he gloom of
night, and the latter lighted the fires, thus making a circle of flame
completely around the party.

"Is it really necessary to have such a blaze, or are you indulging in it
simply because it has been so long since we dared allow our whereabouts
to be known?" Teddy asked, as he sat with his chin on his knees gazing
at the burning wood.

"We are guarding against brute enemies. It is said that jaguars are
plenty in this section, and there can be no question but snakes abound.
These embers, which require only labor to keep alive, will do very much
toward saving our small stock of ammunition."

Jake did not appear disposed to join in any conversation since dinner.
He had thrown himself on the ground near the foot of a gigantic tree,
and, from the expression on his face, Neal fancied he was regretting
that they had not succeeded in bringing away any treasure from the
Silver City.

"What are you thinking of?" he asked.

"Only figgerin' out what a 'royal excursion this would 'a been if I'd
got that image I tried so hard for."

"If you had succeeded in carrying it outside the city we should not be
here now," Cummings said gravely. "With that lump of silver added to
our load I fancy we would be prisoners at this moment if they allowed
us to live so long."

"I reckoned you'd take the disappointment harder, after spendin' so much
time gettin' ready for the trip."

"Of what use would it be for me to complain? In view of all that has
happened we have been remarkably fortunate in getting away alive, and
consequently there is very much to be thankful for."

"Do you think that if I'd obeyed orders right up to the handle anything
more could have been done?"

"Not in the matter of carrying away treasure, for all hope fled the
moment our boat was discovered. You simply caused us additional
hardships, and have put an end to my visiting the place again for many
months."

"What?" Teddy cried in surprise. "Are you still thinking of entering the
city again?"

"I am, most certainly. It shall be my life work to discover the history
of these people, and tell to the world the meaning of the inscriptions
on the monuments of Copan. This failure has simply been a misfortune,
not anything which will prevent my continuing the labor."

"Do you count on asking others to go with you?"

"No," Cummings replied, with a meaning glance toward Jake. "If I ever
succeed the honor will be divided among Poyor and myself alone."

The