"Did you see that move, or was it the light of the match that moved?" asked John. "Imagination plays many a trick, during the excitement of the moment."
John took the light, and by moving it up and down showed how the beams, shining past the glistening walls, would cause the illusion of the cross moving.
The cavern was found to be much broken up as they advanced, and reaching the second set of chambers, it was evident that some one had lately occupied it. Penetrating farther into the interior, they were surprised to see articles of savage clothing, and long reeds, that had been burned at the ends, together with utensils for cooking.
"We have entered one of the homes of the medi[p. 91]cine men of the Tuolos. I have no doubt they are now at the village attending the festivals, and we had better leave as quickly as possible."
Before the entrance was reached they heard a great commotion outside, and their own people rushing to and fro, and as they were emerging three fantastically garbed natives met them. John ordered them to halt in the native tongue, and they stood there irresolute. The boys also leveled their guns at them, and they submitted as Muro and his men rushed up.
The appearance of John and the boys startled Muro beyond expression, as the latter said: "These are the medicine men of the tribe."
"I knew it," responded John. "We have just been investigating the place they live," and he pointed to the mouth of the cavern.
These were the men who performed the sacred rites of the Tuolos, and were called the Krishnos, as they learned from Muro.
"Take them to the camp," ordered John.
Without more ado, they were hustled down to the wagon. It seems that when the Krishnos returned from the village they found themselves in the immediate vicinity of the camp, and in the effort to escape aroused the sentries, who rushed upon them.