nca upon
the throne. To that remark you may of course object that he is the re-
incarnated Manco whose coming, as the regenerator of the ancient
Peruvian nation, was prophesied by Titucocha, and that, in the event of
anything happening to him, the regenerating process would be deferred
indefinitely. But, I ask you, my dear friend, what if it were? In what
way should we suffer? It is true that we have accustomed ourselves to
look forward to our regeneration as the one thing to be desired above
and before all others; but is it? We are perfectly happy here in this
valley as we are. Do we in very truth desire to exchange our present
happy and peaceful existence for an indefinite and doubtless long period
of toil, and warfare, and suffering? And in what respects should we be
the better at the end, even if we should be successful--of which, permit
me to say, I have my doubts? And do we really desire that change in the
character of our religion, and the so-called amendment of our morals
upon which this young man insists? I doubt it, my friend, not only as
regards you and myself, but also as regards the people generally. Now,
I have spoken to you quite frankly; be equally frank with me, and give
your view of the matter."

"I will, my friend, and in a very few words," answered Xaxaguana. "My
view of the matter is identical with your own. And it is possibly
identical also with that of many others. But how is that going to help
us? Also, with all your frankness you have not yet given utterance to
the idea that I see you have in your mind. You are far too cautious,
friend Huanacocha, ever to become a successful conspirator."

"One must needs be cautious in broaching such a conspiracy as I have in
my mind," answered Huanacocha. "Nevertheless," he continued, "boldness
and caution are sometimes the same thing, therefore will I be bold with
you, Xaxaguana, since I think it will not be difficult for me to prove
to you that not only our views, but also our interests, are identical.
In a word, then, I believe that it would be advantageous to you and to
me--and possibly also to the rest of the inhabitants of this valley--if
the present Inca were deposed, and I were made Inca in his place. The
question is, how is the matter to be accomplished? If he were to die
now, even as the Villac--"

"It would be the most unfortunate thing that could possibly happen," cut
in Xaxaguana. "The Villac Vmu and Motahuana were both old me