Nor was their search unrewarded, for suddenly the captain himself, most skeptical of all, cried out: "Listen! Did you hear that?" There was no need to ask the question, for all had heard. It was a rasping sound, as of some great door swinging shut, followed almost immediately by a rushing gurgle--and as they stood there tense, the water level began rapidly receding. Even while it was still plashing about their ankles, a secret block of masonry slid back and a horde of Antillians burst in upon them. * * * * * What happened then, happened with a rush that left them dazed. Unable to talk directly with the pigmies, by reason of their pressure-suits, which they dared not remove, they started gesturing with them, trying to explain their predicament and make known that they bore them no ill-will, but the creatures waved for them to cease and led them swiftly through the now waterless temple. "Well, I guess it's all up!" said Larry, adding with dismal humor: "They're probably going to finish that meal they started feeding their dragon last night!" No one laughed, nor made any comment, and he relapsed into silence, realizing that they probably held him responsible for this latest disaster. Leaving the temple, their captors led them into a passage that was level for a time, then inclined sharply. It was laborious going but they struggled on. "I believe they know we are not their enemies!" declared Professor Stevens, at length, to everyone's cheer. "They seem to be leading us back to the plateau by some underground passage." "Let's hope so!" said Larry. "Perhaps I had the right hunch after all." "But my poor Diane!" came the professor's sorrowing after-thought. "That fiend Von Ullrich could never get the _Nereid_ up safely." "I think perhaps he could, with Miss Stevens to help him," put in Captain Petersen, his usual optimism returning. "She is thoroughly familiar with the craft's operation." "That is so," her father admitted, his tone brighter. "But--" "Of course it's so!" exclaimed Larry, breaking off any less hopeful reflections. "So cheerio, folks, as the English say. We'll make it yet!" But in his heart, he was tormented with doubt for Diane's safety.... * * * * * The trail was growing eery, now, and precipitous. To their right rose a sheer cliff. To their left, the path fell off abruptly to a gigantic caldron where red flames leaped and waned. "Looks like something out of Dante's 'Inferno'!" muttered Larry, with a shudder. "The volcano where they distill their atmosphere, evidently," commented Professor Stevens. "It would have been interesting, in other circumstances, to observe the process." "Not to me, it wouldn't!" Larry was glad when they had passed that seething hell-pot and were once more proceeding through a long, dark gallery.