For what enormous stakes was the seaman risking his life? The vast Inca treasure? And where, he wondered, might it lie hidden? At the bottom of the quarry lake perhaps, or in another hiding place equally inaccessible.
Half way across the plaza, Jack saw a native with a lighted straw torch, mounting the broad steps of the temple. He ducked into a stone doorway to wait until the plaza again was empty.
Beyond the temple and the palace, all buildings lay in complete ruin. Great chasms told him the cause of the terrific upheaval. The area had been shaken by a devastating earthquake which in a single, mighty blow had toppled pillars and shattered massive walls.
After satisfying himself that the plaza again was deserted, the crew leader went swiftly to the water fountain.
He filled the first canteen and had reached for the second, when he heard a sound directly behind him.
Jack whirled around. Against the background of blackened stone, a man stood watching him. For a nerve shattering instant, he thought that it was a hostile native who had come upon him. Then he was relieved to recognize Ino.
As he grasped the canteens, uncertain whether to stand his ground or flee, the medicine man came slowly toward him. In the starlight, the horrible animal face mask had a terrifying appearance.
“You!” the medicine man muttered. “Why did you not go when you had the chance?”
“So you do speak English!” Jack retorted boldly. “Why not rip off that animal face and come clean? Who are you anyhow?”
Ino ignored the question. He seized Jack’s arm, giving him an angry little shake.