Surprised by its suddenness, Pizarro seemed to fail for a moment to find a reply.
"Can freedom be purchased with gold, Viracocha Pizarro?" repeated Atahualpa.
Pizarro recovered himself, and replied with emphasis: "By the Crucifix, that it can!—provided gold enough be offered."
"Provided gold enough be offered!" repeated the Inca, unable to conceal his eagerness. "Then hear me, General Pizarro: Promise me liberty, and I will cover the floor of this room with gold!"
The company ceased talking. Pizarro looked at him in astonishment, while a smile of incredulity went round the table. Atahualpa misinterpreted the silence and the expression, taking them to mean that his offer was too meagre. He looked from one to another for a moment, then sprang to his feet, and striding to the wall, stretched his hand above his head as far as he could reach.
"I will fill the room to this height with gold, Viracochas!—Is it enough?" he demanded, his eyes blazing with hardly suppressed excitement. "Is it enough?"
Still the Spaniards were silent—dumb with amazement. Several had arisen. "Mad!" whispered one. The Inca stood waiting for their reply, his arm upraised, his commanding figure drawn to its full height, glittering in the lamplight with gems and golden decorations, while his dark eyes gleamed from beneath the fringe of the llautu as he surveyed the astonished Viracochas.
"Is it not enough?" he demanded again. "Then a like amount of silver!"
"Hold, in the name of Heaven!" exclaimed Cristoval warningly in Quichua.
Pizarro regained his voice: "What sayest thou, Peralta?—Can he do it? Ask the noble beside thee!"