e here," Hurka exclaimed, "what a blessing it
would be to us! and I am sure that the Indians, when they knew that they
would be fairly treated, would no longer preserve the secrets of the
Incas, but would gladly open to you mines that have been hidden ever since
the Spaniards came, and hand over vast treasures that have been left
untouched all these years. They are useless to them, and are hidden only
because they hate the Spaniards, and know that did they discover these
mines they would compel the people to work at them as their fathers did;
and ere long we should disappear altogether."

While they had been talking they had floated quietly down the stream, and
Pita said that they were now but a few miles from the next village, and
had better tie up until darkness came on.

"Have you any desire for gold, senor?" Hurka asked, after they had secured
the canoe to an overhanging branch, and the two Indians had rolled and
lighted their cigarettes.

"Not particularly, Hurka. I suppose everyone would like gold; but I have
already enough to live upon, having been very fortunate in aiding to
capture a vessel carrying a large sum for the payment of the Spanish
troops. If I were to search for gold it would be rather for the sake of
the adventure than for the treasure."

"You are the first white man I have ever met, senor, who would not
undertake any risk in order to gain a fortune, and the richest are as
ready to adventure their gold in any enterprise that promises even a
chance of success, as the poorest are willing to risk their lives."

"The adventure itself would be very exciting," Stephen said, "and I do not
say that I should not like to take part in one, just as I am glad to have
the chance of such an adventure as going down the Amazon; but it would
certainly be the excitement, and not the chance of making money, that
would attract me. I don't say for a moment that I should refuse a share in
the treasure, only that I would not run any great risks for the sake of
the treasure alone. I suppose that every one could do with more than he
has; for even if you have nothing to wish for, it would at least be a
pleasure to give it away.

"I have been fortunate; although I am still very young. I have been
through a great many adventures, and if I were to settle quietly down at
home now, I have more to look back upon than most men."

Day after day they floated down, sometimes on a broad tranquil sheet with
a scarce perceptible cu