while the other band of searchers
apparently turned off into a side passage, or large chamber, since
nothing could be seen or heard of them by the fugitives.

In all probability, Ixtli's bold ruse would have proved a complete
success, for the Aztec warrior showed no suspicion as he drew nearer;
but it was not to be thus.

Fairly holding his breath, lest he disturb some of the dry bones
immediately in front of himself, Bruno waited and hoped, only to feel
his blood chill, and his heart fail him, as a sickening horror crept
over his brain; nor was that the only creeping thing,--worse luck!

Past all room for doubting, his entrance into that crypt had disturbed
the repose of a snake of some description; for now he could feel the
loathsome reptile crawling slowly up his back, turning the skin beneath
to scorching ice in its horrid passage.

One horrible nightmare minute that lasted, then the serpent paused upon
his shoulder and biceps, touching his cheek with nose, then drawing back
its ugly head to give an ominous hiss.

Human flesh and blood could endure no more, and Bruno flung the snake
violently off, striking forcibly against that mass of dry bones as he
did so. With a rattling clatter, the skeleton lost its frail coherence
and tumbled outward, leaving Bruno fairly exposed within the niche.

With a cry the Aztec warrior turned in that direction, but ere he could
fetch his light to bear upon the right spot, Ixtli sprung forth to the
rescue, hooting like a frightened owl, as he dashed the light to earth,
and, at the same time, deftly tripping the Indian headlong.

Swift as thought itself he followed up the advantage thus won, smiting
the fallen brave heavily upon the crown with a clubbed thighbone,
depriving him of sensibility for the time being at least. And then
snatching up the still burning light, he called, in guarded tones, to
his white friend:

"Come, brother, play hunt, now! Fast--not stop here; dat bad for you see
by dem so soon. Dat good you go--like dis way!"

Scarcely realising just what fresh ruse the Aztec had in mind, but far
from recovered from that horrible fear of death from poisonous fangs,
Gillespie submitted, Ixtli hurrying him away, turning off into what
appeared to be a side passage, less spacious than that to which they had
until then confined their retreat.

The young Aztec hastily explained his present scheme, which was to play
the role of searchers as well; and scarcely had he made