“Enough,” said Frank. “I will accept your offer. You shall be taken to Quito in safety if you will disclose the hiding place of the Incas’ treasure.”
All were gathered about the wounded brigand now.
Harding was called, and was overjoyed at the information given him.
“Listen, senor,” he said to the confessing brigand. “Not only shall you be taken safely to your native country, but I will give you enough of the treasure to enrich you.”
The fellow’s eyes sparkled.
“The Senor Americano is kind,” he said. “I shall not forget it.”
Then he cleared his throat.
“Do you see yonder pine?” he said. “Go to it, measure twenty paces to the westward, find a bowlder, roll it aside, and you will see a flat stone set in the ground. Under that is the treasure buried.”
A rush was made for the spot.
The brigand’s story was found to be in every particular true.