and I will sling one on each side of the mules."

 

"Yes, it would be as well, while you are about it, to bring eight. You may

as well get some more coffee. We drink a lot of that, and like it strong.

If your wife thinks we shall want more sugar, or anything else, by all

means get some."

 

As soon as Dias started, the lines were got ready. They cut a couple of

saplings to serve as rods, and Jose, digging among the rocks, found plenty

of worms, beetles, and grubs for bait. In addition, they took a cake or

two of maize, to break up and throw in to attract the fish.

 

"We had better swim out in our flannel shirts and trousers," Harry said.

"They will soon dry, and they will keep off the sun. If we were to sit

there without them, we should get blistered from head to foot."

 

"Shall we fish outside the rocks, or inside, Harry?"

 

"We will try both; but I think we are likelier to catch most inside. I

should think a back-water like that would attract them."

 

They met with equal success on both sides of the rocks, and by evening had

caught over forty fish, at least half of which weighed over four pounds.

Then they set the long lines, each carrying forty hooks, and returned to

the castle with as many fish as they could possibly carry. Maria was

delighted with the addition to her larder, and she and Jose set to work at

once to clean and split them. In the morning they were hung in strings

from the broad window. Maria said they would get the benefit of the heat

from the walls, and any air there might be would be able to pass round

them.

 

By means of the night-lines they caught almost as many fish as they had

done with their rods, and that day they had the satisfaction of bringing

in more than they could carry in one journey.

 

"We have got plenty now to keep us going for another three weeks," Harry

said, "and we can always replenish our stock when we choose."

 

Dias returned at sunset carrying one sheep over his shoulders.

 

"I have left the others out there, senor; I don't think there is any fear

of their straying. There is no fresh grass anywhere except near the

stream, and moreover, being strange to the valley, they will naturally

keep near the mules."

 

Another month passed in continuous labour. The stones had all been taken

up in the basement they had first visited, but no other chamber had been

found. The parallel chamber had given them much trouble at starting, as no