Suddenly as we gazed she appeared to sink within the column
itself and in another instant disappeared from view.
We stood motionless, petrified; how long I know not. Then I
turned and faced our own danger. It was time.
The Incas--for I was satisfied of the identity of the
creatures--had left their seats of granite and advanced to the
edge of the lake. Not a sound was heard--no command from voice or
trumpet or reed; they moved as with one impulse and one brain.
We were utterly helpless, for they numbered thousands. And weak
and starving as we were, a single pair of them would have been
more than a match for us.
I looked at Harry; the reaction from his moment of superficial
energy was already upon him. His body swayed slightly from side
to side, and he would have fallen if I had not supported him with
my arm. There we stood, waiting.
Then for the first time I saw the ruler of the scene. The Incas
had stopped and stood motionless. Suddenly they dropped to their
knees and extended their arms--I thought--toward us; but
something in their attitude told me the truth. I wheeled sharply
and saw the object of their adoration.
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