 Chapter 9 Grappling a Queer Fish of the Lost City At nearly the same moment both Bruno and Waldo caught a glimpse of water, shining clear and distinct amidst that somber setting, but as yet a tree-crested elevation interfered with the prospect, and it was not until after the course of the airship had been materially changed and some little time had elapsed that odd definite could be determined as to the actual spread of that body of water. This proved to be considerable, although it needed but a single look into the professor's face to learn that his eager hopes and exalted anticipations fell far short of realization. Well, it's a sea all right, generously declared Waldo, giving a vigorous sniff by way of strengthening his words. I can smell the salt clear from this, a sea even if it isn't quite so large as others, what one might term a lowercase sea. If nothing else, that generous effort brought its reward in the dry little chuckle which escaped the professor's lips, and a kindly glow showed through his glasses as he turned towards Waldo with a nod of acknowledgement. Barring the salty scent, my dear boy, which probably finds birth in your kindly imagination, so on the whole perhaps two would be just as well determined a lake. One of no mean dimensions at any rate, Uncle Feighton, true Bruno, with a nod of agreement, yet with forehead contracting into a network of troubled lines. Naturally so, and yet surely this must be merely a portion, unless, yet I fail to see odd which might be interpreted as being promptly responding to each touch of hand upon steering gear. The aero motor swung smoothly around, sailing on even keel right into the teeth of the gentle wind, by this time near enough to that body of water for the air voyagers to scan its surface. A considerable expanse all told, yet by no means of such magnitude as Professor Featherwitt had anticipated. Too deeply absorbed in his own thoughts to notice the little cries and ejaculations which came from the brothers, he caused the aerostat to rise higher, slowly sweeping that extended field with his glasses. He could see where several streams entered the body of water, coming from opposite points of the compass, and thus confirming at least one portion of his explained theory. But so far as his visual powers went, there was no other considerable body of water to be discovered. Yet how can that contracted basin contain all the drainage from this vast scope of country? How can we explain the stubborn fact of what now, lads? An abrupt break but one caused by the eager cry and loud speech from the lips of the younger Gillespie. Looky-hunter, isn't that one of those sourest dictionary fellows on a bender? Isn't that, but I don't know. It's only, only a partly decayed tree going to float. Volunteered Bruno with a merry laugh as his eager brother drew back in evident chagrin. Well, that's all right. It ought to have been one, even if it isn't. What's the use in coming all this way if we're not going to discover something beyond the common? And my sour us is worth more than one of the other kind, after all. Get it ashore and you might cook dinner for a solid month by it. Now there. It was easily to be seen that Waldo had been giving free reign to his expectations ever since the professor's little lecture, but his natural chagrin was quickly forgotten in a matter of far greater interest. Professor Featherwitt had resumed his scrutiny of yonder body of water, slowly turning his glasses while holding the airship on a true course and even keel. For a brief space nothing interfered with the steady motion of the field glasses, but then something called for a more thorough examination, and little by little the savant leaned farther forward, breath coming more rapidly, face beginning to flush with deepening interest. Bruno took note of all this and failing to see odd to account for the symptoms with unaided eyes at length ventured to speak. What is it, Uncle Featherwitt? Something of interest or your looks? Professor Featherwitt gave a start, then lowered the glasses and reached them towards his nephew, speaking hurriedly. You try them, Bruno. Your eyes are younger, not to be keener than mine. Yonder towards the lower end of the lake, please. Nothing loathed, unless be complied, quickly finding the correct point upon which the professor's interest had centered, holding the glasses motionless for a brief space, then giving vent to an eager ejaculation. What is it all about, bless you, boy? Demanded Waldo unable longer to curb his heart impatience. Another drifting tree, eh? No, but did you see it, Uncle? I saw something which what do you see first? A great, big, suck monster whirlpool which is hollowed like. I knew it. I felt that must be the true solution of it all. Cried Uncle Thayton, squirming about pretty much as one might into whose veins had been injected quick silver in place of ordinary blood. The outlet where the surplus waters drain off to the Pacific Ocean. I say, give me a chance, can't you? Interrupted Waldo grasping the glasses and shifting his station for one more favorable as a outlook. He had been sufficient to catch the right angle and then gave a suppressed snort as he took in the view. Half a minute thus in a wild cry escaped his lips, closely followed by the words, now I do see something and it isn't a drifting tree either or that is something else which shove her closer Uncle Thayton trust you live there's something caught in yonder big suck which is closer for love of glory. If this is another joke, Waldo. No, no, I tell you Bruno, shove her over uncle for without this glass is who do we're needed right yonder and needed mighty bad too. Little need of so much urging by the way since Professor Featherwood was but slightly less excited by their double discovery and even before the glasses were clapped to Waldo's eyes. The air of stats swung around to move at full speed towards that precise quarter of the compass. What is it you see then boy demanded Bruno itching to take the glasses yet straining his own vision towards that as yet far distance spot. Something like oh see how the water is running out just like emptying a bathtub through a hole at the bottom and see what a man caught in the whirl choose your foot high uncle. A man here impossible incredible boy fairly exploded the professor not yet ready to relinquish his cherished belief in a terror incognita. The air voyagers were swiftly nearing that point of interest and now keen eyed Bruno caught a glimpse of a drifting object which had been drawn within the influence of yonder whirlpool but which was just as certainly a derelict from the forest. Another floating tree trunk for Waldo he cried with a short laugh feeling far from unpleased that the intense strain upon his nerves should be thus lessened tried again lad and perhaps try your great grandmother's cotton nightcap. Don't you suppose I can tell the difference between a tree and a ranting prancing cavorting sour us right out of Webster's unabridged a laddie buck. That's all right if you can only keep on thinking that way old man but if yonder isn't a fellow being in a mighty nasty pickle then I wouldn't even begin to say so you look Uncle Peyton please. Nothing low the professor took the proffer glasses and but an instant later he too gave a sharp cry of amazement for he saw clinging to the trunk of a floating tree swiftly moving with those circling waters a living being and but a few seconds later Bruno made the same discovery greatly to the delight of his younger brother. A man and living too. Of course. Recognite makes such a howl about a floater bluntly interjected Waldo but I'll do my crowing later on for now we've got to get the poor fellow out of that you just got to yank him out. Through all this hasty nor change of words the arrow motor was swiftly progressing and now swung almost directly above the whirlpool giving all a fair unobstructed view of everything below. The suction was so great that a sloping basin was formed more than 100 yards in diameter while the actual center lay a number of feet lower than the surrounding level. Halfway down that perilous slope a great tree was revolving and to this as his forlorn hope clung a half clad man plainly alive since he was looking upward and yes waving ahead and uttering a cry for aid and sucker. Help for love of God save me. White and American to exploded Waldo taking action as by brilliant inspiration hang over him uncle for I'm going to go fishing for a man. Waldo was tugging at the grapnel and long drag rope Bruno was quick to divine his intention and lend a deft hand while the professor manipulated the helm so adroitly as to keep the flying machine hovering directly above yonder imperiled stranger leaning far over the handrail to shout downward. Have courage sir and stand ready to help yourself we will rescue you if it lies within the possibilities of we will save you. You bet we just will and right like this spluttered Waldo as he cast the grapnel over the rail and swiftly lowered it by the rope player fish stranger and when you bite hang on like grim death to a steady now. Fortunately nothing occurred to mar the program so hastily arranged for the drift was drawing nearer the center of the world and if once fairly caught by that nothing human could preserve the stranger from death make a jump in gravity if you can't do better cried Waldo intensely excited now that the crisis was at hand the long rope with its iron weight swayed awkwardly in spite of all he could do to steady it and as each one of the three prongs was meant for catching and holding fast to whatever they touched there was no slight risk of impaling the man thus giving him the choice of another and still more painful death. Then with a desperate grasp a death clutch he caught one arm of the grapnel holding fast as a shock came he was carried clear of the tree and partly submerged in the water as his added weight brought the flying machine so much lower up up Uncle Fayton fairly held Waldo at the same time tugging at the now taught rope in which he was ably seconded by his brother for love of higher uncle then the noble machine responded to the touch of its builder lifting the dripping stranger clear of the whirling currents swinging him towards yonder higher level or a fall would not prove so quickly fatal and then the eager professor gave a shrill cheer as he saw the man by a vigorous effort to dry his body upwards efficiently far to throw one leg over an arm of the grapnel itself knowing now that the rescued was in no special peril Uncle Fayton left the airship to steer itself long enough for his nimble hands to take several turns of the drag rope around the cleat provided for that express purpose thus relieving both Bruno and Waldo of the heavy strain which might soon begin to tell upon them. Her offer we us and company cried Waldo relieving his lungs of a portion of their pent up energy then leaning perilously far over the edge of the machine to encourage the queer fish he had hooked end of chapter nine chapter 10 rescued and rescuers of the lost city this is a Lupervox recording all Lupervox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit lipervox.org the lost city by Joseph E. Badger Jr. chapter 10 rescued and rescuers despite their very natural excitement