“What the deuce, though,” said Mr. Hampton. “I can’t speak to him in his language.”
It was unnecessary.
In Spanish far poorer than Prince Huaca’s, yet still understandable, the young noble explained he came in peace. Then he asked that he be admitted. Part of the barricade was removed, and he was brought into the room. He and Mr. Hampton and Don Ernesto withdrew to one side and carried on a low-voiced conversation.
Presently, he bowed and withdrew from the room, the guard in the corridor going with him. The jailer, however, at his command, remained behind, and the door was left open. The boys looked inquiringly at the older men.
“Tear down the barricade, boys, so we have something to sit on. The fortress is still in the hands of Prince Huaca’s men. The prince, as I surmised, has been captured. This young noble, Michac, had heard a rumor out at his country home of impending trouble, and was so alarmed for Prince Huaca’s safety that he started for the fortress at once. He arrived too late. Prince Huaca had been captured by a body of men who gained entrance to his sleeping chamber through the secret passage. How it was all brought about has yet to be learned. They carried him out through a postern, where a strong body from the Palace Guard was in waiting. That was the force we first saw make its way to the Temple.
“Michac has gone to see the safeguarding of the fortress, and has assumed command, for the soldiers believe there was treachery among their offices and have deposed all. Michac is known to them, he has always held aloof from the Court, and they trust him, and offered him the command. He plans to send a messenger at once to the Inca with word that if Prince Huaca is slain, the fortress troops will starve the city.
“The position of the fortress, controlling the food supply of the city, gives him the opportunity thus to preserve Prince Huaca’s life. On the other hand, if he attacks, Prince Huaca would be slain. Thus, matters probably will be deadlocked. Michac says that from a letter sent him by Prince Huaca, he learned of the latter’s trust in us, and thus has asked us to place ourselves at his disposal, as allies and advisers.
“He will return presently. Now you have the whole matter before you. It looks dark, yet not entirely hopeless.”