before we begin what we may call business, Bertie. Of course I shall

deliver the other letters of introduction that Mr. Barnett gave me; but

the principal one--that to his former muleteer--is more important than all

put together. If anything has happened to him, there is an end of any

chance whatever of finding treasure. Of course he may have moved away, or

be absent on a journey with his mules, in which case we shall have either

to follow him or wait for his return."

 

"That would be a frightful nuisance."

 

"Yes; still, it is one of the things that we foresaw might happen."

 

"I vote we go at once, Harry, and see if he is here."

 

"I don't think we shall find him here; for Barnett said that he lived in

the village of Miraflores, five miles away on the north, and that if he is

not there, Senor Pasquez, to whom I have a letter, will be likely to tell

me where he is to be found, for he is often employed by him. However, I am

as anxious as you to see him. As it is only eleven o'clock yet, there is

no reason why we should not go to Miraflores. They will get mules for us

at the hotel, and tell us which road to take."

 

It was not necessary, however, to go into the hotel, for when they

returned, two or three men with mules were waiting to be hired. They

engaged two animals, and as the man of whom they hired them had a third,

and he was ready to accompany them for a small fee, they agreed to take

him with them.

 

Before they were a mile out of the town the mist cleared off and the sun

shone brightly. The heat, however, was by no means too great to be

pleasant. Miraflores was a charming village, or rather small town,

nestling among gardens and orchards.

 

"I want to find a muleteer named Dias Otero," Harry said to their guide as

they rode into the place.

 

"I know him well," he said. "Everyone about here knows Dias. His wife was

a cousin of my mother's."

 

"Do you know whether he is at home now?"

 

"Yes, senor; I saw him in Lima three days ago. He had just come down from

the mountains. He had been away two months, and certainly will not have

started again so soon. Shall I lead you to his house at once?"

 

"Do so; it is to see him that I have come to this town. He worked for a

long time with a friend of mine some years ago, and I have brought a

message from him. I may be some time talking with him, so when I go in you

can tie up your mules for a while."