Drake (looks up with surprise and doubt, aside). Does our way lead up that wall, of alternate cliff and forest? (turning to Chiruca) Must we climb that bald peak, just kissed by the rising sun, and glowing in his beams like molten silver. Whilst night still holds possession of hill and valley?
Moon. It seems to me, General, a mighty barrier to mark the limits of the world.
Chiruca (amused at their dismay). Vasco Nunez climbed the very top, on the same errand, and a band of followers loaded with their heavy armour. They struggled over rock and precipice—through river and torrent—through morass and forest—and had to fight their way through hostile nations at every step. One half their Lion-dogs (Leonicos) as they call their bloodhounds, and a vast number of the band, perished by fatigue, hunger, and poisoned arrows. With difficulty he regained his ships with a mere handful of his followers. I shall, however, conduct you by easy paths and pleasant valleys, to a plateau, from which you shall behold the great Pacific reposing at your feet: and gangs of treasure-laden mules and llamas, with their escorts, worming their difficult way across the Isthmus.
Drake (with interest, surprise, and doubt). Lead on my friend!
Chiruca turns and points, smiling maliciously, to the right, where there is deep chasm or gorge, with high cliffed sides like walls, through which rushes a foaming torrent from a cascade at the top, thundering over a shelf. Wild beasts playing about; a tiger watching the party on the opposite bank. A curious bridge, or rather rope, at a little distance, extended across with a sort of chair on it—all of bark, twisted and wrought; an Indian means of transit.
Chiruca (pointing to the chasm). Our way lies over here.
They all look with amazement and dismay at the yawning gulf. They confer and gaze again and again with various emotions; some jeering; some angry; some laughing. Chiruca smiling observes them.
Drake (aside). Easy paths! Pleasant valleys! Humph! You jest with us, Chiruca.
Moon. By all the host of heaven Indian, you might as well tell us to jump from the verge of the earth into Jupiter or Saturn or our nearest neighbour among the stars, or as we should be then lunatics, into the moon. (Laughter in which they all join).
Chiruca (archly). I must go foremost I see, and show you the way.