t yet you know a small package is valuable, and five persons
could lug a great deal."

"Do you fancy he brought us simply to carry the treasure for him?"

"He said we would all share alike, so our services wouldn't be of much
advantage to him, more particularly since he and the Indian could bring
away a heavier load than all three of us."

In this manner, speculating upon the benefits which might accrue to them
rather than regarding the great danger to which the entire party was
exposed, the boys passed the time until late in the afternoon, and then
Poyor approached so softly that he stood in their midst before any one
had heard even a rustling among the leaves.

On seeing the man Cummings sprang up eagerly, asked a question in the
Indian dialect, and the reply was given at great length, Poyor using
more gestures than the boys had ever fancied were at his command.

That his report was in the highest degree interesting to Cummings there
could be no doubt, for the latter listened intently, interrupting him
only to ask some question, and not until nearly half an hour had passed
was any explanation made to the others.

Then Cummings said with a slight show of triumph:

"Poyor has just come from the city, and there is no suspicion that we
have passed the line of sentinels."

"If he did that what is to prevent us from doing the same?" Jake asked
as the leader paused for an instant.

"Nothing except our skins are white, and he can readily pass himself off
for a Chan Santa Cruz. He speaks the language, resembles them in
features, and could make his way around the town with but little
trouble; but on that point no great amount of time need be spent. Here
is the plan which I wish to carry into effect: Poyor has found a vacant
building on the outskirts of the place which he has bargained for,
representing himself as one of the sentinels recently released from duty
on the eastern side. In that character no person will be likely to
wonder why he is without acquaintances, for the watchmen often remain
away from the city one or two years, entering only when it is necessary
to procure provisions."

"Is he to go on alone?" Jake asked.

"Certainly not. At a late hour to-night we will accompany him, and all
our hopes of success depend upon gaining this building without being
discovered."

"How long are we to stay there?"

"A week if necessary."

"A week!" Teddy and Neal cried in concert.

"Yes, and I hope we shall be ab