"To the sacred city. He said no one could follow him there, and that he knew of a secret way in the south, which would take him thither."
"But, Jack, the secret way you came is to the north of Tlatonac," said Philip turning towards Duval.
"Very true! But for a long time I have had my suspicions that there is a second way to that city, by the cañon road, of which I told you. It is by that way, to my mind, that Pepe intended to go."
"Yes, mi amigo!" said Rafael, triumphantly; "but you quite forget. Pepe was captured in the south, after the battle of Centeotl, and is now in prison at Tlatonac, awaiting punishment."
"Very true! He did not escape to Totatzine, as he intended. But where was he captured? At the battle of Centeotl. Now, seeing that Don Hypolito has disappeared, it is just possible that Pepe told him of the second secret way to the sacred city, and that Xuarez may have escaped thence."
"Dios!" exclaimed Rafael, springing to his feet. "Think you, Señor Correspoñsal, that this dog is now at Totatzine?"
"I am not sure, but it might be so. Ixtlilxochitli is his friend. There he would be safe, and if at the battle of Centeotl Pepe told him of this southern way to the city, when he saw that all was lost, he probably took advantage of the information."
"Why not find out if this is so, from Pepe?" suggested Jack, when Tim ceased speaking.
"He will tell nothing," replied Rafael, in disgust. "This zambo is a mule for obstinacy."
"We might try, at all events," said Philip, cheerfully. "Where is Pepe, mi amigo?"