the locker, loath to lose sight of such
valuable relics; truly unique, as he assured himself at the moment.

Bruno gave a little exclamation at sight of the articles, then in eager
tones he made known the daring idea which then flashed across his busy
brain.

"We ought to make sure before taking action, uncle Phaeton. Then why not
let me don these clothes and steal down into the valley, under cover of
darkness, to see the ladies and--"

"No, no, my lad," quickly interrupted the professor, gripping an arm
as though fearful of an instant runaway. "That would be too risky; that
would be almost suicidal! And--no use talking," with an obstinate shake
of his head, as Bruno attempted to edge in an expostulation. "I will
never give my consent; never!"

"Or hardly ever," supplied Waldo, coming that way like one who feels the
proprieties have been more than sufficiently outraged. "Give some other
person a chance to wag his chin a bit, can't ye, gentlemen? Not that _I_
care to chatter merely for sake of hearing my own voice; but--eh?"

"We were considering whether or no 'twould be advisable to take a walk
over to the observatory," coolly explained the professor. "Of course, if
you would rather remain here to watch the aerostat--"

"Let Bruno do that, uncle. He grew thoroughly disgusted with what he saw
over yonder, yesterday," placidly observed the youngster.

"Waldo, you villain!"

"Well, didn't you vow and declare that you could recognise grace
and beauty and all other varieties of attractiveness only in--dark
brunettes, old man?"

Professor Featherwit hastily interposed, lest words be let fall through
which Mr. Edgecombe might catch a premature idea of the possible
surprise held in store; and shortly afterwards the start was made for
the snug covert from whence the Lost City had been viewed on prior
occasions.

Naturally their route led them directly past the scene of the bear
fight, where the huge carcass lay as yet undisturbed, and calling forth
sundry words of wonder and even admiration, through its very ponderosity
and now harmless ferocity.

Professor Featherwit deemed it his duty to gravely reprove his wards
for their rash conduct, yet something in his twinkling eyes and in the
kindly touch of his bony hand told a far different tale. His anger took
the shape of pride and of heart-love.

In due course of time the lookout was won, and without delay the savant
turned his field-glass upon the temple which appe