“The king did not see fit to accept my suggestion,” he said slowly. “I have escaped death only to be condemned to a worse fate.” “It looks bad for all of us,” Ted returned. “I did all I could,” the aged amauta whispered. “Alas! that I should live to see such days. By the king’s command I am forced to become a killer--of my own relatives and fellow teachers. I can neither eat, drink, nor sleep. Still, the will of my sovereign must be obeyed.” “Soncco, you have charge of the prisoners. Is not that true?” “Yes; I am the jailer.” “Then arrange that my companion and I remain together hereafter. You can do that.” “I can do that, but I will not. You would think up another plan for escaping; but you might as well save yourselves the trouble.” “On our honor, we shall not attempt to escape, and you know we are men of our word. One more thing: come to our place of confinement to-night. We have something of great interest to say to you.” “Say it now. Why wait until to-night?” “There is not time. Besides, we are being watched. Come to-night just after dark, and you will learn something worth your while.” “It shall be as you say. But remember, the guard will be tripled--so as to form a solid wall around you. Attempt no treachery or you will regret it.” With that the amauta went his way. “Do you think he will come?” Ted asked. “I hope so. We helped him out once and he believes we may do it again,” Stanley replied. Soncco kept his promise and arrived shortly after nightfall had come upon the valley. His face bore a tragic expression and his voice trembled. They had never seen him so agitated. “Speak quickly, for I have not long to stay,” he faltered. “There are many things on my mind.” “Soncco,” said Stanley slowly, looking straight at the aged man, “the task for which you have been selected does not suit you. I can tell that by your appearance and your actions. You are worried to death.” “But I will obey the Inca’s command.” “You do not want to kill your own relatives and friends, do you?” “The king’s commands must not be questioned.” “Of course not. And we are not asking you to disobey your king in even the smallest matter. But you will admit that Quizquiz is not the kind of king his father was. He is cruel and bloodthirsty. You know the history of the nation back to its very beginning. Was there ever another such ruler--one who wantonly destroyed his highest nobles as well as his common people for the mere pleasure it gave him?” “No, there was not. The Incas were all filled with solicitude for their subjects. They were all kind and benevolent and just; that is why they were so great and why the people venerated them.”