a
good bribe for an outcast,--and it may be that fortune plays into our
hands. I could wish that the Cacique would follow the scouts with his
mummeries and incantations. You see how they have taught even Jose the
fear of him!"

"Yes--I do see, and but for the story that in this one village is held
the gold secret, I should say to move camp to some province where
bookish caciques hold no sway. How account you for the keen brain of
this wonder-worker? We have pampered and tutored numbskulls in
Seville who know not even their own creed so well as it is known by
this heretic barbarian."

"Without doubt it is the power of the Prince of Darkness," and Padre
Vicente gave the opinion with all due force--having in remembrance
that scene of the gift of the rosary in the kiva, and seeing clearly
that the Spanish adventurer had more than a little of admiration for
the unexpected daring of the pagan.--"Witchcraft and sorcery are of
the Devil, and both white men and savages do trade their souls for
evil knowledge. To strip him of his ill-gotten power would be a work
of grace for the Faith--and it is a thing for which each Christian
should gladly say many prayers!"

Don Ruy well knew that these ardent words were directed at his own
luke-warmness in regard to the young Ruler. Maestro Diego and Juan
Gonzalvo had distanced him in setting a good example to the men of the
guard!

A messenger from the kiva approached and spoke to Yahn, and she came
to the Spaniards with a message.

A council was in the kiva. It was about war if war came. The
Po-Ahtun-ho thought it was good that one of the white visitors be
asked to sit and listen; Don Ruy was invited to be that one. The man
Jose was to interpret.

Don Ruy speculated as to the cause of this courtesy. The Ruler
certainly did not desire the help of the white men--the message did
not even say as much. But it was plain that there were two parties on
that question, and Tahn-te meant to show no fear of his opponents.
They would see he gave them fair chances.

So he went, and Jose followed, and Yahn watched them--to her great,
yet silent rage.

Ka-yemo only reached the village as the last scout was started for the
trail of the Po-et-se canyon. Ka-yemo was the official for the war
orders, yet the orders had been given without speech with him! Over
his head had it been done, and his protest to the governor, and to the
old men in council brought him little of pride or of comfort.

"On t