Jimmie was back on his feet in a minute.
“Lead me to it!” he cried.
The boys still declare that that was the most satisfying meal of which they ever partook. The broiled steaks were excellent, and the tinned goods which had been purchased at one of the small Peruvian mining towns on the way down, were fresh and sweet.
As may be understood without extended description, the work of washing the dishes and cleaning up after the meal was not long extended!
In an hour every member of the party except Toluca was sound asleep. The Indian had been engaged on the recommendation of an acquaintance at one of the towns on the line of the interior railroad, and was entirely trustworthy. He now sat just outside the circle of light, gazing with rapt attention in the direction of the fortress which for some time past had been known as the Mystery of the Andes.
A couple of hours passed, and then Ben rolled over to where Jimmie lay asleep, his feet toasting at the fire, his head almost entirely covered by his blanket.
“Wake up, sleepy-head!” Ben whispered.
Jimmie stirred uneasily in his slumber and half opened his eyes.
“Go on away!” he whispered.
“But look here!” Ben insisted. “I’ve got something to tell you!”