I had heard that the women of Lima were famed for their beauty and
melodious voices. Senorita Inez surely upheld their reputation.

There was an appealing look now in her soft deep-brown eyes, and
her thin, delicate lips trembled as she hurried on with her
strange story.

"I never saw my father in such a state before," she murmured. "For
days all he had talked about was the 'big fish,' the peje grande,
whatever that might mean--and the curse of Mansiche."

The recollection of the past few days seemed to be too much for
her. Almost before we knew it, before Norton, who had started to
ask her a question, could speak, she excused herself and fled from
the room, leaving only the indelible impression of loveliness and
the appeal for help that was irresistible.

Kennedy turned to Norton. But just then the door to the den opened
and we saw our friend Dr. Leslie. He saw us, too, and took a few
steps in our direction.

"What--you here, Kennedy?" he greeted in surprise as Craig shook
hands and introduced Norton. "And Jameson, too? Well, I think
you've found a case at last that will baffle you."

As we talked he led the way across the living room and into the
den from which he had just come.

"It is very strange," he said, telling at once all that he had
been able to discover. "Senor Mendoza was discovered here about