The Children of Cupa

by Mary Ellen Mannix

"Once it was encantado,"[F] rejoined Mauricio.

"What is it called? Has it any name?" asked Walter.

The Indians smiled and looked at each other.

"You will not be frightened if I tell you?" asked Mauricio. "The danger is past—nothing can hurt you. The spell is long since broken."

"Oh, tell us!" cried Nellie. "We won't be frightened."

"It is called 'El Valle de los Cascabeles'—'The Valley of the Rattlesnakes.'"

"Ugh!" exclaimed Nellie. "Are there rattlesnakes down there?"

"Not any more, I think; perhaps never any there," answered Mauricio. "But there is a story."

"A story? Oh, do tell it to us," cried the children.