In the curious light that prevailed the fountain resembled a monster Roman candle, and the two who gazed upon the scene for the first time were entranced at the wonderful spectacle.
The pool of water rested in a natural basin of rock, and a slanting floor of white stone stretched out from its edges.
After gazing at the fountain for a while, Dick led the way to the edge of the pool.
Here, for the first time, he noticed a tablet of stone which leaned against a bowlder.
The boy gave a start and pointed to it, at the same time calling his companion’s attention.
Upon the tablet was engraved a hand, like the one they had seen at the point where the four passages met, and the index finger pointed directly into the pool of sparkling water.
Beneath the hand was the rough delineation of a rose in full bloom, and under all were the words:
“Esto Perpetua.”
Dick’s small acquaintance with Latin told him that esto perpetua meant: “Let it be perpetual,” and he wondered what it could all mean.
While he was studying over the subject, a slight noise was heard in the direction they came from.