caused by this peril and its foiling Professor featherwood retained nearly all his customary coolness and presence of mind readily realizing that after such a grim ordeal would almost certainly come a powerful revulsion his first aim was to swing the stranger far enough away from the whirlpool to give him a fair chance for life in case he should fall through dissonance or physical collapse from the end of the drag rope this took but a few seconds comparatively speaking though doubtless each moment seemed an age to the rescued stranger then the professor's lotus ship looking around in order to determine upon the wisest route to take for one thing it would be severe work to draw the stranger bodily up and into the aerostat for another unless he should grow weak or suffer from vertigo both time and labor would be saved by taking him direct to the shore of this broad lake as soon as the rope was made fast and the strain taken off their muscles as well as their minds Bruno flashed a look around naturally turning his eyes in the direction of the whirlpool although less than a couple of minutes had elapsed since the man was lifted off the circling drift even thus quickly had the end drawn nine for even as he looked that way Gillespie saw the great trunk sucked into the hidden sink the top rising with a shiver clear out of the water as the butt lowered a hollow rumbling sound coming to all ears as gone cried Bruno in odd tones as the whole drift vanished from sight forever sucked in by Jonas whale for two cats screamed Waldo excitedly fetch on your blessed sour us of both the male and female sect drawn him to the fore and if my little old suck don't take the starch out of their backbones they did have backbones and they uncle Faden Professor featherwood frowned and shook his head in silent reproof more nearly perhaps than either of the boys he realized what an awful peril the stranger had so narrowly escaped it was far too early to turn that escape into just even from one naturally light of heart he leaned over the handrail peering downward he could see the rescued man sitting firmly in the bend of the Grabnell one hand tightly gripping the rope it's made shading his eyes as he stared fixedly towards the whirling death pool from whose jaws he had so miraculously been plucked there was not ability either of body or of mind to be read in that figure and with his fears on that particular point set at rest for the time being Professor featherwood called out distinctly is it all well with you my good friend can you hold fast until the shores reached think heaven bless you yes came the reply in half choked tones if I fail in giving thanks never mention it friend it cost us nothing cheerily interrupted the professor then adding hold fast please and we'll put on a wee bit more steam the flying machine was now fairly headed for a strip of shore which offered an excellent opportunity for making a safe landing and as that accelerated motion did not appear to materially affect the stranger it took but a few minutes to clear the lake stand ready to let go when we come low enough please warned the professor deftly managing his pet machine for that purpose the stranger easily landed then watched the flying machine with painfully eager gaze hands clasped almost as though in prayer a more remarkable sight than this half naked shape burned brown by the sun poorly protected by light skins with sinew fastenings could scarcely be imagined and there was something close akin to tears in more eyes than one when he came running in chase arms outstretched and voice wildly appealing oh come back take me don't leave me for love of God and humanity don't leave me to this living death professor featherwood called back a hasty assurance and brought the airship to a landing with greater haste than was exactly prudent all things considered but who could keep cool blood and unmoved heart with the under piteous object before their eyes when he saw that the flying machine had fairly landed and beheld its inmates stepping forth upon the sands with friendly salutations the rescued stranger staggered hands clasping his temples for a moment of drunken reeling then he fell forward like one smitten by the hand of sudden death professor featherwood called out a few hurt directions which were promptly obeyed by his nephews and after a few minutes well directed work consciousness was restored and the stranger feebly strove to give them thanks in vain these were set aside he seemed like one half insane from joy and none who saw and heard could think that all this emotion arose from the simple rescue from the whirlpool nor did it wildly far from coherently the poor fellow spoke yet something of the awful truth was to be gleaned even from those broken disjointed sentences for 10 years in exile in these horrible wilds for 10 years not a single glimpse of whiteface or figure for 10 ages no intelligible voice save his own and that through long disuse had threatened to desert him 10 years echoed Waldo in amazement why didn't you rack out of this then I know I would even if the woods are full of sour arms and the like of that yes sir hello husky laugh came through those heavily bearded lips and the stranger flung out his hands in a sweeping gesture sunken eyes glowing with an almost savage light as he spoke with more coherence why is it young gentlemen why did I not leave do you ask look all about you it stretches a cell a death cell from which escape is impossible here I have fought for what is ever more precious than bare life for liberty but though 10 awful years have rolled by here I remain in worse than prison escape how often have I attempted to escape only to fail because escape from these wilds is beyond the power of any person not gifted with wings 10 years you say good friend and all that time you have lived here alone asked the professor curiously 10 years 10,000 years I could almost swear only for keeping the record so carefully so religiously and pitiful Lord how gladly would I have given my good right arm just for one far away glimpse of civilization how often but I am wearing you gentlemen and you may pray don't think that I am crazy you will not both the professor and Bruno assured him to the contrary but Waldo was less affected and his curiosity could no longer be kept within bounds gently tapping one hairy arm he spoke I say friend what were you doing out yonder in the big suck didn't you know the fun was hardly equal to the risk sir easy lad reproved the professor but with a smile which strangely softened the haggard weather worn visage the stranger spoke hey kind sir do not check the young gentleman if you could only realize how sweet it is to my poor ears the sound of a friendly voice for so many weary years I have never heard one word from human lips which I could understand or make answer to and now what is it you wish to know my dear boy well since you've lived here so long surely you had not to get caught in such a nasty pickle unless it was through accident it was purely accidental one that would have cost me dearly had not you come to my aid so opportunity and yet only for one thing I could scarcely regretted vanishing forever down that suck his voice choked his head bowed his hands came together in a nervous grip all betokening unusual agitation even Waldo was just a bit odd and the stranger was first to break that silence with words how did the mishap come about is it young gentleman he said a one smile creeping into his face and relaxing those tensely drawn muscles once more while I was trying to replenish my stock of provisions and after this fashion good friends I was fishing from a small canoe and as the bait was not taken well I must have fallen into a daydream thinking of no matter now and during that dreaming the breeze must have blown me well out into the lake for when I was roused up by a sharp jerk at my line I found myself near its middle without knowing just how I came there I have no idea what sort of fish had taken my bait there are many enormous ones in the lake but it proved far too powerful for me to manage and drag the canoe swiftly through the water heading directly for the outlet yonder why didn't you let it go free then the line was fast into the prow and I could not lose in it in time I drew my knife when a flint but keen enough to serve only to have it jerked out of my hand and into the water then just as the fish must have plunged into the suck I abandoned my canoe jumping overboard that's just what I was wondering about declared Waldo with a vigorous nod of his head yet we found you there because I am a wretchedly poor swimmer I managed to reach a drift which had not fairly entered the world but I could do nothing more towards saving myself then you can guess the rest gentlemen and a canoe demanded Waldo content only when all points were made manifest I saw it drag down the center of a suck with an involuntary shiver the fish must have plunged into the underground river whether willingly or not I can only surmise but all the while I was drifting yonder around and around with each circuit drawing closer to the awful end I could not help picturing to myself how the canoe must have plunged down and down and a shuddering shiver which was more eloquent than words but Waldo was not yet wholly content finding and absorbing interest in that particular subject you call it a river how do you know it's a river of course I can only guess at the facts my dear boy the stranger made reply smiling once more and with an almost timid gesture extending one hairy paw to lightly touch and gently stroke the arm nearest him Bruno turned away abruptly for that gesture so simple in itself yet so full of pathos to one who bore in mind those long years of solitary exile brought a moisture to his big brown eyes of which boylike he felt ashamed professor feather wit likewise took note and with greater presence of mind came to the rescue lightly resting a hand upon the stranger's half bare shoulder while addressing his words to the youngster the tremulous sigh escaped those bearded lips and their owner drew closer to the wiry little aeronaut plainly drawing great comfort from that mere contact and with like ease uncle faton lifted one of those hairy arms to rest it over his own shoulders speaking briskly the while there is only one way of demonstrating the truth more clearly my youthful inquisitor and that is by sending you on a voyage of exploration are you willing to make the attempt Waldo not this evening some other evening maybe drawing back a bit with a shake of his curly paid to match but I say uncle faton allow me to complete my say first dear boy with a bland smile that is easily done though for it merely consists of this yonder sink or whirlpool is certainly the method this lake has of relieving itself of all surplus water everything points to a subterranean river which connects this lake with the pacific ocean wonder how long I'd have to hold my breath to make the trip end of chapter 10 chapter 11 another surprise for the professor of the lost city this is a lipervox recording all lipervox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit lipervox.org the lost city by joseph e badger junior chapter 11 another surprise for the professor the stranger laughed aloud at this then