ugh the narrow slit in the
wall; but without being able to see anything of interest, and in this
city which may have been, and probably was standing when Columbus
discovered America, the three who had been literally thrown upon the
coast of Yucatan lay down to sleep.

Owing to the strangeness of their surroundings, and the knowledge of the
danger which threatened, no one gave himself up to very profound
slumber.

The silence was so perfect as to be almost oppressive, until half an
hour before sunrise, when a low strain of sweetest music arose on the
air, gradually swelling in volume, and finally ending in a wild burst
which caused Poyor to spring to his feet.

"What is the matter?" Teddy asked, and Cummings replied carelessly:

"Nothing in particular. That music is the summons to prayer, and now is
the time when the Indian can go through the streets with less danger of
being discovered."

In another instant Jake and the boys were at the apertures which served
as windows; but some time elapsed before they could see anything owing
to the gloom. Then, as day dissipated the darkness, they distinguished
throngs of white robed figures hurrying from every quarter toward some
common point, which was probably the temple with its dome of silver.

It was an odd sight to see so many people moving rapidly, but without
noise, while neither cart nor animal of any kind accompanied them. Here
and there were men carrying burdens on their backs by aid of a strap
passed around the forehead, and many women and children literally loaded
down with flowers.

"I don't see any great show of gold or silver," Teddy said, after gazing
at the scene some time in silence. "No one appears to wear anything like
jewelry."

"That may be because such metal is too common here," Jake replied. "What
bothers me is to make out why Cummings and the Indian are so afraid of
being discovered. These people don't look as if they'd kill a fly unless
he made a noise, an' that's what they seem to be scared of."

"Don't make a mistake," Cummings whispered, as he overheard the last
portion of the conversation. "If it was known that a white man had
succeeded in entering the city our lives would be taken within the next
hour."

"You may believe all that; but I'll hold to it that they're the most
peaceable lot I ever saw, until somethin' comes up to prove the
contrary," and Jake went toward the street door with Poyor, regardless
of whether he was seen by the pas