tell, because they do not keep captives there, and only take
them to that place for the sacrifices."

"How do you know that the place has the wonderful buildings you speak
of?"

"This was learned from the only captive who ever escaped from them at
the place. I was kept at the village to the north, and it was from that
place I escaped."

As the village was neared the sight of the buildings astonished John.
While not massive, they were of a type entirely distinct from the native
huts. It was built on an elevated plateau and amidst most magnificent
trees, the most prominent of which were the great redwoods.

Some little indications of ground cultivation were found, as they passed
the deserted huts on their way. Small patches of yam and cassava were
the principal vegetables noticed.

It was nearly four o'clock before they crossed a stream of water,
flowing to the south, and beyond which a good glimpse of the village
could be seen. John surveyed the scene and was astonished at the
character of the spot, since it had evidently been chosen by design, and
for some particular reason.

Its location at an altitude which commanded a view to the north and
south, and also afforded a view to the west, betokened some reason not
compatible with the savage idea of a town. All villages thus far found
were close to streams, and were located apparently by chance, but here
was a town which was more like a civilized place, since it was so
located that it afforded the finest opportunity for drainage.

But another surprise was in store for John. "What are those peculiarly
formed hills which run to the right and left?" he asked.

Muro had noticed them, but was unable to answer.

"I have heard," said Uraso, "that they have earth-houses to protect the
town, but I do not know how they are made."

This information was sufficient to inform John that the town was
actually provided with a chain of defensive works, and this greatly
added to his astonishment.

"We are certainly getting at the heart of this mystery," he said,
musingly, as Muro came up. The latter informed him that they had
captured two Illyas who were making their way to the village from the
south, and within ten minutes they were brought before him.

John questioned them, but they refused to impart any information. The
direction from which they had come occasioned some uneasiness because
the wagons were en route from that quarter, and they might be runners to
the main vil