inscriptions on hieroglyphic rocks in these abandoned cities evidently
refer to Amazons. There you see them doing the work of men--carrying on
war, ruling conquered regions, founding cities. It is a picture of a
golden age, Mrs. Stanley."

Aunt Maria meant to go by way of the San Juan, if she had to scalp
Apaches herself in doing it.

"Lieutenant Thurstane, what do you say?" she asked, turning her sparkling
eyes upon the officer.

"I must confess that I never heard of all these things," replied
Thurstane, with an air which added, "And I don't believe in most of them."

"As for the San Juan route," he continued, "it is two hundred miles at
least out of our way. The country is a desert and almost unexplored. I
don't fancy the plan--I beg your pardon, Mr. Coronado--but I don't fancy
it at all."

Aunt Maria despised him and almost hated him for his stupid, practical,
unpoetic common sense.

"I must say that I quite fancy the San Juan route," she responded, with
proper firmness.

"I venture to agree with you," said Coronado, as meekly as if her fancy
were not of his own making. "Only a hundred miles off the straight line
(begging your pardon, my dear Lieutenant), and through a country which is
naturally fertile--witness the immense population which it once supported.
As for its being unexplored, I have explored it myself; and I shall go