“I’ll tell you all I know,” said the professor. “It is believed then, that the sacred dome was the place where Manco Capac, an Inca deity, descended to the earth. To this day the natives approach the spot with the utmost awe and reverence.
“According to their ideas, no bird would alight up, or animal approach it. All but priests were forbidden to come even within sight of the rock, although it is hard to know how this could be prevented, as it is of immense size. At ordinary times its gold plating was covered by a veil of the finest and most costly materials, and this was never removed, except on great religious festivals.”
“It must have been a fine sight to see that great golden rock glittering in the sun,” said Nat thoughtfully.
“It must, indeed,” agreed the professor. “There was also a Temple of the Moon, and a vast Temple of the Sun, as well as other buildings whose purposes are veiled in mystery, and must ever be. One thing is certain, though, human life must have been as cheap as water, for it is estimated that many thousands of slaves’ lives were sacrificed in building the city of which only ruins now remain.”
“It reminds one of Egypt,” said Nat.
“So travelers have observed,” rejoined the professor; “after all, the history of civilization repeats itself.”
“Has much treasure been discovered there?” inquired the practical Joe.
“Quite a good deal, yes,” was the reply; “but the Spaniards took an immense quantity of it, and to-day there is little left. However, from time to time a valuable find is made, I am informed.”
“And the city we are in search of—do the same conditions exist there?” inquired Nat.
“Very probably. According to tradition, the fierce and warlike Indians kept the Spaniards away from the spot,” was the reply.