Now begin,
for I am ready."

While the old creature spoke she was arranging matters in such a way
that she and Escombe could sit facing each other, knee to k