There were four casks of gasoline left unused. As
these were being carried to the temple Ned suddenly exclaimed:
"Why not rig up the engine and dynamo and use an electric light down
in our cave of Mystery."
"Good," answered Alan, "and while we are at it, why not hook up the
balloonet blower with the engine and get fresh air?"
The stowing away of the machinery, the packing of the gas bag and
the setting up of the engine and dynamo and blower afforded plenty
of work until noon; and then, while the trusty little engine was
pumping volumes of good sweet air into the hot, almost suffocating
chamber below ground, the boys had luncheon.
Then began the real exhumation of the long buried articles in the
secret religious chamber of the almost forgotten race. As
revelation succeeded revelation in the next two days the paralyzing
wonder that first came to Ned and Alan was succeeded by the dullness
of fatigue. At intervals of not more than an hour they came above
ground for fresh air. The absence of water soon converted them into
bronze-like human statues. They could feel that their lungs were
becoming clogged with the almost impalpable dust.
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