THE SURRENDER OF THE KURABUS
It was late that afternoon before John and the boys again drove over to the hill, and lost no time in entering the cave. The first care was to bring to the steps at the entrance all the vessels in the first recess.
Some of them were so heavy that it was necessary for four to carry each load. They then proceeded to the inner recess, and here a search was made for every trace of the treasures there, the time required thus making it almost dark before they were able to carry out all the different lots.
These were all stored in the bottom of the wagon. It was dark as they started for the Cataract. As they were leaving they heard the night cry of a bird which had often been noticed before, and Ralph shuddered, as he said:
"It makes me tremble whenever I hear that doleful sound. It was above our head all of the night before the Tuolos captured us, and since that time it always sounded like an omen to me."
John turned to him, as he replied: "That is the voice of the bird called by the Spanish, Alma Perdida."
"Well it isn't a pleasant sound, to say the least," added George.
"It is very significant at this time, however," remarked John.
The boys all turned to him, as he continued: "It is the 'Cry of the Lost Soul'; that is what the name signifies."