you had diamonds in
Peru."

"There is at all events one mine in the country, Lord, namely that from
which these stones came," answered the Indian. "But the existence and
locality are known only to the few who work it and who guard the
approach to it; for we believe it to be the richest mine in the whole
world, and we are naturally anxious to retain possession of it for
ourselves exclusively. It is not in this valley; it lies a long three-
days' journey from here, in a particularly wild and desolate part of the
country which is practically inaccessible, save to the boldest and
hardiest mountaineers among us. It has only been known for about twenty
years, and the contents of this coffer represent the labour of only six
men during that time. But the mine is enormously rich, and, as you may
see, the size and quality of the stones improve as the miners penetrate
deeper, the largest and finest stones, which are those most recently
extracted, being at the top of the others in the chest."

Harry stooped over and picked up a particularly fine specimen, larger
than one of his clenched fists, which glowed and scintillated in the
light of the lamp as though it were on fire.

"Why," he said, gazing admiringly at the stone as he turned it about in
his hand, "The contents of this chest must be of absolutely incalculable
value! This stone alone would constitute a very handsome fortune to its
lucky possessor, if I am any judge of diamonds."

"True, Lord," answered his companion. "But there are several finer
stones than that--this one, and this, for example," as he fished up a
couple of superb specimens. "There are probably no diamonds in the
world equal to these two in size and purity of colour. And all belong
to my Lord."

"Ay," said Harry; "with such enormous and inexhaustible wealth as this
at one's command it should not be very difficult to provide the means of
reconquering the country and restoring it to its former state of power
and glory. What have you in the other two chests?"

"My Lord shall see," answered the Indian, as he unlocked and threw back
the lid of the next chest, which proved to be three parts full of
rubies, every one of which constituted a little fortune in itself, while
many were of such exceptional size and superb colour that the young
Englishman could only gasp in speechless amazement and admiration.

"Why, Huatama," he exclaimed at length, "I am at a loss to express my
astonishment. Aladdin's