‪“Well,” said Frank, with satisfaction, ‪“we are in luck. Now for home.”

“Ki dar, Marse Frank. What about dat gold an’ silver?” cried Pomp.

Frank looked at Buckden.

‪“Is it worth while to return for it?” he asked.

‪“Oh, I think so,” replied the New Yorker.

‪“All right.”

Barney and Pomp eagerly started for the steps of the temple, but a startling sight caused them to draw back.

Suddenly, from what seemed like a deep archway leading into black depths beyond at the lower end of the temple wall, a large anaconda glided into view.

It was a monster of its species.

‪“Back into the cage,” shouted Barney and Pomp.