Chapter Six.
A Storm in the Mountains—Refuge found—Converse round the Fire.
The summit of the pass was at last gained, and not a moment too soon, for the storm which they had experienced a few days before was but the prelude to a gale such as is rarely experienced save in the winter months of the year, when most of the mountain passes are closed.
It began by mutterings of distant thunder, which caused the guide to look round the horizon and up at the sky somewhat anxiously.
“Do you think we shall reach our next shelter before it breaks?” asked Lawrence.
“I hope so,” said Pedro, pausing on a ridge from which an almost illimitable view was had of mountain range and valley in all directions.
“Far over in that direction,” he continued, pointing with his hand, “lies the land of the Incas. You have heard of the Incas, senhor?”
“Yes, I have heard of them, but cannot say that I am intimately acquainted with their history.”