The possibility of a
climb to that entrance to reach the mesa above was out of the
question.
The boys, panting for breath, lay on the floor of the tunnel with
their heads just out of the opening.
"Some one has used this place, but how did they ever get up here?"
asked Alan.
"I don't know and I don't care," said Ned with excitement. "But I
do know that this entrance is concealed. Why, you couldn't even see
it from below--it's so small. And it was made that way for a
purpose. That must mean Cibola. Let's get busy."
There were one hundred and thirty-five steps to mount, and each was
about a foot and a half high. When Ned and Alan were on top of the
mesa again they were out of breath and their clothes were white with
dust. They were also choked, thirsty and hungry.
"Eat heartily," laughed Ned, when they began breakfast over again;
"we are going to have a busy day, I hope."
"What is your theory?"
"That our treasure is right here if it is anywhere," exclaimed Ned.
Alan laughed. "The place is barren as a barn floor," he said; "I
don't see any very large palace or temple hereabouts.
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