Page:Weird Tales Volume 6 Number 4 (1925-10).djvu/45

actively so. Monty said he had probably gone to join the other, perhaps in the forest. They might return. I became immersed in the study of the hieroglyphics. I acknowledge the fault; but how was I to know?

The third morning Dan proposed we study the pyramid by light. I had wanted to, myself, at least a part of my mind had been wanting to. We examined the base carefully; there was no entrance. We climbed to the platform. The view was even more marvelous by daylight. The hills, the forest, and that great dead city all stood out with unusual distinctness. It made me feel very small and very young to think of all those buildings with no life in any of them, and the number of years that had passed since there had been people there. Then we went into the temple. I began to study the structure. In a moment I noticed the smell; it was very faint and very pleasant; too pleasant, rather like incense but not pungent, and slightly stupefying to the senses. Something made me look for Dan. He was on his hands and knees crawling slowly, very slowly and almost unwillingly, toward that dark hole. His eyes were intent and staring, he seemed not to breathe. I dragged him back and hauled him to his feet. It was almost a minute before his brain cleared.

"What's the matter? What was I doing?" He seemed vaguely to remember something, then he looked with loathing horror at the empty blackness. "Ugh—take me away."

I did, quickly.

When we were back at the temple he asked me seriously, "Do you know what's in that hole, sir, what it is that makes me want to go into it?"

I answered even more seriously, "No, I don't, Dan. I've felt that same influence myself, a bit. When I get time I'll try to find out what it is. Until I do, Dan, don't go near the place."

He shuddered. "I certainly won't—if I can help myself."

Dan and I moved into another temple; the proximity of the Indians had not been enjoyable. For two days we worked together on the hieroglyphics, barely leaving the temple at all. He was a great help to me; his fresh mind, his interest and his energy were invaluable. As I said, he was not intellectual or keen-minded; but he was quick and cheerful.

On the fifth day of our stay he went into the next temple for a knife. He came back with a white, frightened face.

"There are only four Indians left, and Monty."

I could hardly believe him. The news astounded me; but in comparison with the advances I was making, slow but sure, in deciphering the undecipherable, all else was of little importance. Some vague notion that they were in the forest persisted. Again I admit the blame.

That night, however, I began to think of those Indians, stolid creatures but easily imposed upon and led. I could not sleep. I rose and went to the entrance of the temple. Dan rose and came beside me; and we stood looking out upon the great square. The moon was nearly full. The white light shone directly on the west side of the pyramid, so that it stood cut out from the massive blackness on its sides.

Dan clutched me. "Look!" he gasped.

I looked. Toiling slowly up the steps were two figures. The first one was mounting backward, steadily and surely, its hands outstretched toward the other, who followed passively. They were almost at the top. I rushed out into the square.

"Come here!" I shouted as loudly and forcefully as I could. As well call to the wind! The two figures