swelled to a continuous stream, which in turn gradually became thinner
and thinner until only a few stragglers were seen trotting behind.
Finally they, too, ceased to appear; the corridor was deserted.

We waited a while longer, then as no more appeared we started forward
and soon had reached the corridor down which they had passed. We
followed in the direction they had taken, turning to the right.

We had no sooner turned than we saw that which caused us to glance
quickly at each other and hasten our step, while I smothered the
ejaculation that rose to my lips. The corridor in which we now found
ourselves stretched straight ahead for a distance, then turned to one
side; and the corner thus formed was flooded with a brilliant blaze of
light!

There was no longer any doubt of it: we were on our way to the great
cavern. For a moment I hesitated, asking myself for what purpose we
hastened on thus into the very arms of our enemies; then, propelled by
instinct or premonition--I know not what--I took a firmer grasp on my
spear and followed Harry without word, throwing caution to the winds.

Yet we avoided foolhardiness, for as we approached the last turn we
proceeded slowly, keeping an eye on the rear. But all the Incas
appeared to have assembled within, for the corridor remained deserted.

We crept silently to the corner, avoiding the circle of light as far as
possible, and, crouching side by side on the rock, looked out together
on a scene none the less striking because we had seen it twice before.

It was the great cavern. We saw it from a different viewpoint than
before; the alcove which held the golden throne was far off to our
left, nearly half-way round the vast circumference. On the throne was
seated the king, surrounded by guards and attendants.

As before, the stone seats which surrounded the amphitheater on every
side were filled with the Incas, crouching motionless and silent. The
flames in the massive urns mounted in steady tongues, casting their
blinding glare in every direction.

All this I saw in a flash, when suddenly Harry's fingers sank into the
flesh of my arm with such force that I all but cried out in actual
pain. And then, glancing at him and following the direction of his
gaze, I saw Desiree.

She was standing on the top of the lofty column in the center of the
lake.

Her white body, uncovered, was outlined sharply against the black
background of the cavern above.

Chapter XXI