nother there was a gorge
such as are common in that country, a gorge so deep and narrow that
in places the light of day scarcely struggles to the pathways at its
bottom. Into this tunnel the litter vanished and when we drew near I saw
that its mouth was held by armed men, six of them or more. Taking my bow
from the Chanca I strung it and shot swiftly. The man at whom I aimed
went down. Again I shot and another fell, whereon the rest of them took
cover behind stones.

Throwing back the bow to the Chanca, for now it was useless, we charged.
That business was soon over, for presently all those of Urco's men who
remained there were dead, save one who, being cut off, fled down hill
towards the city, taking with him the news of what had passed in the
palace of dead Upanqui.

We entered the mouth of the gorge, plunging towards the gloom, though as
it chanced this place faced towards the east, so that the low sun, which
now was fully up, shone down it and gave us light that later would have
been lacking.

I, who was very swift of foot and to whom rage and fear gave wings,
outran my companions. Swinging myself round a rock which lay in the
pathway, I saw the litter again not a hundred yards ahead. It halted
because, as it seemed to me, one or more of the bearers stumbled and
fell among the stones. I rushed at them, roaring. Perhaps it had been
wiser to wait for my companions, but I was mad and feared nothing. They
saw me and a cry went up of:

"The White God! The terrible White God!"

Then fear took hold of them and they fled, leaving the litter on the
ground. Yes, all of them fled save one, Urco himself.

He stood there rolling his eyes and gnashing his teeth, looking huge
and awful in those shadows, looking like a devil from hell. Suddenly a
thought seemed to take him, and leaping at the litter he tore aside its
curtains and dragged out Quilla, who fell prone upon the ground.

"If I may not have her, you shall not, White Thief. See! I give back his
bride to the Sun," he shouted, and lifted his copper sword to pierce her
through.

Now I was still ten paces or so away and saw that before I could reach
him that sword would be in her heart. What could I do? Oh! St. Hubert
must have helped me then for I knew in an instant. In my hand was
Wave-Flame and with all my strength I hurled it at his head.

The great blade hurtled hissing through the air. I saw the sunlight
shine on it. He strove to leap clear, but too late, for