which lies but a few miles from the Mayutata. We shall pass
through Cuzco on our way. You have arms, I see, senor?"

"Yes, and some ammunition, but I shall want a larger supply before we
start."

At daybreak next morning they set out, the Indian walking ahead. Once or
twice Stephen pushed his mule forward to endeavour to enter into
conversation, but he could get but few words from him, and had to drop
back to Gomez, who was willing enough to talk.

"It is no use trying to get anything out of Pita, senor. If you can get
him in the mood by a camp fire, he may tell you some of his adventures;
but the natives are not given to talking overmuch, and Pita, when he is
once on his way as guide, will go on without saying a word for hours. I
have made several journeys with him, and it is always the same. Of course
there is nothing for him to look after here, but it is a sort of habit. I
have no doubt that he could tell you how many birds have crossed the road
to-day. He has noticed every lizard, could tell you where a mule belonging
to the last party has made a false step, how many there were travelling
together, and all about them. He takes it all in; and though here it might
just as well be left alone, this watchfulness might save your life
afterwards."

Day after day they journeyed on. Stephen did not enter Cuzco. As the
capital of the Incas he felt an interest in it, but cared little for it as
a great Spanish town whose glory had almost departed; and it was not worth
running any risk when nothing was to be gained by visiting it. He
therefore remained at Pita's Indian hut a few miles away, while Gomez went
into the town with the guide to get the stores they required. Pita's
comrade returned with them. Stephen was greatly surprised at the man's
appearance. Pita himself was, for an Indian, tall; he was spare in frame,
but very sinewy; his muscles stood up beneath the brown skin like cords.
Hurka was so short that he was almost a dwarf, and, save for his face, he
might have been taken for a boy of fourteen. He possessed none of Pita's
gravity, but was soon laughing and chatting with the Indian's wife and
children, and was evidently a special favourite with them. His face was
bright and intelligent.

"You would not think, senor," Gomez said as, after telling him what they
had purchased in the city, he stood watching Hurka, who was running
backwards and forwards between the hut and the mules, carrying in
packages, "that that li