I brought that document away that it would prove of quite
so much importance and value; although, to be sure, there were several
small gold and silver images buried with it."

"Images!" ejaculated Jose excitedly; "where are they, where are they,
oh, my preserver? If you really have the signs in your possession, then
I-- Show me them, senor, show me them, I pray you."

Thus exhorted, Jim dived into the chest which he had brought with him to
accommodate his belongings, and produced the little images which he had
found in the tunnel at Sorata. Jose fell upon his knees before them in
a perfect ecstasy of mingled reverence and delight, turning them over
and over in his hands, and speaking to them as though they were, in very
truth, alive. Then presently he recovered himself and, placing Jim's
hand upon his head in token of submission, he said in a trembling voice:

"Oh, my deliverer, it was prophesied of old that the man who possessed
those figures should also possess the treasure; for that man would be
destined to do great things for the benefit of our race. But in
addition to this, you have found the document; there can be no doubt,
therefore, that you, my master, are the man who is destined to receive
this great treasure, for all the signs point that way. I am willing,
therefore, to translate this writing to you, senor, and to show you the
way to the place where the treasure is hidden, so that you may obtain
possession of it."

"By Jove!" exclaimed Douglas, leaning back in his chair and wiping his
forehead, "this is the most extraordinary affair that I have ever come
across; and--let me think! what was it that old Inca witch-woman told me
about treasure being in store for me? Ah yes! I remember. She said
that one day I should come into possession of great wealth; that it was
still hidden in the ground, but that the secret of its hiding-place
should one day be revealed to me. _Caramba_! It really seems as though
the Inca's prophecy is about to come true. Now, Jose," he went on,
aloud; "this is a very curious tale indeed. I hope you are not playing
any tricks with me.

"Senor, you saved my life, only a few days ago," replied the Indian; "is
it likely that I should deceive the man who rescued me from a horrible
death? Besides, the treasure is situated only a very short distance
from here--about a day's journey--so your Excellency can easily prove
whether I am telling the truth or not by accompanying me to th