Warwick and Willis both urged that they be permitted to follow, in an attempt to learn what lay beyond the tunnel.
“Not alone,” the Scout leader advised. “If we decide to risk it, we’ll all wait here until nightfall. Even then, we may be caught.”
“The Indians aren’t mistreating Captain Carter,” Willie pointed out. “They seem to think he’s a God.”
“His case is different,” replied Mr. Livingston. “Probably through an earlier visit here, he managed to impress them. But if we were caught in the secret city, we might be dealt with most harshly.”
The Scouts knew that their leader was right. Nevertheless, the temptation to explore further was very hard to resist.
“We’ll have to wait until dusk,” Jack insisted, siding with Mr. Livingston. “Then we can decide whether to attempt the tunnel or hike for the river.”
During the fading hours of the afternoon, the Scouts kept constant watch of the tunnel exit. Neither Captain Carter nor any of the bearers, who had escorted him, reappeared. Three times they saw natives enter the narrow passageway, on each occasion replacing the stone barrier.
As dusk came on, the Scouts again held counsel, deciding that if ever the venture were to be made, it must be soon. Because no one was willing to remain behind, it was agreed that all should attempt the passage together. Jack and Ken were assigned to start ahead and to give a warning in the event of impending trouble.
Emerging from their rock shelter, the Scouts cautiously heaved aside the heavy stone barrier. Noiselessly, they trod through the passageway which narrowed until they were forced to crawl.
At last, however, Ken and Jack saw open sky above, and signaled to those behind that the way was clear.