Muro warned them to remain
behind. It was evident to all, however, that they were going to the
Krishno cave, and its purport was a mystery to them.

John's sense of direction did not deceive him. He soon found the
entrance on the village side, and, lighting the candles, immediately
entered the cavern. John led the way, as his experience in its hollows
enabled him to point out the direction to be taken.

The interior, lighted up by the candles, was most weird and beautiful.
The stalactite hangings were not massive, but showed the most delicate
tracings, in the first chamber reached. This was the western wing of the
great interior cross which John had previously described.

CHAPTER IX

PLANS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE NATIVES

Directly beyond this chamber, and on a line with the entrance passage,
was an extension which led to the other side of the hill. The chamber
formed an immense cross, in its plan section, and the two lateral
extremities were the points of interest.

The party first went to the left, and there found the habitation of the
Krishnos. Peculiar implements and instruments were discovered, and all
of these were taken, and placed together, Muro and the boys looking on
in wonder.

Among them were found a number of crude crosses and numerous charms or
amulets, the kind that they vended, and which the natives gave their
souls and bodies to acquire.

"The possession of these will be of great service to us, as the people
reverence them, and we must not expect to change their beliefs in a
fortnight."

"You said there was a lot of treasure here," remarked Ralph.

"That is in the other wing of the chamber. As we have everything from
this place that is serviceable, we will go to the south wing."

The recessed part of the chamber at this place had the appearance of
being carved from the rock, and decorated with the universal calcium.
The floor was covered with stalagmites, rough and uneven, showing that
the place had not been trod, perhaps for centuries.

"What are those curious things?" asked Tom, gazing at the square-shaped
objects, which were arranged in one corner.

"By opening them we shall see."

"Here is one, partly opened," exclaimed Ralph in great excitement.

"Yes; that is the one I tried to get into," answered John.
"Notwithstanding it was a hazardous thing to do at the time, I took the
risk. The Krishnos were at that very time at the other wing which we
just left."

The receptacle w