managed to escape from the Brazilian diamond mines, though it was a
mystery how they had secured the two rifles which they brought with
them. They had no revolvers, and their guns were not of the repeating
pattern. When their ammunition gave out, one of them made a journey of
several days' duration into the wilderness, invariably bringing back a
supply which lasted a long time.

Such weapons were entirely unknown to the Murhapas, who had never heard
of anything of the kind. The exploits of the owners caused the natives
to look upon them with awe. They were soon established on the best of
terms with their new associates, who allowed them to do as they chose
in everything.

It is not to be supposed that Ashman gathered all the information given
in this chapter, during his brief walk with Ziffak. Indeed, that which
has already been stated was obtained only in part during the memorable
interview; but it may be as well to add other facts which afterwards
came to the knowledge of him and the explorers, since it is necessary
to know them in order to understand the strange series of incidents and
adventures in which they became speedily involved.

The Murhapa tribe was ruled by King Haffgo, whose complexion was almost
as fair as that of a European. He had fifty wives, but only one child,
whose mother was dead. This child was a daughter, Ariel, of surpassing
beauty and loveliness, the pride of her grim father and adored by all
his subjects. From Waggaman and Burkhardt she had acquired a knowledge
of the English tongue, which Ziffak declared was superior to his own.
Both of these men had sought in turn to win her as his wife, and the
king was not unwilling, because of the awe in which he held them; but
Ariel would not agree to mate herself with either, though she once
intimated that when she became older she might listen favorably to the
suit of Waggaman, whose appearance and manner were less repulsive than
those of his comrade.

The first duty the guests took upon themselves was to impress King
Haffgo and his subjects that all white men except themselves were their
deadliest enemies, and, if any of them were allowed to visit the
village, they would assuredly bring others who would cause the utter
destruction of the inhabitants.

Three years before, a party of six white explorers ascended the Xingu,
and suddenly presented themselves to the Murhapas, without previous
announcement or knowledge. Despite their professio