The Argosy, Vol. XXV, No. 1

This issue of The Argosy contains "A Peruvian Paradise," a complete adventure story of three white travelers in the Andes. Ford Kinsale, Keeth (a dark-haired naturalist), and Bob Fitch (a gruff Cockney trader) journey via llama pack train through Peru. When they discover a Spaniard being attacked by mountain Indians, they intervene with rifle fire. Their rescue of the wounded stranger triggers conflict: the three Indian llama drivers recognize a cabalistic tattoo mark on the Spaniard's cheek and refuse to continue, claiming he is accursed according to ancient Incan tradition. Juan, the eldest driver, warns that the mark signals forbidden status punishable by death. Despite threats, the drivers abandon the party. The travelers resolve to continue toward Qualpa, carrying their mysterious prisoner whose tattoo appears to connect him to lost Incan secrets.