seemed surprised that ought of mirth could be awakened where grief and despair had so long range supreme you will come with me to to my den gentlemen he asked still nervous and plainly loathe to do ought which indicated a return to his recent dreary method of living is the distance great asked professor featherwood with a glance towards the error motor then flashing his gaze further as though to guard against possible harm coming to that valuable piece of property more than ever to be guarded now since the word spoken by this exile better death in yonder mighty whirlpool than a half score years imprisonment here not so very far he was assured while it would be comparatively easy to float the airship above the trees there of no extraordinary growth at the same time this assurance was given the stranger could not mask his uneasiness of mind and it was really pitiful to see one so strong in body and limb so weak otherwise but uncle faton was a fairly keen judge of human nature and possessed no small degree of tact defining the real cause of that dread he took the easiest method of allaying it speaking briskly as he moved across to the aerostat bear the gentleman company my lads while i manage the ship you will know what signals to make and i can contrive the rest again the recluse laughed but now it was through pure joy such as he had not experienced for long years gone by he was not to be deserted by his rescuers from the whirlpool and that was comfort enough for the moment thanks to that guidance but little time was cut to waste professor featherwood taking the flying machine away from the shore of the lake floating slowly above the treetops guiding his movements by those below finally affecting a safe landing in a miniature glade at no great distance from the den alluded to by their newfound friend it will be perfectly safe here the exile hastened to give assurance as that landing was made then too this is the only spot night at hand from which a hastiest centre could well be made even with such an admirable machine as yours ah me with a long breath which lacked but little of being a sigh as he keenly eagerly examined the aerostat a marvel who would have dared predict such another only a dozen years ago i thought who had drawn very close to perfection while i was in the profession but this marvelous both words and manner gave the keen-witted professor a clue to one mystery and he quickly spoke then you were familiar with aerostatic sir your name is edge comb cooper edge comb what with undisguised surprise in faces in voice professor edge comb the celebrated balloonist who was lost so long ago i lost here in this thrice accursed wilderness passionately cried the exile then as though abashed by his own outburst he turned away pausing again only when at the entrance to his dreary refuge of many years give the perfella his own way until he has had time to rally boys muttered uncle fayton in lower tones before following that lead i can understand it better now and this is still is a terra incognita of which i have dreamed so long that refuge proved to be a large fairly dry cavern the entrance to which was admirably masked by vines and creepers while the stony soil just there retained no trace of footprints to tell dangerous tales mr. edge comb vanished but not for long then showing a light formed of fat and twisted wick and a hollowed bit of hardwood he begged his rescuers to enter no second invitation was needed for even the professor felt a powerful curiosity to learn what method had been followed by this enforced exile how he had managed to live for so many weary years with only that smoky lamp to shed light around the place critical investigation was a matter of time painstaking although a general idea of the cavern was readily formed high overhead arched the rocky roof blackened by smoke and looking more gloomy than nature had intended the side walls were likewise irregular now showing tiny niches and nooks then jutting out to form awkward points and elbows which were but partially disguised by such articles of wear and daily use as the exile had collected during the years gone by or since his occupancy first began so much the professor took in with his initial glances but then he left Waldo and his brother to look more closely himself giving thought to the being whom they had so happily saved from the whirlpool professor edge comb he again exclaimed grasping those roughened hands to press them cordially i ought to have recognized you at sight no doubt since i have watched your ascents time and time again the exile smiled faintly shaking his head and giving another sigh ah me it was vastly different then i only marvel that you should give me credit when i lay claim to that name so long it has long faded from the public's memory sir but uncle fayton shook his head decidedly no no i assure you my friend far from it whenever the topic is brought to the front whenever aerostatics are discussed your name and fame are sure to play a prominent part and yet you disappeared so long ago never being heard of after after sailing away upon a storm for which i had waited and prayed for so many weary heart sick months so the rumor ran but we all believed that must be an exaggeration and not for a long time was all hope abandoned then more hearts than one felt soaring sad at thoughts of your untimely fate a fate infinitely worse than ordinary death such as was credited me huskily muttered the exile ten years and ever since i have been here helpless to extricate myself doomed to a living death which none other can ever fully realize doomed to to his voice choked and he turned away to hide his emotions professor feather which thoroughly appreciated the interruption which came through waldo's lips just at that moment oh i say uncle fayton what is it lad don't meddle with what doesn't looking can't hurt can it and i think people ever got along with such things as these waldo was squared before sundry articles depending from the side wall and as the professor drew closer he too displayed a degree of interest which was really remarkable a gaily gullard tunic of thickly quilted cotton was hanging beside an oddly shaped war club the heavier end of which was armed with blades of stone which gleamed and sparkled even in that team light and attached to this weapon was another hardly less curious a knife formed of copper with hefton blade all from one piece of metal here is the rest of the outfit said edge comb holding forth a bow and several feathered arrows with obsidian heads professor feather went gave a low eager cries he handled the various articles both facent manner betraying intense delight which found partial vent in words a little later wonderful marvellous superb i envy you sir i can't help but envy your possession of so magnificent and so well preserved too that is a marvel of marvels well to be sure i haven't used them very much the bow and arrows i could manage fairly well after busy practice they have saved me for more than one hungry night but as for the rest you might have worn the is it a ghost dance shirt though hesitatingly asked waldo gingerly fingering the water tunic waldo i'm ashamed of you boy almost harshly reproved at the professor ghost dance shirt indeed and this one of the most complete the only perfectly preserved specimen of the ancient Aztec pray my good friend where did you discover them surely there can be no burial mound so far above the latitude where that unfortunate race lived and died mr. edge comb shook his head with a puzzled look then made reply no sir i took this all from an indian i was forced to kill in order to save my own life i never thought you are ill sir bless my soul ejaculated the professor falling back a pace or two then sitting down with greater force than grace all the while gazing upon those weapons like one in a days found them indian killed him in order to bless my soul then with marvellous activity for one of his age the professor recovered his footing mumbling something about tripping a heel then resumed his examination of the curiosities as though he had care for not beside cooper edge comb turned away and the professor improved the opportunity by muttering to the brothers careful lads give the poor fellow his own way in all things for he is surely he must be a forefinger covertly tapped forehead for there was no time granted for further explanations edge comb turned again speaking in hard even strained tones 15 years ago this month on the 27th to be exact a balloon with two passengers was carried away on a terrific gale of wind which blew from the southeast this happened in washington territory can you tell me has anything ever been heard of either balloon or its inmates professor feather which took his head in negation before saying not to my knowledge though doubtless the prince of the day cooper edge comb shook both head and hand with strange impatience no no i know they were never heard from up to ten years ago but since then i am a fool to even dream of such a thing and yet only for that faint hope i would have gone mad long ago indeed he looked little less than insane as it was end of chapter 11 chapter 12 the story of a broken life of the lost city this is a leper vox recording all leper vox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit leper vox.org the lost city by joseph e badger junior chapter 12 the story of a broken life this was the idea that occurred to both uncle and nephews but they had seen and heard enough to excuse all that and professor feather which spoke again in mildly curious tones sorry i am unable to give you better tidings my good friend but so far as my knowledge extends nothing has come to light of recent years and if not a leading question were those passengers friends of your own only merely my my wife and little daughter came the totally unexpected reply followed by a forced laugh which sounded anything but mirthful uncle feyton intensely chagrined hastened to apologize for his luckless break but a cooper edge comb cut him short asking that the matter be let drop for the time being i will talk i feel that i must tell you all or lose what few wits i have left he declared huskly but not right now it is growing late you must be hungry i have no very extensive larger but with my little we'll go to the gratitude of a man who his voice choked and he left the sentence unfinished hurrying away to prepare such a meal as his limited means would permit while edge comb was kindling a fire in one corner of the cavern opening a pile of ashes to extract the few carefully cherished coals by means of which the wood was to be fired uncle and one nephew left the den to look after the flying machine and contents bruno remained behind in obedience to a hint from the professor left the exile should direct desertion after all take these in and open them waldo said the professor selecting several cans from the stock in the locker poor fellow to be like a foretaste of civilization just to see and smell much less taste the fruit even if he has turned loony a uncle feyton careful boy i hardly think he's just that far gone but even if so what marvel think of all he must have suffered during so many long dreary years and his wife and child i wonder i don't wonder if he really killed but that is incredible simply