But they became alarmed for the safety
of the professor and his party and, at Tolpec's
suggestion, set off in search of them.
The Indians had seen, passing along the trail,
the uprooted trees, and had noted the footsteps
of the explorers going down to the stone passage.
It was easy for them to determine that Tom
and his friends had gone in, since the marks of
their boots were plainly in evidence in the soft
soil.
None of the Indians was as much wrought up
over the discovery of Kurzon and the idol as
were the white adventurers. The gold, of course,
meant something to the natives, but they were
indifferent to the wonders of the underground
city. Perhaps they had heard too many legends
concerning such things to be impressed.
"That statue is yours--all yours," said old
Goosal when he had talked with his relatives and
friends among the natives. "They all say what
you find you keep, and we will help you keep it."
"That's good," murmured Professor Bumper.
"There was some doubt in my mind as to our
right to this, but after all, the natives who live
in this land are the original owners, and if they
pass title to us it is clear. That settles the last
difficulty."
"Except that of getting the idol out," said Mr. Damon.
"Oh, we'll accomplish that!" cried Tom.
"I can hardly believe my good luck," declared
Professor Bumper. "I shall write a whole book
on this idol alone and then----"
Once more came an interruption. This time
it was from another direction, but it was of the
same character--an approaching band of torch-
bearers.
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