“Sounds like an attack on the fort,” cried Frank, withdrawing from his loophole to shout to Jack and his father at the next one.
“But that isn’t possible,” Jack replied. “The only approach to the fort is up a winding stairway from the city. Below us is rock.”
“But, listen. Something’s going on. Wish I could see.”
“Look, Frank, look.” Bob pulled his companion back to their loophole.
Frank followed the injunction.
Back across the square, running pell mell, came the men who had pursued the armor-clad warriors into the Temple.
“Those are soldiers from the fortress, boys,” said Mr. Hampton, over Frank’s shoulder. Frank and Bob turned about to see Jack and his father, who had approached from their loophole.
“Do you think so?”
“Yes,” answered Mr. Hampton, speaking rapidly. “I believe that in some manner Prince Huaca has been captured and that force we saw disappear into the Temple had him in its midst. His soldiers followed, unorganized and enraged. Now a force in their rear has attacked the fortress, possibly at a sally-post below us of which we know nothing. Arm yourselves at once, boys, and barricade the door with the couches. If the fortress falls, we will defend ourselves.”
“Thank goodness Prince Huaca returned us our weapons and ammunition last night,” said Bob, leaping to possess himself of rifle and revolver.