ng tribute of
hair. Thus, the habit of stroking the mustache, a custom prevalent
among Spanish courtiers, arose from this habit. The stroking was done in
the presence of ladies and superiors to indicate submission, or as an
evidence of inferiority."

"Why is it that these savages pay more attention to their headgear than
any other part of their clothing?"

"The savage regards the head as the most important part of the body. It
is also the portion which is first seen by an enemy or recognized by a
friend, hence he considers it a necessity to properly attire it for the
purpose of inculcating fear in one, or admiration in the other. Vanity
in the lower order of people leads them to excesses in the matter of
dress or ornamentation, just the same as with many civilized people."

Long before morning dawned Angel grew restless, and could not be quieted
by George. The latter believed that the savages had returned, if the
actions of Angel were any indications; but as the sun came up and a
careful scrutiny was made, nothing alarming was in sight.

An early breakfast was prepared, and the yaks yoked up, preliminary to a
start for the south. With a chief in their hands they felt safer in
their position than before, and were now in a condition to treat with
the natives.

Hardly had the wagon started before Harry ran up in haste and excitedly
whispered: "I see them coming; look to the south." Not far beyond was a
mass of them coming up hurriedly, less than a half mile away, and a
stealthy movement among the shrubbery in the immediate vicinity showed
the presence of the advance scouts which Angel had undoubtedly scented
an hour before.

The yaks were headed to the north, to give them ample opportunity to
employ their weapons, and the chief was placed at the tailboard of the
wagon, in full view of the pursuers, in the hope that his people would
heed the warning given the day before. This seemed to have no effect in
the warlike attitude of the attacking party.

"What I fear most is the possible attempt to surround us; to prevent
that it is better to drive the team forward at a pretty rapid rate."

The yaks were urged along, and their motion considerably accelerated by
the shrieks and howls of the demons, as they brandished their arrows and
spears. Thus far not an arrow had been loosened, and the fire of the
party in the wagon was reserved.

As the wagon surged forward the din increased, and soon a shower of
arrows fell among