and utterly incredible an Aztec here alive dead uncle feyton corrected waldo killed the rat skin he said and i really reckon he meant it why not pray but an Aztec boy exclaimed the bewildered savant unable to pass that point the tunic of quilted cotton the escapil the mackerel hittle with its blades of grass the bow and arrows which all all surely of Aztec can manufacture yet seemingly fresh and serviceable as though in use but a month ago and the race extinct for centuries well unless he's a howling liar from way up the creek he extincted one of them cheerfully commended waldo bearing his canned fruit to the cavern professor featherwood followed shortly after finding the exile busy preparing food looking and acting far more naturally than he had since his rescue from the whirlpool and then until the evening meal was announced uncle feyton hovered near those amazing curiosities now gazing like one in a waking dream then gingerly fingering each article in turn as though hoping to find a solution for his enigma through the sense of touch taken all in all that was far from a pleasant or enjoyable meal a sense of restraint rested upon each one of that little company and not one succeeded in fairly breaking it away though each tried in turn despite the struggle made by the exile to hold all emotion well under subjection cooper edgecomb fail to hide is almost a childish delight at sight and taste of those canned goods and it did not require much urging on the part of his rescuers to ensure his part taking freely but the cab sheath came when uncle feyton true to his habit of long years after eating produced pipe and pouch the fragrant tobacco catching the exiles nostrils and drawing a low tremulous cry from his lips no need to ask what was the matter for that eager gaze those quivering fingers were enough and just as though this had been his express purpose the professor passed the pipe over quietly speaking perhaps you would like a little smoke after your supper my good friend oblige me by may i oh sir may i really taste oh oh oh bruno struck a match and steadied the pipe until the tobacco was fairly ignited then drew back and left the exile to himself for the time being and as covert glances told them never before had their eyes rested upon mortal being so intensely happy as was the long lost aeronaut then and there at a sign from the professor bruno and waldo silently arose and left the cavern bearing their guardian company to where the airship was resting and there they visit themselves with making preparations for the night which was just settling over that portion of the earth presently cooper edge comb appeared the empty pipe in hand held as one might caress an an estimable treasure a dreamy almost blissful expression upon his sun-browned face i thank you sir more than tongue can tell he said quietly as he restored the pipe to its owner if you could only realize what i have suffered through this deprivation i an inveterate smoker yet suddenly deprived of it and so kept for ten long years if i had had a pipe and tobacco i believe but enough i can sympathize with you at least in part my friend will you have another smoke by the way no no not now i feel blessed for the moment and more might be worse than none after so long deprivation and may i talk openly to you dear kind friends may i tell you am i selfish and wishing to trouble you thus ten years remember and not a soul to speak with he laughed but he was a sorry mirth and not caring to trust his tongue just then uncle fate nodded his head emphatically while filling his pot for himself but waldo never lacked for words and spoke out that's all right sir we can listen as long as you can chin chin tell us all about well what's the matter with that big engine quiet waldo say what best pleases you my friend you can be sure of one thing sympathetic listeners if nothing better with a curious shiver as though afflicted with a sudden chill edge comb turned partly away figure drawn rigidly erect hands tightly clasped behind his back a brief silence then he spoke in tones of forced composure a balloon was the best in my day and i was proud of my profession although even then i was dreaming of better things of something akin to this marvelous creation of yours sir casting a fleeting glance at the airship then at the face of its builder afterward resuming his former attitude let that pass though i wanted to tell you how i met with my awful loss how i came to be out here in this modern hell i had a wife a daughter each of whom felt almost as powerful and interesting aerostatics as i did myself and one day but wait i had an enemy too one who had years before sought to win my love for his own in vain the kerr and that day we were out here in washington territory living in comparative solitude then i might the better study at the theory i was slowly shaping in my brain the day was beautiful but almost oppressively warm and as they so frequently wished i let my dear ones up in the balloon securely fastening it below and then god forgive me i went back to town for something i forget just what now a sudden storm came up i heard homeward home to me was wherever my dear ones chance to be but i was just too late the devil of all devils was ahead of me and i saw him merciful god i saw him cut their ropes and let the balloon dart away upon that awful gale his voice choked and for a few minutes silence reigned knowing how vain must be any attempt to offer consolation the trio of air voyagers said nothing and presently cooper edgcomb spoke i killed the demon i nearly tore him limb from limb i would have done just that only for those who came hurrying after me from town knowing that i might need help in bringing my balloon to earth in safety they dragged me away but was too late to cheat my miserable vengeance that hound was dead but my darlings were gone forever another pause then quieter more coherent speech god alone knows whether my wife and child were taken the general drift was in this direction but how far they were carrot or how long they may have lived i can only guess enough that despite all my inquiries made far and wide in every direction i never heard odd of either balloon or passengers after that i had put one object in life to follow along the track of that storm and either find my loved ones or or some clue which should forever solve my awful doubts and for two long years or more i fought to pierce these horrid fastnesses all in vain no mortal man could succeed even when urged on by such a motive as mine then i determined upon another course i worked and slaved until i could procure another balloon as nearly like the one i lost as might be constructed then i watched and waited for just such another storm as the one upon whose wings my darlings were born away meaning to take the same course and so find why man dare you must have been insane impulsively cried the professor unable longer to control his tongue perhaps i was little wonder if so admitted edge comb turning that way with a one smile lighting up his visage i could no longer reason i could only act i had but that one grim hope to eventually discover what time and exposure to the weather might have left of my lost loves then after so long waiting the storm came blowing in the same direction as that other i cut my balloon loose and let it drift i looked and waited hoping longing yet failing i was wrecked here in this wilderness my balloon was carried away i failed to find odd cooper edge comb returned towards the airship with a sigh of regret if one had something like this then i might have found them even alive but now too late eternally too late end of chapter 12 chapter 13 the lost city of the Aztecs of the lost city this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org The Lost City by Joseph E. Badger Jr. Chapter 13 The Lost City of the Aztecs Uncle Fayton was more than willing to do the honors of his pet invention and this afforded a most happy diversion although the deepening twilight hindered any very extensive examination cooper edge comb showed himself in a vastly different light while thus engaged his shrewd questions his apt comments quite effectually removing the far from agreeable doubts born of his earlier words and demeanor well if he's loony it's only on some points not as the whole porker anyway confidentially asserted Waldo when an opportunity offered coke seemed to tell how he knocked the red skin out uncle Fayton little need of recalling that perplexing incident to the worthy savant for try as he might featherwit could not keep from brooding over that wondrous collection of relics pertaining to a long since extinct people of course the last one had perished ages ago and yet and yet through his half bewildered brain a flashed the accounts given by the coast tribes members of which he had so frequently interviewed concerning this unknown land one and all of whom had more or less to say in regard to a strange people terrible fighters mighty hunters one burning glance from whose eyes carried death and decay onto all who were full hard enough even to attempt to pass those mighty barriers built up by a beneficent nature only for that nearly impassable wall the entire earth would be overrun and dominated by these monsters in human guise then after the airship was cared for to the best of his ability and the night guard set in place so that an alarm might give warning of any illegal intrusion the little party returned to the cavern home of the exile where after another refusal on his part the professor filled and lighted his beloved pipe almost in spite of himself featherwit was drawn towards those marvelous articles depending from the wall and as he gazed in silent marvel cooper edge comb drew nigh with still other articles to complete the collection you may possibly find something of interest in these two dear sir although i have given them rather rough usage this formed a rather comfortable cap and a helmet and sandals a satch which is yes worn about the waist mainly to support weapons and termed a maxed ladle which and also efficiently well preserved to be readily recognized as genuine unless surely i am dreaming if not precisely that the worthy professor assuredly was almost beside himself while examining these articles of warriors where one by one knowing that neither eyes nor memory were at fault yet still unable to believe those very senses up to this cooper edge comb had felt but a passing interest in the matter forming as it did but a single incident in a more than ordinarily eventful life but now he began to divine at least a portion of the truth and his face was lighted up with unusual animation when fate and featherwit turned that way to almost sharply demand where did you gain possession of these weapons and garments sir and how from whom i took them from an indian nearly two years ago he caught me off my guard and when i saw that i could neither hide nor flee i fought for my life explained the exile then giving a short bitter laugh to add strange is it not although i had long since grown weary of existence such as this i fought for it i turned wild beast as it were then after all was over i took these things more because i feared his comrades might suspect his comrades echoed the professor more than the one then you killed him but