premises or in the neighborhood, we had
to go supperless to bed.

Before we turned in Gondocori let us into the secret of the scheme which
was to propitiate Queen Mamcuna, and bring us honor and renown, instead of
blame and (possibly) death.

"I shall tell her," said the cacique, "that though I have lost my braves
and brought no maidens, I have brought two famous medicine-men, who come
from over the seas."

"Very good. But how are we to keep up the character?"

"You must profess your ability to heal the sick and read the stars."

"Nothing easier. But suppose we are put to the test? Are there any sick in
your country?"

"A few; Mamcuna herself is sick; you have only to cure her and all will be
well."

"Very likely; but how if I fail?"

"Then she would make it unpleasant for all of us."

"You mean she would roast us by a slow fire?"

"Probably. There is no telling, though. Our Great Mother is very ingenious
in inventing new punishments, and to those who deceive her she shows no
mercy."

"I understand. It is a case of kill or cure."

"Exactly. If you don't cure her she will kill you."

"I will do my best, and as I have seen a good deal of practical surgery,
helped to dress wounds and set broken limbs, and can let blood, you may
truthfully say that I have some slight knowledge of the healing art. But
as for treating a sick woman--However, I leave it to you, Gondocori. If
you choose to introduce me to her Majesty as a medicine-man I will act the
part to the best of my ability."

"I ask no more, senor; and if you are fortunate enough to cure Mamcuna of
her sickness--"

"Or make her believe that I have cured her."

"That would do quite as well; you will thank me for bringing you to
Pachatupec, for although the queen can make things very unpleasant for
those who offend her, she can also make them very pleasant for those whom
she likes. And now, senores, as we must to-morrow travel a long way
fasting, let us turn into our hammocks and compose ourselves to sleep."

Excellent advice, which I was only too glad to follow. But we were awake
long before daylight--for albeit fatigue often acts as an anodyne, hunger
is the enemy of repose--and at the first streak of dawn wended to the
silent pool.

As we stepped into the canoe selected by Gondocori (the boats were
intended for the transport of mules and horses) I found that the water was
warm, and, on tasting it, I perceived a strong mineral flavor. The pool
wa