“Yes,” Cliff broke in, “I know, or I think I know, what you are about to say. They called Venus—wait, now, let me get it!——”
Nicky was bouncing up and down on a rock. Finally he could contain himself no longer.
“Chasqui!” he said excitedly.
“No,” said Tom with contempt, “‘Chasqui’ means a runner—like the chap who carried that quipu.”
Nicky looked crestfallen, but Cliff smiled.
“You were close,” he admitted, “and you reminded me of what I wanted to say.
“Venus was the favorite star of the Incas and they called her ‘Chaska’—that was like saying ‘Page of the Sun’ but I guess that is a pretty free translation.” He turned to Bill.
“Not too free,” Bill grinned. “But it really meant just exactly what you are at this moment—‘the youth with the flowing and shining locks!’”
“Why, yes,” said Mr. Whitley, “I remember that. And it will fit in splendidly. Cliff, from now on, if all goes well, you shall be ‘Chaska—Page of the Sun!’”
And, as they made final plans, on their rock, the rush-roofed quarters of Huascar Inca Capac, ruler of hidden Quichaka, were invaded by two unshod men—none wore sandals in the presence of their ruler!—who bowed to the floor.