“I must go to the dungeons. I will speak with Caya. She must be made to tell all. I take Nee-kee with me. Soldier, guard this palace—let no one enter here. The guards at the dungeon will help me take Caya to the temple, Corrichanca, of the god, Raymi, where, in front of those white ones in their dyed skins, she shall tell me the truth.”
Bill thus gave Cliff all the information he needed. Down the steps and back to the Sun Temple sped Cliff, quite sure of his way.
He identified himself to the watchful father, Mr. Whitley also, and explained breathlessly what had happened and what Bill had told him he would do. They must wait, they decided.
But where was Tom. Would he get the rope? Would he be caught?
And while they debated, in the palace the Coya, or queen, entered the audience room from another chamber. She looked around. Something strange about the pile of wool in the corner attracted her attention. Bill had already gone. But the queen saw the real Inca.
“Ho—guards!—hither!” she cried. “Help me! The Inca is bound beneath these wools!”
CHAPTER XXV
TOM’S ADVENTURE
Tom did not go very far on his way before he saw a small troop of soldiers guarding the road.
He hesitated: if he tried to slip around them he might run into others: if he ran boldly past them it would test his nerve but it was really the safest course.
He kept on, running lightly, drawing his breath a little faster than usual, more from excitement than from weariness.