there were others still many of them far too many for any one man to withstand earnestly declare the exile i made all hasten bearing the red skin here obliterating all signs as quickly as possible yet for days and nights i cowered here in utter darkness each minute expecting an attack from too powerful a force for standing against uncle fate and rubbed his hands briskly shifting his weight hurriedly from one foot to its mate then back again the very personification of eager interest and growing conviction more of them a strong force armed and garbed as a vault the clothing the footwear and above all else the weapons purely Aztecan and here only two short years ago sadly long and hideously dreary years i have found them sir the exile set in dejected tones the professor burst into a shrill excited laugh which sounded almost hysterical and not a little to the amazement of his nephews broke into a regular dance jigging it right merrily hands on hips head perked and chin in air at the same time striving to carry the tune in his far from melodious voice after all perhaps no better method could have been taken to work off his almost hysterical excitement and presently he paused panting and heated chuckling after an abashed fashion as he encountered the eyes of his nephews not a word my dear boys he hastened to plead i had to do something or or explode i feel better now i can behave myself i hope i am calm cool and composed as the genuine Aztecs and we are the ones to discover that oh i forgot for Waldo was fairly exploding with mirth while Bruno smiled and even the exile appeared to be amused to a certain extent at his expense little by little the worthy savant calmed down and then almost forcing the exile to indulge in another delicious smoke he led up to the subject in which his interest was fairly intense Cooper Edgecomb was willing enough to tell all that lay in his power although he was only beginning to realize how much that might mean to the world at large judging by the actions of the professor according to his account the great lake or drainage reservoir of the Olympics was a sort of semi yearly rendezvous for a warlike tribe of red men where they congregated for the purpose of catching and trying vast quantities of fish doubtless to be used during the winter as a general thing they pitched their camp on the other side over towards the northeast but small parties are pretty sure to row far and wide coming around this way quite as often as not and their garb the weapons they bore asked the professor Edgecomb motioned towards those articles in which such a lively interest had been awakened then said that while few of the red men who had come beneath his near observation had been so elaborately equipped he had taken notice of similar weapons and garments with additions which he strove hard to describe with accuracy nearly every sentence which crossed his lips served to confirm the marvelous truth which had so dazzlingly burst upon the professor's eager brain and with a glib tongue he named each weapon each garment as accurately as ever sat down in ancient history not a little to the wide-eyed amazement of Waldo Gillespie worse than those blessed sour us and cousins he confided to his brother in a whisper reckon it's all right Bruno uncle isn't a but uncle fayton paid them no attention so deeply was he stirred by this wondrous revelation he felt that he was upon the verge of a discovery which would startle the wide world as no recent announcement had been able to do unless but it surely must be correct and then when cooper edgecomb finished all he could tell concerning those queerly armed and godly garbred red men the professor let loose his tongue telling what glorious hopes and dazzling anticipations were now within him for hundreds upon hundreds of years there have been wild weird legends about the lost city but that merely meant a mass of wanderers ruins long since overwhelmed by shifting sands somewhere in the heart of the great american desert so called by some it was claimed that this ancient city owed its primal existence to a fragment of the Aztecs driven from their native quarters in old mexico by others was attributed onto one of the fabulous lost tribes of israel but even the most enthusiastic never for one moment dreamed of this accept yourself uncle fayton cut in waldo with a subdued grin this must be one of the marvels you calculated on discovering thanks to the flying machine a name my boy i never let my imagination soar half so high as all that quickly answered the professor but now now i feel confident that just such a discovery lies before us and with the dawn of a new day we will ascend and look for the glorious lost city of the Aztecs again the savant sprang to his feet wildly gesticulating as he strode to and fro striving to thus work off some of the intense excitement which had taken full possession and words fell rapidly from his lips the while only a portion of which need be placed upon record in this connection however afiko for the paltry lost cities of musty tradition now they may sleep beneath the sandstorms of countless years but this i would gladly give one of my eyes for the certainty that its mate might gaze upon such a wondrous spectacle as oh if it might only prove true if i might only discover such a stupendous treasure Aztecs and in the present day alive armed and garbed as of your amazing incredible astounding beyond the wildest dreams of a confirmed with startling swiftness uncle fayton wheeled to confront the exile gripping his arm with fierce vigor as he surely demanded opium are you an eater of drugs cooper edge comb even as the words crossed his lips the professor realized how preposterous they must sound but the exile shook his head earnestly i never ate drugs in that shape sir even if i had been addicted to morphine and the like how could i indulge the appetite here in these gloomy lonely wilds i beg your pardon sir most humbly i implore your forgiveness i have but one excuse this wondrous good night i am going to bed before i add to my new reputation as a blessed idiot no less end of chapter 13 chapter 14 a marvelous vision of the lost city this is a libervox recording all libervox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit libervox.org the lost city by joseph e badger jr chapter 15 a marvelous vision but the night was considerably older ere any one of that quartet lost himself in slumber for all had been too thoroughly wrought up by the exciting events of the past day for sleep to claim an easy subject by common consent however that one particular subject was barred for the present and then sitting in a cozy group about the glowing fire there in the cavern the recently formed friends talked and chatted asking and answering questions almost passed counting little wonder that such should be the case so far as cooper edgecomb was concerned since he had been lost to the busy world and its many changers for a long decade then to his on dreary existence held a strange charm for the air voyagers and the exile grew wonderfully cheerful and bright-eyed as he in part depicted his struggles to sustain life against such heavy odds and still strove to keep alive that one hope that even yet he might be able to discover a clue to his loved and lost ones not alive i have long since abandoned that faint hope but if i might only find something to make sure something that i could pray over then bury where my heart could hover above you are still a live good friend yet you have spent long years out here in the wilderness gently suggested the professor edgecomb flinched as one might when a rude hand touches a still raw wound but they my wife my baby girl they could never have lived as i have existed they surely must have perished if not at once then when the first cruel storms of hideous winter came howling down from the far north unless they were found and rescued by who knows my good sir forcing a cheerful smile which unfortunately was only surface born as the exile lifted his head with a start and a gasping ejaculation since it seems fairly well proven that this supposedly unknown land is actually inhabited why may your loved ones not have been rescued the Indians you mean by the Aztecs sir if Aztecs they should really prove why not but surely i have heard sacrifices huskily breathed the greatly agitated man while the professor realizing how he was making a bad matter worse brazenly falsified the records declaring that no human sacrifices had ever stained the record of that noble honorable gallant race and then changed the subject as quickly as might be nevertheless there was one good effect following that talk cooper edge comb had dreaded nothing so much as the fear of being left behind by these the first white people he had seen for what seemed more than an ordinary lifetime but now when the professor hinted at a longing to take a spin through ether for the purpose of winning a wider view he eagerly seconded that idea even while realizing that it would be difficult to take him along with the rest still nothing was definitely settled that evening and at a fairly respectable hour before the turn of night the air voyagers were wrapped in their blankets and soundly slumbering not so the exile sleep was far from his brain and while he really knew that danger could hardly menace that wondrous bit of ingenious mechanism he watched it throughout that long night ready to risk his own life in its defense should the occasion arise why not since his whole future depended upon the aeromotor by its aid he hoped to reach civilization once more and in spite of the great loss which had wrecked his life he was thrilled to the center by that glorious prospect here he was dead while breathing there he would at least be in touch with his fellow men once more an early meal was prepared by the exile and in readiness when his trio of guests awakened to the new day and then while busily discussing the really appetizing vians placed before them the next move was fully determined upon not a little to his secret delight the professor heard edge comb approach the subject of further explorations and seeing that his excitement had passed away and goodly measured during the silent watches of the night he talked with greater freedom of course we'll keep in touch with you here friend and take no decisive move without your knowledge and consent our fate shall be yours and your fate shall be ours only i would dearly love to catch a glimpse of if there should actually be a lost city in existence if there is as there surely must be one of some description judging from the number of red men i have seen collecting here at the lake observed the exile you certainly ought to make the discovery with the aid of your airship you can ascend at will of course sir nothing loath the professor spoke of his pet and its wanderer's capabilities and then all hands left the cavern for the outer air to prepare for action as a further assurance uncle faden begged edge comb to enter the aerostat then skillfully caused the vessels float upward into clear space sailing out over the lake even to the whirlpool itself before turning his passenger eagerly watching every move in touch of hand asking questions which proved him both shrewd and ingenious from a mechanical point of view