The Boy Fortune Hunters in Yucatan by L. Frank Baum

We were all somewhat thoughtful after this interview, for it was evident we had undertaken an adventure the details of which were quite obscure to us. For my part I was too nervous and excited to bunk in just yet, so I took Joe's arm and we walked over to the bow, where the clear starlight enabled us to watch the _Seagull_ cut her way through the water. Chaka was at the rail before us, and started to move away; but I stopped him, saying:

"We are all brothers now, Chaka, and therefore we must become better friends. Now that we are aware of your station and rank in your own country we stand equal."

"Only that? " said Joe. "Is the Atkayma of the Itzaex merely the equal of a common seaman?"

"I'm not common, Joe," I protested; "and I've a notion a decent American is the social equal of an Indian chief. It's social equality I'm talking about, not rank."

"Cap'n Sam is right," observed Chaka, with a smile that would have fascinated a woman. "Equality among men is found only in heart and brain."

His readiness to converse, remembering his former reserve, almost startled me.

"Perhaps you're right," drawled Joe. "But tell us, Chaka, is there much danger in this coming adventure, do you think?"

The Maya looked grave.

"Plenty danger, Cap'n Joe. " Every one was a "Cap'n" to Chaka; he considered it a complimentary title, bound to please. "Danger from Itzaex, first of all; but not much, for I am Chief's son. More danger from Mopane tribe, who hate Itzaex. Most danger from the mighty Tcha, who very strong, very jealous, very watchful."

"What are those people like? " I asked.

The Maya shook his head.

"My father not tell me. When I ask, he tremble, like he afraid; and my father is brave man. But the Tcha country very small-in the middle of a mountain-and their legend say a white man some day discover them and be their master. My brother Paul is white man."

"So you think our greatest danger will be to get to the hidden city, do you?"

"Yes. It long, bad journey. Mopanes watch by seashore, and fight us. My own people I have not seen for many years. When I find them they greet me as child of the sun, and help me. But Itzaex hate all white men, and I must use my power to protect white men from their hatred. That will be a danger to you, if not to me."

"I see. Well, it promises to be an exciting trip, all right," I said cheerfully, for the truth was that the danger of the adventure appealed to me more than the prospect of securing treasure. "It isn't always necessary to fight your way in a hostile country, in order to win out, Chaka. Diplomacy and caution, backed by a little good judgment, are better than guns and pistols. Eh, Joe?"

"A little courage in avoiding a fight has often done us good service, Sam," agreed my friend.

Chaka seemed to approve this view.

"Sometime my brother Paul tell you more," he said.

I noticed he now spoke of Allerton as "my brother Paul," when mentioning him to us; and there was a world of affection in the way he said it.

"Brother Paul has a big brain; his mind see far ahead. Also he have great man for Uncle-Cap'n Simeon Wells. We spend whole month last summer with Cap'n Wells, who know how to do many strange things."