. It was a mistake, but when
you come back----'"

"Oh, that part isn't any of your affair!" and, blushing under his tan,
Tom thrust the letter into his pocket and strode away, while Ned
laughed happily.

With the idol of gold safe in their possession, Professor Bumper's
party could devote their time to making other explorations in the
buried city. This they did, as is testified to by a long list of books
and magazine articles since turned out by the scientist, dealing
strictly with archaeological subjects, touching on the ancient Mayan
race and its civilization, with particular reference to their system of
computing time.

Professor Beecher, young and foolish, would not consent to delve into
the riches of the ancient city, being too much chagrined over the loss
of the idol. It seems he had really promised to give a part of it to
Mary Nestor. But he never got the chance.

His colleagues, after their first disappointment at being beaten,
joined forces with Professor Bumper in exploring the old city, and made
many valuable discoveries.

In one point Professor Bumper had done his rival an injustice. That
was in thinking Professor Beecher was responsible for the treachery of
Jacinto. That was due to the plotter's own work. It was true that
Professor Beecher had tentatively engaged Jacinto, and had sent word to
him to keep other explorers away from the vicinity of the ancient city
if possible; but Jacinto, who did not return Professor Bumper's money,
as he had promised, had acted treacherously in order to enrich himself.
Professor Beecher had nothing to do with that, nor had he with the
taking of the map, as has been seen, the loss of which, after all, was
a blessing in disguise, for Kurzon would never have been located 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