with such a view of the case, and he felt
well satisfied that nothing could prevent them from doing as they
wished; but unfortunately, he failed to take into consideration the very
important fact that while it might be a simple matter to enter the city,
they could not be certain of leaving it at will.

"We can do as we please by standing firm to our determination of going
away in time to take passage on the steamer," he said; "therefore we'll
see the adventure through to that point, and if Cummings fails in his
purpose of bringing away a large amount of gold we will have had such an
experience as can be talked about when we get home."

As for Jake, a glimpse of the glistening walls of the city had literally
intoxicated him, and his one and only desire was to reach that point
where he could satisfy himself by the sense of touch as well as sight.

As the time drew near for the final move in the bold scheme Cummings
became greatly agitated. It was as if all the blood had left his face,
and his eyes were open wide and staring as he gazed into vacancy.

"Are you sick?" Teddy asked in alarm.

The young man shook his head.

"I suppose I'm acting like a fool; but can't prevent my nerves from
getting the best of me just at this time. After laboring two years for
one thing, and then being so near a successful completion of the work,
is enough to make any fellow excited."

Teddy was on the point of saying he fancied that fear of the ultimate
result might have some share in this alleged nervous attack; but,
fortunately, he checked himself in time, and turned to watch Poyor who
was hiding the boat beneath an ingeniously constructed screen of leaves.

Night came slowly; the twittering of the birds and the chattering of the
monkeys was hushed. Among the dense underbrush the darkness was
intense, yet the Indian remained motionless in a listening attitude.

Amid profound silence the moments passed until to the boys it seemed as
if it must have been midnight when Cummings whispered:

"It is time. Poyor shall lead the way, and I will bring up the rear."

Walking in single file, and keeping firm hold of each other's garments
lest they should be separated, the little party began the last stage of
the journey.

The Indian went forward as if familiar with all the surroundings, and
when half an hour had passed he halted only long enough to point ahead
where, through the foliage, could be seen the city, its buildings
gleaming ghos