k across the square, when suddenly, from behind the large
fountain which played in the middle of the _plaza_, there sprang four
men, all masked and armed with knives. There was a brief struggle, a
shrill scream, and Montt fell pierced by the daggers of his enemies.

Then the scene vanished from before Jim's eyes, and he knew that his own
future was about to be presented to him. He saw himself once more back
on board the _Blanco_ _Encalada_, and knew that that ship, together with
another Chilian vessel, was engaged in a fierce fight with a Peruvian
ironclad, the name of which was hidden from him. The Chilians were
victorious, although the carnage on both sides had been enormous, and
Jim perceived that he himself had been wounded. Several other actions
passed across the screen of mist, in all of which Douglas took a leading
part, distinguishing himself brilliantly, and receiving rapid promotion.
The scene then changed from sea to land, and Jim knew that he was
detailed for shore service in some obscure town among the Bolivian
mountains. He could distinctly see the whole picture laid out before
him, and he knew instinctively that some great good fortune was awaiting
him when the time should come for him to visit that place.

As he stood, or rather seemed to stand, gazing out over the scene, it
vanished from before his eyes; and a voice, like that of the Mama
Huello, spoke, saying:

"You, Senor Englishman, shall come to great honours through your own
exertions and bravery; but I also see great riches before you, of which
you shall obtain possession with but little trouble on your part. They
are still under the earth, but in due time, and in a manner little
suspected by you, their whereabouts shall be revealed to you, and you
shall become a great man and a powerful chief in the land of your
adoption."

The voice ceased, and a rumbling sound seemed to make itself heard in
Jim's ears. Then the cloud of mist slowly dissolved, and the outlines
of the room wherein he was seated gradually came back to his senses.
Yes, there was the copper brazier, but the glow had vanished from the
coals, which were now black and cold. Montt was still seated in his
chair, looking like a statue carved out of marble, and Jim found himself
still on the couch whereon he had first placed himself. The curious
feeling of drowsiness gradually left him, and the figure of Mama Huello
appeared, still standing close to Montt and the copper brazier