He tarried at the _cantina_ only while Pedrillo was saddling his mule, then mounted and struck toward the fortress. Again his errand lay beyond; and he drew rein at the _huasi_ of Municancha. The old Indio gave him welcome, and to him Pedro narrated Rava’s flight from Caxamalca with the gallant Viracocha Cristoval. He told of her recent perils and deliverance, and begged Municancha’s aid in learning from Xilcala whether the good soldier still lived, and if not, where lay his grave. He found a willing helper. The old man, overjoyed by the news of the safety of Rava, who had been mourned as dead throughout the empire, did not hesitate. He had a nephew, Ocallo. Ocallo was summoned. He would gladly accompany, would organize a company at once, and would be ready to start the following dawn. They agreed upon a meeting place, and having enjoined secrecy, Pedro rode back to Xauxa, grateful to the peg which had won him so good a friend as Municancha. Night had fallen before he reached the town. He told his plan to Father Tendilla, arranged for his absence, received the confessor’s blessing, and departed to prepare for the journey. Pedro worked late, completed his preparations, and lay down for a few hours’ sleep. Long before dawn he was up, and having breakfasted, was assisted by Pedrillo to arm. His mule was brought, and with a few parting instructions, he was away. In half an hour he was clear of the town, on the road going north. A brisk trot for a mile or more, and he halted at a cross-road. A dim figure rose out of the darkness and was hailed by Pedro in Quichua. After a brief greeting, the man summoned half-a-dozen companions from a thicket beside the road. "Are we all here?" asked Pedro, looking over the group. "All here, Viracocha—four archers and two carriers," replied the one who had first approached. "Good! Then we will move. Take the lead, Ocallo. We should be well in the mountains before the light." Thus Pedro set out on his search for Cristoval. *CHAPTER XXV* _*A Glimpse of Cuzco*_ The interest at first aroused by Pedro’s disappearance gradually subsided, and was suddenly forgotten for a time, in the excitement following upon another departure. This was attended by tragic circumstance. Fray Mauricio, having established himself at Xauxa, at once denounced José to the commandant, Saavedra, as a heretic, demanding his arrest. Saavedra, intimidated by threats of the Inquisition’s vengeance, unwillingly consented. He was not prompt, however, and word of the friar’s efforts reached the armorer, who was almost recovered from his fever. The next morning Mauricio was found in his quarters, stabbed to the heart. José had vanished. Search was made in the town and neighboring mountains, but no trace of the armorer was found, and as no reward was offered, the hunt was given up.