“Ask any one who knows, if you won’t believe me,” Ben went on with a provoking smile. “It is said that Lake Titicaca represents the oldest civilization in the world. There are temples built of stones larger than those used in the pyramids of Egypt. The stones have remained in position after a century because of the nicety with which they are fitted together. It is said to be impossible to drive the finest needle between the seams of the walls composed of granite rocks.”
“But what did they want to build such temples and fortresses for?” demanded Jimmie. “Why didn’t they spend more time playing base-ball?”
“You’re a nut on base-ball!” laughed Ben.
“The temples which exist to-day were there when the Incas settled the country,” the boy continued. “They knew no more of their origin than we do at this time!”
“They may be a million years old!” exclaimed Carl.
“Perhaps that’s as good a guess as any,” replied Ben. “We don’t know how old they are, and never shall know.”
“Isn’t it a little remarkable,” said Mellen, “that an act of embezzlement committed in New York City more than two years ago should lead to a visit to ruined temples in Peru?”
“Now about this Lake Titicaca, about which Ben has given us a bit of history,” Mr. Havens said, after replying briefly to Mellen’s question. “We have every reason to believe that Redfern has been living in some of the ancient structures bordering the lake.”
“Did you ever try to unearth the East Side person who wrote the letter you have just referred to?” asked Ben.
“We have spent thousands of dollars in quest of that person,” replied the millionaire, “and all to no purpose.”