started out. We soon entered the jungle, and
made steady progress. As far as we could judge we went almost due south.
We traveled with hardly a stop other than long enough to eat, that first
day, and only stopped when darkness made further progress impossible.

"We were up bright and early the next morning, and about noon caught our
first glimpse of the ruined city. Way down a clearing in the jungle, we
could see tall white pillars, many of them partly hidden by creeping
vines.

"We all broke into a run, and in an hour or so were on the outskirts of
the old city. And believe me, my lads, at one time that had been a city
with a capital C! It had evidently been laid out in well ordered streets
and squares, and everywhere houses were bordered by the remains of what
had been great temples and buildings. Most of them were on the ground,
mere heaps of ruins, but a few were still standing, at least in part, and
we could get a faint idea of what the old city must have been in those
far off days of its prime. At present, though, it seemed to be the abode
only of wild things.

"We gazed in wonder at this sight for some time, and then held a pow-wow.
We had a long discussion as to whether we should start exploring at
once, or wait till the next morning.

"We finally decided on the latter plan, as, in spite of our blastings
about wanting to shake hands with the presiding devil, we really had no
great hankering to meet him after dark. Of course, we none of us
believed in that 'devil' business, but still we had no doubt that some
secret menace hung over the old city. The guides were positive on this
point, and as they had been right so far, we were inclined to give their
opinions some consideration."

Here Mr. Hartley paused as though to gather his thoughts, and the three
boys, who had been listening intently to his narrative, drew a deep
breath.

"My!" exclaimed Tom, "make out we wouldn't like to have been with you
then."

"Yes, I daresay you would," said Mr. Hartley, with a smile, as he noted
the eager longing in the eyes of his listeners. "I think it would have
been an adventure after your own heart. But wait till you hear the rest,
and you may be glad you were not along."

"I doubt it," said Bert, "but go on with the story, if you please, Mr.
Hartley."

CHAPTER XI

THE DESERTED CITY

"Well," resumed Mr. Hartley, "we made camp, as that appeared to be the
desire of the majority, and turned in, as s