Mr. Monahan nodded. “And may they be appeased!” he murmured. “If they show displeasure by further earth tremors, all our lives may be forfeit!”
Chapter 25
INCA GOLD
In the garden of Father Francisco’s mission, the Scouts, their leader and Mr. Monahan sat sipping limeade from tall, frosted glasses.
Three weeks had elapsed since the fateful morning when Captain Carter had set off a series of explosions in the lake within the mountain. Since that day, many events had transpired, some of which were not pleasant to recall.
The terrifying earthquake had completed the wreckage of many of the impressive structures in the hidden Inca city. The great temple had been half destroyed. Five natives had died in the disaster, and many more had suffered injury.
That the earth tremor had been caused by the wrath of the gods over Carter’s desecration of the treasure lake, the natives had become firmly convinced. Angered, they had set upon him, taking his life.
“So you see,” Mr. Livingston soberly related to the missionary, “everything considered, we are fortunate to have escaped. The natives accepted us only because Mr. Monahan was able to convince them that we were not there to loot the pool. After the quake we cared for the injured, and that too, helped win friendship.”
“What of the treasure?” the missionary inquired.
“A major portion already has been removed and transported to Lima under guard,” Mr. Monahan answered. “Government officials are at the scene to complete the job. Our responsibility is ended.”
From a jacket pocket, Ken removed the ancient parchment he first had seen in Father Francisco’s library.