returning to their starting point edge comb spraying lightly to earth to make way for the brothers face ruddy and eyes glow as he again begged them all to keep watch for ought which might solve the mystery yet surrounding the fate of his loved ones the promise was given together with an earnest assurance that they would soon return then the parting was cut as shortest might be all feeling that such a course was wisest and kindest after all for an hour or more the airship sped on high in air its inmates viewing the various and varying landmarks beneath and beyond them all marveling at the fact that such an immense scope of country should for so long be left in its native virginity especially where all are so land hungry then as nothing of a special interest was brought to their notice uncle fayton quite naturally reverted to that suit of a stick and armor and the glorious possibilities which the words of the exile had opened up to them as explorers bruno listened with unfaith interest but not so his more mercurial brother who took advantage of an opening left by the professor to bluntly interject what mighty good even if you should find it all uncle fayton you couldn't pick it up and tote it away to start a dye museum with and as for my part I'll tell you what if we could only find something like Aladdin's cave now growing miserly in your old age are you lad mocked his uncle no I don't mean just that his trees were hung with riches but mine should be crammed and crowded full of plum pudding fruit cake angel food mince pies and the like yes and there should be fountains of lemonade and mountains of ice cream and sandbars of caramels and chocolate drops and trill bees and well now what's the matter with you fellas anyway he spoke with boish indignation at that laughing outbreak but the kindly professor quickly managed to smooth the matter over although not before waldo had promised bruno a sound thumping the first time they set foot upon land until past the noon hour that pleasant voyage lasted without any remarkable discovery being made the trio munching a cold lunch at their ease rather than take the trouble to affect a landing but then not very long after the sun had begun his downward course there came a change which caused featherwood's blood to leap through his veins far more rapidly than usual for yonder still a number of miles away there was gradually opening to view a hill surrounded valley of considerable dimension certain proportions of which portrayed signs of cultivation or at least a vegetation different from ought the explorers had as yet come across since entering that land of wonders almost unwittingly professor featherwood sent the airship higher even as it sped onward at quickened pace his face as pale as his eyes for glittering intense anticipation holding him spellbound for the time being and then the wondrous truth behold he cried shrilly pointing as he spoke houses yonder cultivated fields and see human beings in motion who are kicking up a great old barber ages as though they'd cited us and wanted to know i say uncle feyton how would it feel to get punched full of holes by a parcel of bow arrows with a quick motion the airship was turned darting lower and off at a sharp angle to its former course for the professor likewise saw what had attracted the notice of his younger nephew scattered here and there throughout that secluded valley were human beings nearly all of whom had sprung into sudden motion doubtless amazed or frightened by the appearance of that oddly shaped air demon brief though that view had been it was sufficiently long to show the professor houses of solid and substantial shape cultivated plots human beings and a little river whose clear waters sparkled and flashed in the sunlight it was very hard to cut that view so short but the professor had not lost all prudence and he knew that danger to both vessel and passengers might follow a nearer intrusion upon the privacy of yonder armed people yet his face was fairly glowing with glad exaltation as he brought the aerostat to a lower strata of air shutting off all view from yonder valley as it lay amid its encircling hills hurrah he cried snatching off his hat and waving it enthusiastically as the airship floated onward at ease at last found we have discovered it at last and all is true all is true found what uncle faten asked Waldo a bit doubtfully the lost city of the Aztecs of course oh glad day glad day unless what if it should prove to be only a a mirage uncle faten almost timidly ventured Bruno a moment later end of chapter 14 chapter 15 astounding yet true of the lost city this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org the lost city by Joseph E. Badger Jr. Chapter 15 astounding yet true the professor gave a great start at this almost reluctant suggestion shrinking back with a look which fell not far short of being horrified but then he rallied forcing a laugh before speaking no no pruno all conditions are lacking to form the mirage of the desert and too everything was so distinct and clearly outlined that one could fairly feel those blessed bow arrows tickling a fellow in the short ribs vigorously declare the younger Gillespie not but that I say uncle faten what is it now Waldo reckon they're like any other people got boys and and girls among them I wonder I dare say yes why not answered feather wit scarcely realizing what words were being shaped by his lips while Bruno broke into a brief lived laugh more at the half sheepish expression than at the query itself both boys and girls galore I expect kid but you needn't borrow trouble in either score you cannot run the lads while as for the fairer sex well they'll take precious good care to keep well beyond your reach especially if you wear such another fascinating grin as oh you go to thunder Bruno Gillespie through all this interchange the airship was maintaining a wide sweep drawing nearer the forest beneath if only to keep hidden from the eyes of the strange people in yonder deep valley yet the gaze of fate and feather wit as a rule kept turned towards that particular point his eyes on fire his lips twitching his whole demeanor that of one who feels a discovery of tremendous importance lies just before him are we going to land uncle faten queried Bruno taking note of that preoccupation which might easily prove dangerous under existing circumstances that question served to recall the professor to more material points and after a keen sweeping look around he nodded a scent yes as soon as I can discover or secure a fair chance I wish to see more I must secure a fairer view of the of yonder place will it not be too dangerous though not for us especially uncle but for the aerostat even if these be not the people you imagine they are passed all doubt a remnant of the ancient Aztecs yonder lies the true lost city and we are oh try to comprehend all that statement means my lads picture to yourselves what boundless fame and unlimited credit awaits our report to the outer world the benighted world the besotted world the the while will form the unspotted world or a portion of it without something is done and that in a howling hurry to fairly spluttered Waldo as the again neglected airship sped swiftly towards a more elevated portion of that earth part of the tall hill crest which acted as nature's barricade to yonder by nature depressed valley time enough lad time enough since we are going to land coolly assured the professor deftly manipulating the steering gear and still curing around those three crowned hills if we are really hunted after it will naturally be in the corridor of our venishment while by alighting around yonder nearly at right angles with our initial approach we will have not to fear from the the Aztec and clans clearly the professor had settled in his own mind just what lay before them and nothing short of the lost city of the Aztecs would come anywhere near satisfying that exalted ideal and taking all points into full consideration was there anything so very absurd in his method of reasoning or of drawing a deduction still that exaltation did not prevent uncle feyton from taking all essential precautions and it was only when an especially secure landing place was cited that he really attempted to touch the earth fully one half of that wide circuit had been made and as nothing could be detected to give birth to fears for either self or airship the aeronauts skillfully landed their vessel with only the slightest of jars it was a well-screened location where not could be seen of the flying machine until close at hand yet so arranged as to make a hasty flight a very easy matter should the occasion ever arise not until the landing was affected and all made secure did professor feather would speak again then it was with gravely earnest speech which suitably affected his nephews above all things my dear lads bear ever in mind this one fact we are not here to fight we do not come as conquerors weapons in hand hearts filled with lust of blood to the contrary we are on a peaceful mission hoping to learn trusting to enlighten with malice towards none but honest love for all those who may wear the human shape be they of our own color or or otherwise that's what's the matter with hannah's cat cheerfully chipped in the irrepressible waldo i say uncle fayton is it just a lie low here until yonder fellows grow tired of looking for what they can't find then a flight on our part or will we have we voyaged so far and seen so much to rest content with so very little exclaimed the professor hardly as precise of speech is under ordinary conditions no no my lads yonder lies the greatest discovery of the 19th century and we are get a hustle on boys the day is waning and with so much to see to study to come i say in spite of his initial attempt to impress his nephews with a due sense of the heavy responsibilities which rested upon them fayton featherwood was far more excited than either one of the brothers doubtless he more nearly appreciated the importance of this wondrous discovery provided his now firm belief was correct that yonder stood a solid substantial city erected by the hands of a people whom common consent had agreed were long since wiped out of existence the story told by cooper edgcomb backed up by the articles taken from the person of the warrior whom he had slain in self-defense certainly had its weight while the brief and imperfect glimpse which he had one of yonder valley helped to bear out that astounding belief and yet how could it be true really believing yet forced by more sober reason to doubt the poor professor was literally in a sweat long air another view could be one of the depressed valley although the landing of the airship was so well chosen as to make that trip of the briefest duration consistent with prudence the natural obstacles were considerable however and as they picked their way along the brothers for the first time began to gain a fairly accurate idea of what was meant by the term a virgin forest to all seeming the human foot had never ventured here nor were any marks or spore of wild beasts perceptible on either side although the aerostat had landed not far below the crest of those hills the adventurers had to climb higher before winning the coveted view partly because the most practicable