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by following the directions given there, as it was very inaccurate.
In another point it was demonstrated that the old documents were at fault. This was in reference to the golden idol having been overthrown and another set up in its place, an act which had caused the destruction of Kurzon.
It is true that the city was destroyed, or rather, buried, but this catastrophe was probably brought about by an earthquake. And another great idol, one of clay, was found, perhaps a rival of Quitzel, but it was this clay image which was thrown down and broken, and not the golden one.
Perhaps an effort had been made, just before the burying of the city, to change idols and the system of worship, but Quitzel seemed to have held his own. The old manuscripts were not very reliable, it was found, except in general.
“Well, I guess this will hold Beecher for a while,” said Tom, the night of the arrival of Mary’s letter, and after he had written one in answer, which was dispatched by a runner to the nearest place whence mail could be forwarded.
“Yes, luck seems to favor you,” replied Ned. “You’ve had a hand in the discovery of the idol of gold, and — — ”
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“Yes. And I discovered something else I wasn’t quite sure of,” interrupted Tom, as he felt to make sure he had a certain letter safe in his pocket.
It was several weeks later that the explorations of Kurzon came to an end — a temporary end, for the rainy season set in, when the tropics are unsuitable for white men. Tom, Professor Bumper, Ned and Mr. Damon set sail for the United States, the valuable idol of gold safe on board.