“I second that motion. It will be the first real sleep in a long time.”
The food was of the finest the valley afforded, served by numerous menials and with all the pomp that had been lavished on Quizquiz. The bowls, platters, and goblets were of gold, finely wrought and decorated with flowers, fruit, and other designs. The two ate heartily but refused the cups of corn wine, or chicha, remembering that the grain of which it had been brewed, first had been chewed thoroughly to induce its fermentation. Roast partridges, cakes made of fine meal, strawberries and honey, that was the repast intended for the Inca, and which they did not hesitate to accept.
Soncco remained in waiting in an adjoining room, and at their request came for an interview in the evening. They discussed their future policy with him for a brief time, and after assigning a place to him for the night sought their own luxurious blankets.
Sleep came almost immediately but was destined to be of short duration. At the command of Stanley the people had retired to their shelters early, thus putting an end to the loud chatter over the day’s events. Also, the numberless fires had been extinguished and absolute quiet reigned over the sea of tents.
A frightful roar broke the silence of the night. For an instant there was not a sound; then came the hum of excited voices, for the encampment had been aroused, and lights began to flicker in many places.
Ted and Stanley sat bolt upright. They strained their ears for a repetition of the sound. It came before long. Another roar, preceded by a few low, hoarse growls, came to the ears of the astonished listeners.
“What under the sun can that be?” Ted asked, stepping off the edge of his couch. Stanley was up and had lighted a torch.
“I never heard anything like it before.”
“Sounds something like a jaguar, only much more powerful. Perhaps it is the noise of some wind-instrument we don’t know anything about. Do you suppose it can be Quizquiz, trying to frighten us, perhaps? Or is it the people serenading us?”
“I don’t know. Listen! It may come again.”