“Surely he couldn’t do that!” exclaimed Warwick. “You’re in good with ’em yourself!”
“They regard Carter as a God. He has impressed them with his use of gunpowder. Why, he’s challenged Panomuna to a fire making ceremony at dawn. Carter has boasted that no matter how quickly the old Inca ruler can produce fire, he’ll do it quicker. You know, of course, who will win that competition.”
“Carter,” Jack muttered.
“He’s sure of himself or he wouldn’t have risked a challenge. I don’t know his scheme, but he’ll use some modern trick which will impress the natives. Then, after Panomuna is discredited, it’s my guess Carter will have no opposition in bringing up the treasure. He’s brought in everything he’ll need for the job.”
“You haven’t told us where the treasure lies,” Ken reminded him.
Mr. Monahan did not answer the question. Instead, he said: “Carter aims to take care of me when the time comes. As yet, I doubt that he knows of the presence of your party here. You must get away tonight while there is time.”
“You’ll go with us?” Ken asked.
“No, I must remain. Too much is at stake to abandon everything to that scoundrel Carter!”
“We’re sticking,” Jack announced stoutly. “Maybe we can get a hold of that ammunition.”
“Not a chance. Carter has it with him in the palace where he is sleeping.”