Secrets of the Andes

"We expected to see you fellows startled," Mr. Lewis said. "But that you would show such unusual astonishment we did not in the least anticipate." He turned to the stranger. "Th...

Joe's first impulse was to get to his feet and utter an exclamation of alarm. But he knew that this sudden movement might cause the creature, whatever it was, to rush at him.

The sight that the explorers beheld was unpleasant to the extreme. Scarcely had Joe uttered the cry of horror when the organ suddenly fell, pushing one of the natives over the c...

Before he could say anything further, a tall, dark man appeared at the front of the coach. Roughly he shouted something in the native tongue, at the same time flashing a shining...

As Bob had said, the railroad man had fastened the door securely. There was an opening of about eight inches, across which was a heavy chain that terminated at a large lock. In...

The several bats fluttered about ominously, keeping close to the ground. Their faces were of peculiar shape, closely resembling that of a bulldog. What interested Bob and Joe wa...

The youths lost no time in hiding behind a small mud hut, although they knew a bullet could probably penetrate it. But at least it offered temporary shelter, and that was what t...

As the ship moved slowly into port, Mr. Lewis, standing anxiously on the deck, caught sight of his friends and waved wildly. Obviously he was exceedingly glad to see them again.

Joe got a piece of paper and pencil out of his pocket. He tore off one corner and wrote down the address of himself and his friend. This he gave to Spike.

"H'm," observed Bob. "He only says he's going to land in a level field about a mile from here, and that he'd better take us up with him from there, instead of waiting till we ge...

Dr. Rander was slowly and dangerously hanging from the heavy wire with his hands, working his way steadily across the roaring rapids below. If he were to fall, it would probably...

There was not a moment to lose. With the huge white condor swooping down upon them, the explorers knew that they must act quickly. Unfortunately their rifles had been left on th...

Lying about on the stone floor were at least ten human skeletons, which were white with age. They were in no fixed positions, but were scattered aimlessly over the dusty floor.

Emerging from behind a pile of boxes was a small boy, his face black with dirt that looked the product of weeks. The clothes he wore were soiled and torn, and his shoes barely c...

Bob shook his head to rid himself of the sickening saliva. He wiped his face with his handkerchief, with his hands, with anything he could find. At the same time he stepped out...

The wheels of the small automobile locked, but the momentum carried the car on at a sickening pace. Despite the fact that the tires were new, they slipped over the road easily.

Lying prone on the ground was a man, a native Colombian, evidently still dazed from a blow. He made not the slightest move, although it was apparent that he was not hurt seriously.

Early the next morning the youths were up getting ready for the long journey into the unknown. They had all their possessions packed when Dr. Rander came with mules and provisions.

At once Bob and Joe were breathless with interest. They had often heard of Inca secrets but had thought them nothing more than myths. Now, as this strange old man stood before t...

"There's no doubt about it," began Mr. Wallace, who was himself becoming pale. "You have mountain sickness, or _soroche_, as it's called. I think I have a touch of it myself."

"Can't say," he returned. "Maybe something pierced it while we were in Cuba. Could have made a small leak that let out a little at a time. Or the storm could have done it."

But they were all about him, pushing and grabbing and striking to the best of their ability. It was plain that they were determined to take possession of the small boxes that th...

As the monoplane rose higher, Bob and Joe and the others waved to the little group below until it faded from view. Then they turned to take in the country they were passing over.

Far up the slope was a great mass of stones and earth, rolling down in a heavy cloud of dust. Every second saw the accumulation nearer and larger. In but a brief time it would b...

As the automobile sped toward the thoroughfare, Bob and Joe settled back for the long ride. Now that they were at last heading for Washington, the boys were becoming impatient,...

They examined the little objects with interest, joyful that at last their efforts had been rewarded. The beads still shone brightly, although they had been in the cavern for hun...

The joy of Bob and Joe at seeing the naturalists was certainly great. After those strenuous weeks in the mountains, the youths had been growing anxious to be with their fathers...

Never in their lives had the explorers witnessed anything like the terrible onslaught that followed. The violent, ruthless wind dashed the monoplane about dangerously, threateni...

"I've never seen it," Mr. Wallace said. "But the chances are it will be good. Perhaps we had better go before long. It is to be shown at eight o'clock, and we haven't a great de...