“We return this to you, Father,” he said, offering the manuscript. “It was found in Captain Carter’s dunnage after his death.”
“That old parrot woman must have stolen it and turned it over to him,” contributed Jack. “Captain Carter knew you had the parchment, Father. He probably wanted it to prevent adventurers, and particularly our party, from seeking the lost city.”
“Your theory must be correct,” the missionary said meditatively. “However, Captain Carter did not arrive in Cuertos until after your party came.”
“We figure he probably tipped Lolita off about the parchment before he left here for America,” Willie offered his opinion. “She must have watched her chance to snatch it, and probably was paid well, either in jewelry or cash.”
“I’m afraid my directions for reaching the lost city were not very helpful,” Father Francisco apologized. “I gave you the best information available, but unfortunately, I was deceived.”
“Deceived?” Warwick asked quickly. “In what way?”
“I have always believed that according to the story, the mountain of the lost city could be seen from the doorway of this mission.”
“Actually, it can’t be,” remarked Ken.
“The wording of the manuscript was not incorrect—only our interpretation,” declared the missionary. “Come, I will show you.”
Walking with difficulty, Father Francisco led the party through the garden, into the mission. Surprisingly he did not conduct them to the door with which they were familiar. Instead, he took them once more to the half-underground library.