are not brass," cried Dean. "I am sure they are gold."

The doctor came out, meeting the messenger, and Dan, who was on the
watch, followed him with what was required.

The necessary attention to the wound followed, and the doctor quite
excitedly pointed out with what wonderful rapidity the terrible injury
was healing up.

"There," he suddenly cried, turning to the little chief, who stood
leaning upon his spear, "you need not bring your friend any more, for we
are going away."

The little fellow gazed up wonderingly in his eyes, and Mark burst out
laughing.

"What does that mean?" cried the doctor sharply, but without moving his
eyes from the pale yellow ring that encircled the pigmy's brow. Then
lowering his eyes he searchingly looked at the bangles on wrist and arm.
"Do you hear what I said? What does that mean?" he asked.

"I was laughing at you for speaking so seriously," said Mark. "He can't
understand a word."

"Of course not," said the doctor. "Why, Mark," he cried, "I believe you
are right, boy."

"That it is not brass?" said Mark excitedly.

"That it is not brass," replied the doctor. "Where can they obtain it?"

"Not in the woods, surely," said Mark.

"Oh, here's your father," said the doctor, as Sir James came towards
them from the waggon.

"Look at these bangles, sir," continued the doctor, "and the band round
this little fellow's head. What do you say they are?"

Sir James looked at the yellow objects attentively.

"They cannot be brass," he said decisively, "or in the moisture of that
forest they would have tarnished. Why, boys, we didn't come hunting for
the precious metal, but we have found it, all the same."

"Yes, there's no doubt of it," said the doctor. "Well, the ancients
must have obtained plenty of gold somewhere, and they are supposed to
have built a big city in this direction. I feel disposed to put these
things together and to say that this city must exist, and that these
little fellows must have found their gold ornaments somewhere there.
What can we do to find out from them where they obtained the gold?"

"Ask them, sir," said Mark.

"How?"

"I don't know," said Mark; "but I will try."

"Well, go on," said Sir James.

Mark looked doubtfully at his father for a few moments, and then turned
his eyes upon his cousin, as if for help; but Dean only shook his head.

"Well, go on," said the doctor.

"It is all very well to say, Go on, sir," retorted Mark, "but