In response Quizquiz flicked his whip and the nobles holding his litter turned and started away.
The multitude, however, did not go away; it broke up into small groups and in hushed voices discussed the momentous events of the day.
CHAPTER IX
SONCCO’S SHREWDNESS
The two prisoners were closely guarded by a double circle of soldiers until the day drew to a close; then the guards tied their hands securely behind their backs, but not without a struggle, and lashed their feet with tough thongs and fastened the ends to stakes driven into the ground. A small shelter-tent was erected over them.
There they remained throughout the long hours of the night, helpless and suffering from the numerous bruises they had received in the encounter and from the cramped position of their limbs. Added to these tortures were hunger and a burning thirst, for they had been given neither food nor drink. And during all this time they heard the monotonous tramp of many sentinels walking around their prison.
In the morning the thongs were loosened and coarse bread and a basin of water were placed before them. As they ate Stanley tried to engage the guards in conversation.
“What is all the noise outside?” he asked.
The soldiers did not reply.
“Is the Inca still here? Tell him to call; I have thought of several other things I should like to say to him.” But still no reply, so Stanley concluded that further attempts would be futile.
When the two had eaten, the guards gathered up the empty bowls and departed. Ted looked through the opening in the tent; what he saw made him stare in wonder. There was great activity in the direction he could see. Tents in hundreds were being put up and groups of soldiers, led by gaily dressed officers, were marching back and forth. The surrounding country was assuming the aspect of a vast encampment.