undown I
ate according to my custom, and dismissed those who waited upon me to
the servants' quarters. There were but two of them for my private life
was simple. Then I slept till past midnight and rising, went into
the courtyard where I found the eight Chanca captains disguised
as litter-bearers and with them the litter. I led them to an empty
guard-house and bade them stay there in silence. After this I returned
to my chamber and waited.

About two hours before the dawn Larico came, knocking on the side-door
as we had planned. I opened to him and he entered disguised in a hooded
cloak of sheep's wool which covered his robes and his face, such as
priests wear when the weather is cold. He gave to me the garments of a
priest of the Sun which he had brought with him in a cloth. I clothed
myself in them though because of the fashion of them to do this I must
be rid of my armour which would have betrayed me. Larico desired that I
should take off the sword Wave-Flame also, but, mistrusting him, this
I would not do, but made shift to hide it and my dagger beneath the
priest's cloak. The armour I wrapped in a bundle and took with me.

Presently we went out, having spoken few words since the time for speech
had gone by and peril or some fear of what might befall weighed upon our
tongues. In the guard-house I found the Chancas at whom Larico looked
curiously but said nothing. To them I gave the bundle of armour to be
hidden in the litter and with it my long bow, having first revealed
myself to them by lifting the hood of my cloak. Then I bade them follow
me.

Larico and I walked in front and after us came the eight men, four of
them bearing the empty litter, and the other four marching behind. This
was well planned since if any saw us or if we met guards as once or
twice we did, these thought that we were priests taking one who was sick
or dead to be tended or to be made ready for burial. Once, however, we
were challenged, but Larico spoke some word and we passed on without
question.

At length in the darkness before the dawn we came to the private palace
of dead Upanqui. At its garden gate Larico would have had me leave the
litter with the eight Chanca warriors disguised as bearers. I refused,
saying that they must come to the doors of the palace, and when he grew
urgent, tapped my sword, whispering to him fiercely that he had best
beware lest it should be he who stayed at the gate. Then he gave way
and we advanced all of