After some further desultory conversation, the four Americans retired for the night. Two Athensians were sent to the desert to relieve the two on guard over the airplane, and the little encampment amidst the ruins of Korakum sank into slumber.
CHAPTER XXII.
FRANK TO THE RESCUE.
All the Americans arose early the next morning, for they were resolved, if possible, that the day should see Bob’s rescue carried out; at least, should see it begun.
Nothing untoward had occurred during the night; the guards at the river reported no danger from the direction of Athensi, and those in charge of the airplane, when relieved by two Arabs whom Stone and the boys accompanied, reported the night had been uneventful. Leaving the two Arabs in charge, the three young Americans returned to the grove, where their own camp was maintained, and found Mr. Hampton and Ali had breakfast ready, consisting of coffee, bacon and flapjacks. All ate with relish, and then turned their attention to plans for the day.
It had been decided that, if in the gladiators’ quarters at Athensi Bob had managed to set up his radio receiving apparatus, he would already be aware of plans under way for his rescue, for he would have been able to listen in on the conversation between Stone and the camp the day before. Nevertheless, Frank broadcasted a message, telling Bob to look for them that day, in the hope that it would reach him, and adding that he would call later to give him definite details. Then he rejoined the group, poring over the map of Athensi drawn by Amrath.
The latter, accompanied by Jepthah and Horeb put in an appearance while the Americans were bent over the map, and a lengthy discussion of ways and means followed.
Athensi lay in a high interior valley. On one side it was built right up to the edge of a steep precipitous bluff at the foot of which flowed the river, which, rising in the mountains behind, flowed through a series of natural tunnels through intervening mountains until, emerging in the valley of Korakum, it disappeared under the Great Mountain Wall to reappear none knew where.
On this side there was no need for walls, as the bluff itself could be scaled only by means of a series of ramps constructed in zigzag fashion, with towers at every turn. On the other three sides it was enclosed by high stone walls, which the revolutionists said were kept in a good state of preservation.
In the middle of the city, a crowded mass of poor huts and houses sheltering fifty thousand people reduced by the Oligarchy to a state of serfdom, was a great open space, two-thirds of which was occupied by the citadel, the library, the temple, a pyramid on top of which stood an altar where the sacrifices were held, and the half dozen great palaces of the court, all surrounded by a wall. The remaining third of this great space, outside the wall, was taken up by the Coliseum. It was of stone, oval in shape, and in it were held the annual Sacrificial Games.
“Under those tiers of seats are the gladiators’ quarters,” explained Amrath, dabbing at the map with a forefinger.