"Ah," exclaimed the fellow, with renewed interest, "the señor has money on him! I had better mind that also. There are lawless people in the mountains," and he grinned knowingly at me.
"I have no money here," I answered, "but I will pay you well to get me carried to Lima."
"That is a long way," he observed cautiously. "No doubt the señor has rings or some articles of jewellery?"
"I don't possess a single valuable except this," said I, producing the silver key, "and that I must not part with."
On seeing the key the fellow's manner changed instantly.
"How did you get that?" he asked. "Are you one of us?"
The question could hardly be considered a compliment, but it assured me both of safety and of good treatment.
"If you belong to the Order of the Silver Key," I remarked, "and recognize the authority of Raymon Sorillo, all is well. He is my friend, and will give me shelter."
"The chief is in the mountains, señor, and not far off. I will get help, and take you to him. Meanwhile, eat a little coca; it will keep up your strength. I shall not be long gone."
"Thanks," said I, taking some of the coca, and chuckling to myself at this unexpected stroke of good fortune.