route led down into and along a winding gulch where the footing was far less treacherous than upon the higher ground combered as that was with a leaf mold of centuries still half an hour steady labor brought the little squad to the coveted point and once again professor featherwood was almost literally stricken speechless for there far below their present location spread out in level expanse lay the secret valley with all its marvels far more extensive than it had appeared by that initial glimpse the valley itself seemed composed of fertile soil yet by aid of the river which cut through near its center irrigating ditches conveyed water to every acre thus ensuring bounteous crops of grain and a fruit as well numerous buildings stood in irregular array for the most part of no great height nor with many pretensions towards architectural beauty or grace of outline but in the center of the valley up reared its head a massive structure pyramidal in shape consisting of five comparatively narrow terraces connected one with another only at each of the four corners where stood a wide stepped flight of stones behold huskily gasped the professor intensely excited yet still able to control the field glass through which he was eagerly scanning yonder marvels the temple of the gods and yonder the temple of sacrifice unless my memory is and look the people are they wear just such garb as oh marvelous amazing astounding incredible yet true although their uncle could thus take in the various details to better advantage still the intervening distance was not so great as to entirely debar the brothers from finding no little to interest them as was readily proven by their various exclamations just look at the people will you now flopping around like they hadn't any bigger business than to reckon they're looking for us to come back brunel or watching for the monster bird of prey rather suggested the elder gillespie of course they couldn't distinguish our faces and our bodies were fairly well hidden and even more of course they must be totally ignorant of all such things as flying machines and the like poor ignorant devils sympathetically side the youngster well we'll have to do a little missionary work in this quarter before taking our departure a uncle with the start featherwood descended out of the clouds in which he had been lost ever since winning a fair view of the secret city and now rallying his wits and fairly aglow with eager interest in this marvelous discovery he began pointing out the various objects of special importance naming them with glib assurance then reminding the boys how wonderfully similar all was to what had existed in old mexico before the conquest brunel listened with greater interest than his brother could summon at will for one thing he had long been a lover of the genial prescott and now that his memory was freshened in part was able to closely follow the course of that little lecture noting each strong point made by the professor in bolstering up his delightful theory that monologue however was abruptly broken in upon by waldo who gave an eager exclamation as he reached forth a pointing finger look there's a white woman yonder two of them in fact end of chapter 15 chapter 16 can it be true of the lost city this is a libra vox recording all libra vox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit libravox.org the lost city by joseph e badger junior chapter 16 can it be true that announcement came with all the force of a bolt from the blue and even the professor dropped his glasses with a gasp of amazement while bruno would have left to his feet only for the hasty grab which his brother made at the tail of his coat white where surely it cannot be that edge comb ah take a tumble boy ejaculated waldo giving a jerk that rendered compliance nearly literal though scarcely full of grace want to have the whole gang make a howling break this way want to they're white all right though where which direction point them out and i failed to see anything which would bear out your the professor was sweeping yonder filled with his glass searching for the primal cause of that latest excitement but without success no sign of a whiteface male or female rewarded his efforts and he turned an inquiring gaze upon the youngster waldo was peering from beneath the shade of his hand but now drew back with a long breath to slowly shake his head they've gone now but i did see them and they were white just as white as as anything bruno frowned a bit at that unsatisfactory conclusion but the professor was of more equable temper for a wonder he smilingly shook his head while gazing kindly then spoke i myself might have made the same error waldo but you surely were an error for once what you mean i never saw those white women uncle fayton no no i am not so seriously faulting your eyesight my dear boy came the swift assurance but even the best of us are open to errors and there were in olden times not a few Aztecs with fair skins not exactly white yet comparatively fair when their race was considered and no doubt waldo you saw just such another a bit ago but the youngster was not so easily shaken in his own opinion there were a couple of them not just such another uncle and they were white pure white as ever the lord made a woman and why didn't i see their hair long and floating loose and wasn't that yellow as as gold or the sunshine itself yellow hair yes indeedy yellow hair white skins faces anyway blondes the couple of them into that i'll make my davie and so the youngster maintained with even more than usual sturdiness when questioned more closely pointing out the very spot upon which the strange beings were standing the top of a large tall building clearly one of the series of temples in vain the filled glass was fixed upon that particular point the partly roofed azotea was wholly devoid of human life and though watch was maintained in that direction for many minutes thereafter by one or other of the air voyagers not was seen to confirm the assertion made by the younger Gillespie for the moment that fact or fancy dominated all other interests for granting that Waldo had not been misled by a naturally fair Indian face there was room for a truly startling inference could it actually be they muttered Bruno face pale and eyes glittering with intense interest could they have escaped with life from the balloon and been here ever since you mean the wife and child of cooper edge comb yes who else could they be unless i'd give a pretty penny for one fair squint at them right now if there was only some method of it would hard to do to venture down yonder uncle faten the professor gave a stern gesture of denial frowning as though he anticipated an actual break for yonder town in spite of the odds against them that would be madness bruno worse than madness by far look at yonder warriors all thoroughly armed and eager to drink blood as ever they were in centuries gone by they are hundreds if not thousands while we are but three madness my boy four with master edge comb uncle and that means i complete host so long as we were backed up by the airship declared Waldo in his turn those fellows with a sniff of true boyish scorn for odd that was not fully up to date what could they do if we were to open fire on them just once prove our equals man for man armed as they assuredly are just as vigorously affirmed the professor inclined rather to magnify than diminish the importance of these he's so recently discovered people you forget how the Aztecans fought Cortez and his male hosts yet these are one and identical so far as valor and training and blood can go scared of a runty horse so badly that they prayed to him as they did to their own gods sniffed Waldo portraying a lure for which he did not ordinarily receive fair credit why uncle fayton let you just slam one of those dynamite shells inside a chief nay Waldo must i repeat we are not here for the purpose of conquest unless by purely amicable methods there must be no fighting for or against savages though most people would be inclined to pronounce yonder race they are human with souls and but i always thought they were heathens uncle fayton the professor subsided at that giving over as worse than useless the attempt to enlighten the irrepressible youngster at least for the time being silence ruled for some little time during which each one of the trio kept keen watch over the valley the field glass changing hands at intervals in order to put all upon an equal footing one thing was clear enough unto all the indians had been greatly wrought up by the brief appearance of some clearly shaped monster of the air and while a goodly number of their best warriors had hastened out of the valley and up the difficult passes in hopes of learning more still others were a stir weapons in hand evidently determined to defend their lives or their property from any assault should such be made whether by known or foreign adversaries this busy stir and bustle combined with a novel architecture and so many varying points of interest would have been a mental and visual feast for the trio of air voyagers only for that one doubt were white captives actually in yonder temple and if white were they the long lost relatives of the aeronaut cooper edge comb quite naturally the interest displayed by the indians centered in the quarter of the heavens where that air demon had been cited hence our friends saw very little cause for apprehension on their own parts thus they were given a better opportunity for thinking of and then discussing the new marvel again did waldo vow that his eyes had not be fooled him again he positively asserted that he had seen two white women wearing blonde hair in loose waves far down their backs and once again bruno in half odd tones wondered whether or no they were the mother and child born away upon the wings of a mighty storm fifteen long years gone by it is possible though scarcely credible admitted uncle faten in grave tones as he wrinkled his brows after his peculiar fashion when ill at ease in his mind edge comb lived through just such another experience though to be sure he was a man of iron constitution while they were far more delicate as a matter of course still it may have happened so persisted bruno taking a strong interest in the matter you would not call it too far-fetched uncle no it may have happened i would rather call it marvelous yet still possible and if so there is but a single answer to that supposition uncle they must be rescued from captivity forcibly declared a bruno that's right confirmed waldo of course all women and girls i mean other people's kin are a tremendous sight of bother and worry and all that but we're white and so are they we must rescue them there's nothing else to do again emphasized the elder gillespie that is no doubt the proper caper speaking from your boyish point of view my generous hearted nephews but just how dryly queried the professor have you arranged all that as well bruno you surely would not abandon them uncle feyton asked the young man something abashed by that failed reproof to such a horrible fate too a fate which they must have endured for fifteen years provided your theory is correct bruno with a fleeting smile don't mistake me lads i am ready and willing to do all that a man of my