Soon but a scant dozen or so remained. These
squatted along the wall just under the lighted urns, evidently in
the capacity of sentinels.
Soon I became drowsy--intolerably so; I was scarcely able to
stand. I dozed off once or twice on my feet; and, realizing the
danger, I called Harry to take my place.
Desiree also had been asleep, lying on the raft which Harry and I
had concealed along with our fish. At sound of my voice she awoke
and sat up, rubbing her eyes; then, as I assured her that all was
quiet, she fell back again on her rude bed.
I have never understood the delay of the Incas at this juncture;
possibly they took time to consult the great Pachacamac and found
his advice difficult to understand. At the time I thought they
had given up the attack and intended to starve us out, but they
were incapable of a decision so sensible.
Many hours had passed, and we had alternated on four watches. We
had plenty of rest and were really quite fit. The gash on my leg
had proven a mere trifle; I was a little stiff, but there was no
pain.
Desiree's foot was almost entirely well; she was able to walk
with ease, and had insisted on taking a turn at watch, making
such a point of it that we had humored her.
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