daguerreotype views to take, and many curiosities to collect. The
interdicted period of nine days having expired, the young priest, who
had free access to the city at all times, again appeared at their abode
and urged an early retreat, as the return of the orphan children would
soon be required. But Huertis was abroad in the city and could not be
consulted. He remained absent all the day, and did not return to his
apartments at night. It was so all the next day and night, and
Velasquez was deeply alarmed. On searching his rooms for his papers,
drawings and instruments, for secret transmittal into the country, he
found them all removed, including those of Mr. Hammond which were among
them. It was then vainly hoped that he had effected his escape with all
his treasures, but his Indians knew nothing of the matter.

Shortly after this discovery, Vaalpeor arrived with its explanation.
Huertis had made a confidant of his intended flight whom he idly hoped
would accompany it, and she had betrayed him. His offence, after his
voluntary vows, and his initiation into the sacred mysteries, was
unpardonable, and his fate could not be doubted. Indeed, the trembling
priest at length admitted that he had been sacrificed in due form upon
the high altar of the sun, and that he himself had beheld the fatal
ceremony. Huertis, however, had implicated none of his associates, and
there was yet a chance of escape. To pass the gates was impossible; but
the wall might be descended in the night by ropes, and to swim the moat
was easy. This was effected by Velasquez and fifteen of his party the
same night; the rest either did not make the attempt or failed, and the
faithful Antonio was among them. The fugitives had scarcely reached the
secluded retreat of Vaalpeor, and mounted their mules, before the low
yelp of blood-hounds was heard upon their trail and soon burst into full
cry. But the dogs were somewhat confused by the scent of so many
footsteps on the spot at which the party mounted, and did not follow the
mules until the horsemen led the way. This afforded time for the
fugitives, racing their swift mules at full speed, to reach the opening
of the valley, when Velasquez wheeled and halted, for the pursuers were
close at hand. A conflict ensued in which many of the horsemen were
slain, and the young kaana received an accidental wound of which he
retains the scar. It must suffice to say, that the party eventually
secured their retreat without l