Alan carried
in addition the "snake bite" case, the compass and small hatchet,
and Ned the money belt containing over five hundred dollars in gold.
The sealed glass tubes of matches were divided between the two boys
and then, as it was noon, the sextant that Ned had been so careful
to bring with them was used for the first and last time. The
observation made and noted, and the record of it divided as planned,
Ned and Alan were ready to begin their attempt to make their way out
of the rock-bound wilderness. With provisions, water, blanket and
arms each lad was carrying about thirty-five pounds.
"Would you still like a few pounds of Aztec treasure?" laughed Ned
as they stood with packs adjusted.
"I should say not," retorted Alan; "I'm satisfied."
The method of lowering themselves from the hole in the face of the
cliff to the ground, one hundred feet beneath, had been worked out
in detail and the apparatus made in the evenings by the light of
their camp fire. And early that morning Alan had carried the long
rope ladder down the chasm and to the mouth of the tunnel.
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