One look into the serious, apprehensive face of his companion and Stanley felt that he could not dash all his hopes to the ground by telling him of the fear that had gradually loomed up to dispel the hopes of the previous day. For the more he thought of the matter the more certain he was that not only had he tied too few knots in the string, but that the eclipse was not due until the following month.
“You shall see,” he said evasively. “Look, here comes Soncco now. He looks troubled. We must have an interview with him where none can hear. That is the first step, and it has got to be arranged somehow.”
As a matter of fact, Soncco was looking for them. He was the picture of misery; years had been added to his age overnight.
“The king did not see fit to accept my suggestion,” he said slowly. “I have escaped death only to be condemned to a worse fate.”
“It looks bad for all of us,” Ted returned.
“I did all I could,” the aged amauta whispered. “Alas! that I should live to see such days. By the king’s command I am forced to become a killer—of my own relatives and fellow teachers. I can neither eat, drink, nor sleep. Still, the will of my sovereign must be obeyed.”
“Soncco, you have charge of the prisoners. Is not that true?”
“Yes; I am the jailer.”
“Then arrange that my companion and I remain together hereafter. You can do that.”
“I can do that, but I will not. You would think up another plan for escaping; but you might as well save yourselves the trouble.”