Tom called up to the group above and asked that two pocket cameras, one for developing pictures on the spot, be brought from his luggage and lowered to him. This was soon done, and with Bud holding the lantern, he made several snaps of the relics, Kukulcan, and the symbols. The boys were then hauled to the surface. Senor Barancos and the others were astounded to learn of their valuable find and gazed at the pictures in awe. Quetzal was even more impressed when Tom told him as much of the additional message in the symbols as he could translate without the space dictionary.
“I will stay here and guard the treasures below with my life!” Quetzal promised.
“The police can do that,” Tom said. “It will be better if you can get some of your people to help
SABOTAGE 161
us excavate. There will be much to do for everyone in the village.”
Quetzal eagerly agreed to recruit a number of his tribesmen to assist with the digging.
“What is your plan, Senor Swift?” Barancos inquired.
“I believe we should try to uncover the whole tomb,” Tom replied. “It may be part of a larger building, such as a temple or palace.”
“You are right,” the expert nodded. “A priceless discovery such as this should be explored thoroughly! As soon as possible, we must try to map an outline of the structure!” His voice showed keen excitement.
Tom announced that he would return to the Flying Lab immediately to begin work on a smaller model of his electronic retroscope. He asked the two engineers, Dick Folsom and Jack Murray, to come with him and help on the job of miniaturization.