“We are leaving for home—”
“There is one question that I wanted to ask you,” Ynilea interposed. “In your preparations for the search of the platinum did you spend all your savings?”
“Yes, and on the home we put a mortgage,” Pedro admitted. “It was very foolish.”
“Well, as I explained, much of the stuff that was in the ancient temple for so many years, crumbled as soon as the air got to it, but there are a few hard stones which had not deteriorated in the course of time. You have suffered greatly, and I should like to present them to Mrs. Gonzalas.” He produced a small leather pouch and put it into her hand. She gave a startled gasp and stared at her husband.
“You have done too much for us—”
“You deserve the reward,” Arto added quickly.
“It was a pleasure. I am a quiet man and have plenty for the rest of my life. You have a little son. This will, I hope assist you to pay the mortgage and give him an education. Do keep it,” Ynilea insisted, and he refused to take it back.
“Go ahead, take it, then you won’t need to go off hunting again for platinum. There isn’t much of it in these mountains anyway. I heard that on the best authority only a few days ago,” said Jim.
“You are most good.” They accepted the gift and the Flying Buddies were so glad about it that they would have liked to do a highland fling. A bit later, the Gonzalas sailed off in a plane for Cuzco, and as long as the machine remained in sight, they could see the brothers and the woman waving happily.
“O migosh, do the De Castros know we are alive?” Jim asked.