“It’s Brother Gregorio, fellows. Hurray,” cried Jack, turning to the circle about him.
“We’ve found it, Brother Gregorio,” he replied, interrupting the other’s eager flood of questions. “We are in the Enchanted City. And it is not in ruins, but inhabited. By the descendants of the Incas. Oh, a marvellous story. But I have little time now for conversation. Do you call Father Felipe at once, as Don Ernesto has much to tell him.”
Father Felipe, fortunately, was close at hand, and he and Don Ernesto soon were engaged in conversation. Rapidly and concisely, Don Ernesto related the sequence of their adventures, and what they now proposed to do. In conclusion, he asked Father Felipe to take minute note of the directions for finding the Enchanted City, and to communicate at once with his brother-in-law, the President of Chile. From Don Ernesto’s remarks, those listening could tell that Father Felipe was protesting vehemently at the carrying out of the proposed visit to the Inca, and urging them not to do so. But Don Ernesto did not weaken.
So long did the conversation continue, that before its conclusion a messenger appeared on the roof to inform Michac that the Inca’s messenger had returned and awaited him below. Michac disappeared. When he returned, Don Ernesto still was talking, and Michac addressed himself to Mr. Hampton.
“The Inca will receive you as delegates from the Lord Beyond the Mountains,” he said. “You are to appear at once for audience.”
“And does he give safe conduct?”
“So states the message, yet Senor——”
“What?” asked Mr. Hampton, noting his hesitation.
“I fear treachery from Cinto. Remember you were told by Prince Huaca that he and you were to appear for audience today—when apparently you would be safe—yet were then to be seized and slain. I repeat me, Senor, of urging you to make this visit. It is not yet too late to withdraw.”
Don Ernesto meantime had concluded his conversation with Father Felipe.