“Let’s go inside,” suggested Bob, looking at the dark opening that once no doubt was closed by a door.
The others agreed, and, led by Bob, entered the building. As the windows were large and there was no covering over them, the adventurers could easily see about.
They were in a large room, over which was an unusually high ceiling. Several stone implements were scattered about; what they were doing in a temple, the boys could not guess.
“Perhaps this was meant for a storehouse or some other kind of building,” thought Bob, but did not say so. He did not wish to conflict with Dr. Rander’s opinion.
But aside from these few stone objects, there was nothing in the building that was of particular interest. Whether the structure had been deserted by the Incas, or whether someone had robbed it of its former contents, the youths did not know. Surely, if Dr. Rander was right in his belief that he alone knew of this trail, no one had been here.
They explored the building eagerly in search of anything else that might have escaped their view before.
“Ouch!” cried Joe, slapping his leg. “What was that that bit me?”
“Oh, I should have told you,” began the old man with a smile. “There are fleas here.”
“What th——” Joe was perplexed. “Fleas? What do they live on? There isn’t anything in these ruins——”