red to one, and we are empty-handed.
Do we go?"

"There is nothing else to do," I answered, and I placed my foot on the
first step of the spiral stair.

Behind us came the guide, with a dozen others at his heels.

The ascent seemed even longer and more arduous than before, for then we
had been propelled by keen curiosity. Twice I stumbled in the
darkness, and would have fallen if it had not been for Harry's
supporting hand behind me. But finally we reached the top and stepped
out into the glare of the great cavern. I saw the stone slab close to
behind us, noiselessly, and wondered if I should ever see it open again.

We looked about us, and as our eyes sought the alcove in the wall
opposite, we gave a simultaneous start of surprise, and from Harry's
lips came a cry, half of gladness, half of wonder. For, seated on the
golden throne, exactly as before, was Desiree. By her side was seated
the Inca king; round them, guards and attendants.

We gazed at her in astonishment, but she did not look at us; even at
that distance we could see that her eyes were lowered to the ground.
Harry called her name--there was no answer. Again he called, and I
caught him by the arm.

"Don't, Hal! She can't possibly do us any good, and you may do her
harm. If she doesn't answer, it is because she has a reason."

He was silent, but not convinced, and would probably have argued the
matter if our attention had not been arrested by a movement in the
alcove.

The king rose and extended an arm, and the Incas who filled the seats
surrounding the cavern fell flat on their faces.

"We don't seem to have thinned them out any," I observed. "I believe
there are actually more than before. Where do they all come from?"

"The Lord knows!"

"And, by the way, it is now apparent why they waited so long to attend
to us. The king naturally wanted to be present at the entertainment,
and he had to take time to recover from his little fasting operation.
But now, what in the name of--my word, the thing is to be done in all
propriety! Look!"

The king had dropped his arm, and the Incas were again sitting as
Nature had intended they should sit, instead of on their noses. And
four attendants had approached the throne, bearing a frame of quipos.

"So we are to have a fair trial," Harry observed.

"With the king for judge."

"And a hundred dead rats as evidence."

"Right; they can't get even with us, anyway; there are only two of us.
And