“In my opinion some cataclysm has occurred,” said the professor.
“Meaning by that, that there’s bin a most almighty bust-up?” inquired Pete.
“In colloquial language that was the idea I intended to convey,” said the professor, with dignity.
“Well, what do you think this catty—what-you-may-call-’em has done?” asked Jack.
“Sealed forever the treasure caves,” said the professor promptly. “That explosion we heard was either the ignition of gas from the mouth of the idol or it marked the birth of a new Flower of Flame. In any event the roar and tremble which followed was pretty good evidence that there had been subsidence of the rock in that neighborhood, which, of course, means that the passageways must have caved in.
“Well, we got our share out of it,” said Ralph philosophically.
“Yet it is a great pity that such a thing has occurred,” said the professor sorrowfully, “I had been in hopes of making this cave the Mecca of scientists the world over. This explosion has blasted my dreams of such a thing.”
“Wall, don’t feel too bad about it, professor,” comforted Pete, “we got enough stuff to start a show of our own with, anyhow.”
As there was nothing to be gained by remaining in the cave, they decided to get out to the open air as soon as possible. As they went Jack spoke up suddenly:
“Has it occurred to you fellows that we are carrying a bait that might tempt less dangerous fellows than that band of Ramon’s to plunder us?”