‪“Indeed!” replied Frank, ‪“there is every indication that these people are civilized. I wish some of them would show up.” After an hour of patient waiting, Barney suggested that they take the liberty of exploring the place. “I reckon that’s the best way out av it,” recommended the Celt. “An’ mebbe we can foind some av the gintlemen.” ‪“It is possible,” said Frank. “P’r’aps they’re as good Americans as oursilves now,” rejoined Barney. ‪“No,” dissented Frank. ‪“No American would build this kind of a house.” ‪“Phwativer koind of people do yez think they are, Misther Frank?” ‪“Well,” replied the young inventor, slowly, “it is my opinion that we have made a discovery valuable to science and the world. “Indeed it is not extravagant to assume that these people are a remnant of the original inhabitants of Yucatan who built the famous cities of Palenque and Mazendla. ‪“If so, then I shall have the greatest curiosity to see them.” “I’se a heap ’fraid we won’t see ’em to-day, Marse Frank,” said Pomp. Another hour passed slowly. Still the mysterious workmen did not return. At the expiration of this time Frank decided to take a look about the premises. The Steam Man was left carefully adjusted, and the three adventurers set out across the court-yard. Of course they were heavily armed and did not intend to go out of sight of the Steam Man. In crossing the court-yard they came upon a wonderful bit of work. This was a square-shaped basin cut in whitest marble, and occupied by a bubbling spring with water as pure and clear as crystal. In this water were fish of a peculiar green and vivid blue color, of the gold fish species evidently. It was certainly a beautiful spectacle. Pomp tasted of the water. It was as pure and cool as could well be desired, and far superior to the water usually found in that part of Central America. Passing by this they entered the main hall of the pueblo, if such it could be called. It was a massive chamber, high roofed, with polished columns. It was a perfect wonder to the explorers, who could not conceal their amazement. But at one end of the hall was a strange polished dais. Towards this Barney made his way. It seemed made of some peculiar kind of beautiful stone like agate. Barney sprang upon it. ‪“Bejabers!” he cried, “av this ain’t the place phwere they’ll set their idol. If iver——” He did not finish his speech. In a twinkling a thrilling thing happened. The polished stone, owing to some mysterious and inexplicable agency, turned and Barney vanished like a flash. CHAPTER V. BATTLE WITH THE PIGMIES. No sooner had Barney mounted the polished dais, than with a swift movement it turned and he vanished into a black aperture beneath. He went out of sight so suddenly that nothing could have been done to prevent or save him. For a moment Frank Reade, Jr., and Pomp stood aghast gazing at the treacherous slab of stone.