CHAPTER XII—IMPRISONED IN THE ACROPOLIS
“What a tremendous engineering feat to have been accomplished without modern machinery,” said Mr. Hampton, at one stage of their journey through the tunnel. The words were surprised from him. “It seems,” he added, “like an impossible task.”
Jack, who was close to him, heard the remarks, and agreed with his father.
“I hope,” he added, “they haven’t brought us this long distance, merely to tumble us into some bottomless pit in the heart of the mountain.”
“Don’t worry, my boy,” his father replied. “I have only a hazy idea as to what our fate is to be, but I am certain it is not that.”
“What do you think they will do with us, Dad?”
Mr. Hampton considered.
“Probably give us the option of becoming citizens of their state,” he said, “or of refusing our parole and being imprisoned, and put to work under guard.”
“Wouldn’t they kill us, if we refuse to become citizens?”
“I don’t know, Jack, but I doubt it.”