The Washington times., 1903-01-25

E
! life in some of the wilder portions OF
the States before coming to Peru. He
( had accompanied a United States ex-
ploring expedition through Arizona
and New Mexico before his twenty
first birthday. and had learned in
those cattle raising countries some
thing of the value Of q thirty-foot
rope. The instant he saw the stump
he saw as well a way out of the pres
ent difficulty.
He caught up the coil Of hemp,
made running moose, and planted
his feet firmly on the edge of the
water, preparatory TO making a cast.
IF the ropes long enough to reach,
and that old stub holds, were all
right" he thought, as he swung the
coils about his head.
It was a long cast, and the loop
did not fall over the stub at the first
or second trial: but Keeth was de-
lighted to see It drop just where he
wanted it to the next time. However.
when he had drawn it taut he found
it so short that he could not fasten
it al the side of the inlet. and he had
to shout for his companions to help
him. Ford and the Englishman came
running. with their rifles in their
hands, fully believing that he had
been attacked by Indians; but they
f0rgave him for disturbing their
morning nap when they discovered
what he had done.
Hits a great cad you ave, Mr..
Keith declared Fitch. HID never
thought of it"
But will the stump hold?" asked
Ford Kinsale.
Wen all get hold Of the line and
try it." replied Keeth. I'VE know
the rope is all right If it holds, I'll
cross over and help you fellows
across"
The stub proved to be firmly set in
the ground. and without waiting for
breakfast Keeth removed his clothing
AID prepared to make the passage CT
the river. He wrapped his garments
in his blanket, swathed his gunlock
in oily rags. and singing both bundle
and weapon over his shoulder,
plunged into the water. Ford hung
to the end of the rope and steadied
him, and although Keeth's feet were
almost imediately swept from be-
meath him, he managed to reach the
opposite shore without serious diff
Guilty. He hurried into his damp
clothing and helped Fitch across. and
then flung the rope back to Ford, and,
with the traders assistance, drew his
friend, ard the provisions, over the
food.
well, pray heaven we won't
have to cross another such place"
KipsaIe painted, as they drew him to
land. I'm not half as anxious 10
see. the meas cave as I was when
poor Jose was telling US about It,"
7 thought you were looking for lots
of excitement this vacation" said
Keith silly.
"Oh, we're having too much fun"
declared Ford ruefuIly. "I didn't
know what I was talking about. IF
ever I get back to Canao I sha'n'r ask
for another vacation for ten years"
They marched along the single for
some miles further. fortunately find
ing 1t good travelling all the way;
but 1t was nearly noon before they
reached what seemed a promising
path TO the top Of the cliffs. The
foot of this trail was extremely rug
ged. but 1t looked better above, and
with Keith in the lead they started
up. Before they had climbed fifty
feet the path became quite easy TO
follow. In fact, it showed the hand
of man in its construction.
It was gradual incline. extending
along the face of the bluff, becoming
wider and wider as they mounted up
ward There were marks of great
chiseIs where slabs of the soft rock
had been split off, and while still a
hundred feet or more from the sum
mis-, lhe adventures reached a place
where the ancient constructors of
lttE IOttl iidti LStl liAC feA-9tS mae AeA-
10 build d substantial wall, four feet
G more in height, along the outer
edge Here the way was broad
enough for four men to walk abreast :
The rocks themselves. in fact, instead
Of the mortar. had crumbIed with age
What do you think of such ergin-
akring as this?" demanded Ford.
Att is wonderful" declared eKeth- /
.sTAhis must have been built three /
hu hdred years ago-possibly at a still
more ancient date-yet the best work
Of civilized peoples to-day cannot sur
pass II What giants those old Incas
mu4t have been, for they had few
tools to aid them This was all done 7
by isheer bodily strength They had /
no hosting apparatus"
"Riand do you mean to say them
did this?' cried Fitch.
"T'hey certainly did" replied the F
engineer. Probably the road was
BUILD about the time that Pizarro con- /
auer, ed the country"
z kch shood his head over it.
.sTSley must ave been a deal differ /