The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-01-25

i H.
Hfnjuns 'ad stored up gold from the
old mines. as they say they did, an
other vaIibles, these ere Hinjuns of
to-day would ave found it, an spent
it for rum before this"
Both his companions laughed.
Well said Ford Kfnsale, If Keeth
doesn't locate his nitrate beds pretty
soon, I'm going to hunt for the Incas's
old hideouts. When the Spaniards
drove the tribes into the mountains
they lugged a pile of treasure With
EN-. It must be hidden somewhere"
You get to monkeying among these
mountains. off the beaten paths, and
you'll be up against something you
won't like" observed Keeth.
What
We'll. they say all the Indians
aren't as peaceable as the coast ma
tives, or those Fitch trades with in
the interior"
IN risk EN- said Ford, I'm
bound TO get some fun during my
vacation. 1t it's going to be a brush
with Wild Indians, why let it come
Goodness knows, after boning down at
a desk in CalIao for eighteen months
steady. I ought to stand a little ex-
cftement,'
Pooh, pooh." exclaimed Fitch
You young men don't believe half
them old woman's tales about the
mountain tribes. do vou?''
Fitch" said Keeth, you're the
most unbelieving man ever saw"
Hes worse than that" cried Ford.
It's abominable. Remember, were
out for a holiday-at least. I am.
Don't try to break down our faith in
all the romantic traditions Of the
country. Let US believe in the de
scendants of the Incas themselves
who, they say, inhabit the upper
pIateaus Of the Andes"
Nonsense! nonsenset" declared the
trader, with some heat. We're in as
wild part OF the sierras now as a
white man cares to go. There's Moth
in but mountains hand Wild beasts
to the north Of US Hive been hover
this trail dozens of times an Hi never
even saw one O them Hinjuns you're
talking about Hits all a bloomin'
booger story"
If there'd been any truth in it
Fitch would have been trading with
them before this" interposed Keeth.
drily.
That's 50" said the trader. That's
just what I would
1t that instant the steady jangling
of the bell on the leading llama ceased.
The pack train came to a sudden
stop. the animals crowding upon one
another in the narrow path.
The trail ahead was hidden by a
towering spur Of rock. From beyond
this obstruction came the loud CLASH
of voices and the trampling of feet.
What's up? Another pack train?"
demanded Ford.
Fitch started forward. but before
he had rounded the head of his train
the sound of voices had increased to
roar, above which the strokes Of
metal upon metal were plainly audi
bic.
a fight, by Jcve," cried Ford, and
he started on run up the trail.
But Keeth passed both OF them bel
fore they reached the spur of rock
H. unslung his rife as he ran. and
when he rounded the obstruction he6d
the weapon at a ready"
The scene which met his gaze v -as
a most startling one. On q narrow
trail above him group of nearly a
score of Indians were struggling, land
the victim Of their wrath was a sin
gle individual, who stood at bay. with
his back TO the rocky wall. THE
Indians were fairly falling over one
another in their furious endeavo7s to
thrust the imperiled man through
with their spears.
He was a slight, 1.-the mana S'Dan-
lard. Keith was sure at first gIahce-
and his remarkable activity Wais all
that had saved him up TO this I5oint
He was bleeding badly from seEeraI
wounds, but was dexterously catdhing
most Of his enemies thrusts upon 2
round rawhide shield attached to his
left arm. With his own speals lit
seemed his only weapon ne twas
doing no little damage to his foes
one lay face downward at his feet,
quite dead.
The Indians themselves were plainly
of a different tribe from thoset who
bore the llama train company. They
were n fercer peopIe-that was evil
dent and they were caller and more
sturdy. Their soled sandals Fattled
on the rocky path. and they fought
Ike furies. The outcome Of + he an
even battle could not have long re-
manned in doubt.
These facts Keeth saw at almost
glance, He shifted the rife from his
arm TO his shoulder ia trice, Z, md the
crack Of the piece rose above the