ncrease my dominions
do I desire to war upon the Incas, but because unless I strike I shall
presently be struck, though for a little while this marriage might hold
back the blow. Alone in the midst of the vast territories over which
the Incas rule, the Chancas stem their tide of conquest and remain free
amongst many nations of slaved. Therefore for ages these Incas, like
those who ruled before them at Cuzco, have sworn to destroy us, and Urco
has sworn it above all."

"Urco might die or be deposed, Huaracha."

"If so another would put on the Fringe and be vowed to the ancient
policy that does not change from generation to generation. Therefore I
must fight or perish with my people. Hearken, Lord-from-the-Sea! Stay
here with me and become as my brother and a general of my armies, for
where will they not follow when you lead, who are held to be a god? Then
if we conquer, in reward, from a brother you shall become a son, and to
you after me I swear shall pass the Chanca crown. Moreover, to you,
if she can be saved, I will give in marriage her whom you love. Think
before you refuse. I know not whence you come, but this I know: that you
can return thither no more, unless, indeed, you are a spirit. Here your
lot is cast till death. Therefore make it glorious. Perchance you might
fly to the Inca and there become a marvel and a show, furnished with
gold and palaces and lands, but always you would be a servant, while I
offer to you a crown and the rule of a people great and free."

"I care nothing for crowns," I answered, sighing. "Still, such was
Quilla's prayer, perchance the last that ever she will make to me.
Therefore I accept and will serve you and your cause, that seems noble,
faithfully to the end, O Huaracha."

Then I stretched out my hand to him and so our compact was sealed.

On the very next day my work began. Huaracha made me known to his
captains, commanding them to obey me in all things, which, looking on me
as half divine, they did readily enough.

Now, of soldiering I knew little who was a seaman bred, yet as I had
learned, a man of the English race in however strange a country he finds
himself can make a path there to his ends.

Moreover, in London I had heard much talk of armies and their ordering
and often watched troops at their exercise; also I know how to handle
bow and sword, and was accustomed to the management of men. So putting
all these memories together, I set myself to the task of turning