Chapter I: Preface: To the Original Edition

The mysterious loss of a large portion of the treasure of the Incas has never been completely cleared up. By torturing the natives to whom the secret had been entrusted, the Spaniards made two or three discoveries, but there can be little doubt that these finds were only a small proportion of the total amount of the missing hoards, although for years after their occupation of the country the Spaniards spared no pains and hesitated at no cruelty to bring to light the hidden wealth. The story of the boat which put to sea laden with treasure is historical, and it was generally supposed that she was lost in a storm that took place soon after she sailed. It was also morally certain that the Peruvians who left the country when the Spaniards became masters carried off with them a very large amount of treasure into that part of South America lying east of Peru. Legends are current that they founded a great city there, and that their descendants occupy it at the present time. But the forests are so thick, and the Indian tribes so hostile, that the country has never yet been explored, and it may be reserved for some future traveller, possessing the determination of my two heroes, to clear up the mystery of this city as they penetrated that of the lost treasure-ship. It need hardly be said that the state of confusion, misrule, and incessant civil wars which I have described as prevailing in Peru presents a true picture of the country at the period in which this story is laid.

G. A. HENTY.

CONTENTS

CHAP.

I. HOW IT CAME ABOUT

II. THE START

III. AT LIMA

IV. A STREET FRAY

V. AMONG THE MOUNTAINS

VI. A TROPICAL FOREST

VII. AN INDIAN ATTACK

VIII. DEFEAT OF THE NATIVES

IX. THE SIGNAL STAR

X. A FRESH START

XI. BRIGANDS

XII. PRISONERS

XIII. LETTERS FROM HOME

XIV. THE CASTLE OF THE DEMONS

XV. INVESTIGATIONS

XVI. THE SEARCH BEGINS

XVII. AT WORK

XVIII. DISAPPOINTMENT

XIX. THE TREASURE

XX. HOME

ILLUSTRATIONS

IT DID NOT TAKE LONG TO TRANSFER THE SACKS INTO THE BOAT.

AN INDIAN SPIES THE EXPEDITION.

THEY SAW APPROACHING A PEASANT WOMAN SITTING ON A MULE.

HARRY DROPPED THE BARREL OF HIS RIFLE INTO THE PALM OF HIS LEFT HAND.

Map of Peru

THE TREASURE OF THE INCAS