powers may provided i see just insufficient cause for taking decisive action that is yet lacking we are not certain that there are white women yonder or if white women that they are captives or if captives that they would thank us for aiding them to escape why uncle feyton think of mr edgcomb and how i am thinking of him and i wish to think yet a little longer quietly spoke the professor keep a look out lads and if you see odd of waldo's fair women pray notify me for the better part of an hour comparative silence reigned the boys feasting eyes upon yonder spectacle their uncle deeply in reverie but then he roused up his final decision arrived at i will do it raised first words yes i will do it do what uncle feyton asked waldo with poorly surprised eagerness as he turned towards his relative go after cooper edgcomb bringing him here in order that he may sooner or later solve this perplexing enigma come boys we may as well start back towards aerostat but both youngsters objected in a decided manner waldo saying no no uncle feyton why should we go along you'll be coming right back and we'll be less crowded in the ship if we don't go and we can better wait right here don't you see uncle to keep the lost city safely found don't you know what if it should take a sudden notion to lose itself again added waldo innocently end of chapter sixteen chapter seventeen an enigma for the brothers of the lost city this is a libravox recording all libravox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit libravox.org the lost city by joseph e badger junior chapter seventeen an enigma for the brothers in place of the indulgent smile for which he was playing waldo received a frown and directly thereafter the professor spoke in tones which could by no possibility be mistaken come with me both of you i am going back to the aerostat and i dare not leave you boys behind come kind of hard and generally complacent though uncle feyton was neither bruno nor waldo cared to cross his will when made known in such tones and without further remonstrance they followed his lead slipping away from the snug little observatory without drawing attention to themselves from any of yonder busy horde not until the trio was fairly within the gulch did the professor speak again and then but a brief sentence or two give me time to weigh the matter lads possibly i may agree but don't try to hurry my cooler judgment please waldo gave his brother an eager nudge at this gestures and grimaces being made to supply the lack of words but when the better to express his confidence that all was coming their way the youngster attempted a caper of delight his foot slipped from a leaf hidden stone and it took an awkward tumble at full length never touched me he cried scrambling to his feet air a hand could come to his aid who says i don't know how to stand on both ends at the same time barring this little caper not took place on their way to the airship and once there the professor heaved a mighty sigh wiping his heated face as one might who has just won a worthy race but he betrayed no special haste in setting the flying machine afloat and waldo finally ventured can we help you off uncle fayton but he was assured there existed no necessity for such a great haste in fact it might be dangerous to start while so many of the Aztecs are upon the lookout came the unexpected addition i believe it would be vastly better not to live here until shortly before dawn tomorrow it took but a few words further to convince the brothers that this idea was wisest and while the young fellows felt sorry to have their view cut so short neither ventured to actually rebel after all the day was well nigh spent and besides preparing their evening meal it was essential that their plans for the immediate future should be shaped as thoroughly as possible professor featherwit had resolved to fetch cooper edgecomb to the scene of interest in order to give him at least a fair chance to solve the enigma which was perplexing them all even so he felt that no small degree of physical danger would attend that presence particularly if it should really prove as they could but suspect that both wife and daughter of the involuntary exile were yonder among the Aztecans much of this the professor made known to his nephews during that evening the trio thoroughly discussing the matter in all its bearings but before the airship was prepared for the night's rest uncle fayton made the youngsters happy by consenting to their remaining behind as guardians to the lost city while he went in quest of the balloonist but bear ever in mind the conditions lads was his earnest conclusion i place you upon your honor to take all possible precautions against being discovered or even running the least unnecessary risk during my absence don't let that bother you uncle fayton waldo hastened to give assurance we'll be wise as pigeons and cautious as any old snake you ever caught up a tree a bruno old man we promise all you ask uncle but does that mean we must stay right here without even stealing a windy peep at the lost city professor featherwit felt sorely tempted to say yes but then knowing boyish nature although bruno had just passed his majority while waldo was turned 17 so while he feared to draw the reins too tightly lest they give way entirely no i do not expect quite that much my lads but i do count on your taking no unnecessary risks and in case of discovery that you rather trust to flight and my finding you later on then to actually fighting so it was decided and at a fairly early hour the trio lay down to sleep although so unusually excited by the marvelous discoveries of the day just spent their open air life tended to calm their brains and far sooner than might have been expected sleep crept over them one and all lasting until nearly dawn perhaps it was just as well that the awakening was not more early for the professor was beginning to regret his weakness of the past evening and had there been more time for drawing lugubrious pictures of probable mishaps he might even yet have insisted on taking the youngsters with him knowing that it was rather more than probable some of the indians would be stationed upon the hills to watch for the clearly shaped air demon the professor felt obliged to lose no further time and so the separation was affected just as the eastern sky was beginning to show streaks and veins of a new day touch and go cried waldo with a vast inhalation as he watched the aero motor sail away with a swiftness of a bird on wing and for a windy bid i reckoned was you and me as part of the go-to in company the lads endured a more leisurely meal than their relative had dared wait for knowing that at the very least they would have the whole of that day to themselves so far as uncle fayton was concerned as a matter of course he would not attempt to return except under cover of night or in the early dawn of another day all that had been thoroughly discussed and provided for the evening before and was barely touched upon by the brothers now their first and most natural thought was of yonder lost city with its inhabitants red white and yellow as waldo put it but being still under the foreboding fears of the professor they finally agreed to remain where he left them until after the sun crossed its meridian it was a rather early meal which the brothers prepared if the whole truth must be told and the last fragments were bolted rather than chewed feet keeping time with jaws as they hastened towards the observatory there was pretty much the same sort of view as on the day before the main difference being that many of the indians were laboring in the fields instead of watching for the air demon using the glass by turns the lads kept eager watch for the white women whom waldo stubbornly persisted were within the town but hour after hour passed without the desired reward and bruno began to doubt whether there was any such vision to be one the sun was in your eyes and you let mad fancy run away with your better judgment boy he decided at length if not why what now for waldo gave a low eager exclamation gripping the field glasses though he would crush in the reinforced leather case a few moments thus then he laughed in almost fierce glee thrusting the glass towards his brother speaking excitedly a crazy full lunatic am i well now you just take a squint at the old house for yourself and see if biting you now is it for bruno showed even more intense interest as he caught the right line they're taking note of yes they surely were white women faces hair all went to proclaim that fact and more than that even fair lovely as a painter's dream almost painfully breathed the elder jillespie i never saw such a lovely engine squad of course couple of them nobody but a fool would ever think different the idea of finding white women they are ladies waldo i never saw such and i feel that they must be the ones lost by poor edge comb when that storm that's all right enough old fella interrupted waldo claiming the glass once more no need of your playing the poor current legs though as i see give another fellow a chance to squint but aren't they regular jodandies though for a fact the two women in question clad in flowing robes of white lit up here and there by a dash of color or slowly pacing to unfro upon the temple were first discovered by the keen-eyed youngster thanks to the excellent glass it was possible to view them clearly in spite of the distance and there could be no dispute upon that one point both mother and daughter granting that such was their relationship were more than ordinarily fair and calmly of both face and person for the better part of an hour that slow promenade lasted and until the women finally passed beyond their range of vision the brothers took eager and copious notes then in spite of the fact the scores of other figures still came within their field of vision curiosity lagged it's like watching a street medicine show after hearing patty or seeing Irving muttered Bruno drawing back and stretching his weird limbs beyond possible discovery or the abc class playing too old cat after a league game of extra innings right you are my hearty coincided Waldo feeling pretty much the same way only with a difference shortly after this Bruno suggested a retreat to the rendezvous and for a wander his brother agreed without amendment the brothers passed down to the gulch which formed the easiest route to their refuge saying very little and that in lower tones the confirmation so recently one served to stir their hearts deeply and neither boy could as yet see a way out of the labyrinth that discovery most assuredly opened up before them of course we can't leave them there to drag on such a wretched existence declare to Bruno we couldn't do that even though we learned they held no relationship to mr. edge comb but how I reckon it's what abruptly spoke Waldo gripping an arm and stopping short for a few seconds but then impulsively springing onward again as wild sounds arose from no great distance a score of seconds later they caught sight of a huge grizzly bear in the act of falling upon a slender stripling whose bronze hue as surely proclaimed one of the aztec children from yonder lost city what was to be done disobey their uncle or leave this land to perish end of chapter 17