captain; "found anything?"

"Oh, yes," said Brace, trying to speak calmly; "this is an altar, sure
enough."

"Well, I'd give it up for to-day. Come out, Brace," cried Sir Humphrey,
"and we'll examine the place carefully to-morrow when the fire has
burned out and the air is breathable. I think we shall be able to take
back something curious for our pains."

"Not a doubt about it," said Briscoe cheerily. "Yes; we've had enough
of it for to-day, and I want something to take the smoke and dust out of
my throat. Come along, Brace. Hist," he whispered: "not a word till we
get them away from the men."

"I understand," said Brace.

A few minutes afterwards the whole party were out on the terrace,
shouting down explanations to Dellow and the men, who on seeing the
smoke rising had taken to the small boat and rowed to the foot of the
great wall.

"Found anything worth getting?" shouted the mate.

"Well, yes: I suppose so," cried the captain. "It's a big temple full
of stone idols. We shall have to take a boat-load back for the British
Museum."

"Bah!" said Dellow. "Are you coming back now? Dan's got a splendid
dinner of fish and bird roasted and I don't know how you are; we're
starving here."

"We shall be with you in no time now," said the captain. "Forward, my
lads, and let's get back."

The men started, Sir Humphrey and the captain followed, and Brace and
Briscoe came last.

"Yes, that's gold, sure enough," said Brace, looking furtively at the
piece of ore thrust into his hand. "But, Briscoe?"

"Well?"

"Suppose the Indians know of all these golden ornaments and things being
here?"

"I don't suppose they do; but if they do, what then?"

"Suppose they came now in force and beat us off?"

"Ah, it would be awkward if they came now; but if they did there'd be a
very ugly fight before we gave up our hold on what we've found."

"Yes; we couldn't give it up now."

"I say, what about the men?" said Briscoe.

"They must know, of course, and take their share of what we carry away."

"Oh!" groaned Briscoe, "and after finding what has been the dream of my
life."

"What do you mean!" said Brace wonderingly.

"Why, we've only got those two boats and can't take much. Brace, my
lad, do you think it would be possible to bring the brig up here?"

"Yes, perhaps we might if you could knock down those falls, and do away
with all the shallow parts between here and there."

"Of course," said Briscoe, with