ry odd. Its body was in shape not
unlike a panther's; but the tail was short, and stuck straight in the
air. The head might have been formed to represent a monkey, although
the ears were very long, and the whole was covered with carving to
represent scales.

"How much do you suppose it weighs?" Teddy asked of Jake, and the
latter, who had also been trying to compute its value, replied:

"Not an ounce less than a hundred pounds. What a prize that would be if
we could carry it away!"

"There are many of the same kind in the city." Cummings added, "and we
should be able to get off with some before a week is ended."

"Then that is the plan you have formed?" Neal said interrogatively.

"Exactly. Poyor is to examine all the statues near by, and decide upon
such as we can pull down some night, after which it will only be a
question of reaching our boat. I have no fear of being able to get
through the swamp providing we have a start of five or six hours."

While this conversation was being carried on the people outside remained
in the same devout attitude; but just as Cummings ceased speaking there
was a change in the affairs.

The music grew louder, and the bells were rung more rapidly, and the
devotees sprang to their feet with shouts and songs, the women throwing
flowers on the platform until the hideous god was nearly hidden from
view.

When the tongueless bell was struck three times the crowd gathered
around the image bearers, and all started toward what the white men
believed was the temple, chanting in perfect harmony with the music.

The worshipers were soon lost to view; but their voices could be heard
for ten or fifteen minutes, after which clouds of smoke, probably caused
by burning incense, arose from the silver-domed building.

"If Poyor is wise he will come now," Cummings said, as he looked
anxiously out. "The people are so intent upon the worship, or
installation of a new god, whichever it may be, that he can get into the
house without being seen."

But there were no signs of the Indian. Strain their eyes as they might
he did not appear.

The sounds of music died away. The smoke ceased to arise from the
temple, and the people began to walk the streets intent upon their
business or pleasure.

"It is strange he is so imprudent," Cummings muttered half to himself.
"Now the only safe way is to wait until night, if indeed he is yet at
liberty."

"Do you think anything has happened to him?" Neal asked