“By so doing, we could make certain of their identity,” the young man argued, earnestly. “That, it appears to me, is the first step to be taken. For, in spite of the apparent recognition by Mr. Edgecombe, it is possible that no actual relationship exists.” “What of that?” bluntly cut in the younger Gillespie. “Don't you reckon strangers'd like to take a little walk, just as well as any other people?” “Patience, my lad,” interposed the professor. “While we seem in duty bound to lend aid and assistance to women in actual distress, we can only serve them with their own free will and accord. Granting that the women we saw upon the teocalli were other than those believed by our afflicted friend--” “But, uncle, look at their names! And don't Ixtli say--tell 'em all over again, pardner, won't ye?” urged Waldo, taking a burning interest in the matter, as was his custom when fairly involved. The young Aztec complied as well as lay within his power, giving it as his fixed opinion that sore trouble, if not actual peril, awaited the Children of the Sun, unless assisted by powerful friends. He spoke of the mighty chieftain, Prince Hua, and of the high priest, Tlacopa, who was, to all seeming, playing directly into the hands of the 'Tzin. “He say Mother of Gods call--loud! He say sacrifice, and dat--no, no! Quetzal' send--Quetzal' save--MUST save Victo, Glady!” Further questioning resulted in but little more information, though, as Ixtli grew calmer, he emphasised such statements as he had already made, elaborating them a trifle. And, by this, his questioners learned that, humanly speaking, the fate of the Sun God's Children depended almost entirely upon the whim or fancy of the chief paba of the teocalli. Through Tlacopa issued the awesome oracles, and when his voice thundered forth the dread fiat, who dared to openly rebel? Further questioning brought forth one more important fact,--that there was absolutely no hope of either Victo or Glady coming forth from the valley, either by night or by day. While ostensibly free of will as they were of limb, neither woman was permitted to leave yonder temple, save under armed escort; and guards were on duty each hour of the day and night. “But we could get to see and speak with them, Ixtli?” asked Bruno, eager to reach some fair understanding as to the future course of action. “Yes, white brother, go with Ixtli,” came the hesitating reply; but then the Aztec caught one of Gillespie's hands, holding it in close contrast to his own brown paw, shaking his head doubtingly. “No like. Keen eye, dem people. Watch close. Find 'nother white skin--bad!” “You hear that, Bruno?” asked the professor, really relieved at such positive evidence in conflict with the rash proposition made by the young man.