the images is away over in Africa, and this one may have been brought hundreds of miles from the underground city."
"I don't believe so," declared Tom. "We're somewhere in the neighborhood of the city, according to Mr. Illingway's map, I'm sure. That would be true, image or no image. But when you take the little gold statue into consideration it makes me positive that I'm near the end of the trail. I've just got to have a talk with those people to learn where the statue came from."
"Look out for Delazes," warned Ned.
"I intend to. As soon as I can, I'm going to leave him and his men behind and set off in the balloon. But first, I want to get an idea of where to head for. We must locate the plain on which stands the ruined temple."
"It's getting exciting," remarked Ned. "I wish"
"Supper am serbed in de dinin' cah!" interrupted Eradicate with a laugh, as he imitated a Pullman porter.
"That's the best thing you could wish for," put in Tom gaily. "Come on, we'll have a good meal, a sleep, and then we'll be ready to play detectives again to-morrow."
They all slept soundly that night, though Tom had some idea of staying awake to see if Delazes
