“I take it the natives have inducted him into all of their secrets?”
“Not yet. Captain Carter expects to play his trump card tomorrow after he discredits Panomuna. Then, unless I can prevent it, I fear he’ll try to make off with the treasure.”
“Is the treasure hidden here in the sacred city?” Jack questioned.
“No,” Burton Monahan answered. “Had it been stored in the plaza, adventurers long ago would have carted it away. The Incas hid their gold and priceless ornaments in a diabolically clever manner. So far, even Captain Carter hasn’t been able to get his hands on it.”
“This treasure isn’t at the bottom of the lake?”
“I may reveal the secret to you in good time,” Mr. Monahan responded. “First though, I must satisfy myself that you really were sent here by my brother. Tell me how you came to know Captain Carter.”
Starting at the beginning, Jack swiftly related the manner in which the expedition had been organized. Mr. Monahan seemed satisfied with the account.
“I’ll tell you about myself,” he offered, “but the story must wait until I’ve talked to your leader.”
Inside the stone dwelling, Mr. Monahan made himself known to the other Scouts and Mr. Livingston.
“Our mission has been accomplished,” the latter said weakly, grasping the explorer’s hand. “It appears, though, that I may never get back to report to your brother.”