“Get a stone,” put in Ned.
Jerry brought a large one. One or two heavy blows and the lid of the box flew off. There was a sudden sparkle of light and several white objects fell to the ground.
“Diamonds!” cried the professor. “We have made a valuable discovery!”
The box seemed full of jewels. There were stones of many colors, but most of all were the white, sparkling ones.
“Maybe they’re only glass,” suggested Ned.
“No; they are diamonds, rubies, turquoise and other precious stones,” replied the professor. “This was probably the jewel case of some Aztec millionaire.”
They returned to their camp, carrying the jewels with them. As they entered the old building, Jerry, who was in the lead, started back.
“There’s some one at our auto!” he exclaimed.
“Nonsense!” replied the professor. “The place is deserted.”
But he changed his mind a moment later. As he entered the room he saw a girlish figure clinging to the side of the car. She seemed to be almost dead, and had only strength enough left to mutter: