Part 19 (1/2)

The Incas--for I was satisfied of the identity of the creatures--had left their seats of granite and advanced to the edge of the lake Not a sound was heard--no command from voice or trumpet or reed; they moved as with one impulse and one brain

We were utterly helpless, for they nule pair of them would have been more than a match for us

I looked at Harry; the reaction froy was already upon hihtly from side to side, and he would have fallen if I had not supported hi

Then for the first time I saw the ruler of the scene The Incas had stopped and stood motionless Suddenly they dropped to their knees and extended their ar in their attitude told me the truth I wheeled sharply and saw the object of their adoration

Built into the granite wall of the cavern, soround, was a deep alcove At each side of the entrance was an urn resting on a ledge, similar to those on the colu flame

On the floor of the alcove was a massive chair, or throne, which seelow of thebut gold And seated on this throne was an ugly, !” I cried, with a hysterical laugh; and in the profound silencefro echoes

Iure on the throne arose; and as he did so the creatures round us fell flat on their faces on the ground

For several seconds the king surveyed them thus, without a sound or esture of dismissal They rose as oneaway into the walls of rock At the ti; later, when I discovered the innues which served as exits, it was not so difficult to understand

We were apparently left alone, but not for long From two stone stairways immediately in front of us, which evidently led to the alcove above, ca forms In an instant they were upon us; but if they expected resistance they were disappointed

At the first impact we fell And in another , hairy arms and were carried swiftly from the cavern

Scarcely five minutes had elapsed since we had first entered it

They did not take us far Down a broad passage directly away froain one to the left There they dropped us, quite as though ere bundles of merchandise, without a word

By this time I had fairly recoveredscene had stunned them--and I knehat I wanted As the brute that had been carrying ht his arm He hesitated, and I could feel his eyes on ain in darkness

But he could see--I thanked Heaven for it--and I began a ers in etically This I alternated with the action of one drinking frohtest idea whether he understood n--at least, without an audible one

But the creature possessed intelligence, for I had barely had time to turn to Harry and ascertain that he was at least alive, when the patter of returning footsteps was heard They approached; there was the clatter of stone on the ground beside us

I stood eagerly; a platter, heaped, and a vessel, full! I think I cried out with joy

”Come, Harry lad; eat!”

He was too weak to ments and fed it to him he devoured it ravenously Then he asked for water, and I held the basin to his lips

We ate as little as it is possible for men to eat who have fasted for many days, for the stuff had a sharp, concentrated taste that recoetting more

I wrapped the re the platter e the poncho for a pillow I had enough, assuredly, to keep o I slept close by Harry's side, with ht awaken me

When I awoke Harry was still asleep, and I did not disturb him I myself must have slept ry And thirsty; assuredly the provender of those hairy brutes would have been most excellent stuff for the free-lunch counter of a saloon

I unwrapped the poncho; then, crawling on round As I had expected, I found another full platter and basin I had just set the latter down after taking a hearty drink when I heard Harry's voice

”Paul”

”Here, lad”