  In the garden of Father Francisco’s mission, the Scouts, their leader and Mr. Monahan sat sipping limeade from tall, frosted glasses. Three weeks had elapsed since the fateful morning when Captain Carter had set off a series of explosions in the lake within the mountain. Since that day, many events had transpired, some of which were not pleasant to recall. The terrifying earthquake had completed the wreckage of many of the impressive structures in the hidden Inca city. The great temple had been half destroyed. Five natives had died in the disaster, and many more had suffered injury. That the earth tremor had been caused by the wrath of the gods over Carter’s desecration of the treasure lake, the natives had become firmly convinced. Angered, they had set upon him, taking his life. “So you see,” Mr. Livingston soberly related to the missionary, “everything considered, we are fortunate to have escaped. The natives accepted us only because Mr. Monahan was able to convince them that we were not there to loot the pool. After the quake we cared for the injured, and that too, helped win friendship.” “What of the treasure?” the missionary inquired. “A major portion already has been removed and transported to Lima under guard,” Mr. Monahan answered. “Government officials are at the scene to complete the job. Our responsibility is ended.” From a jacket pocket, Ken removed the ancient parchment he first had seen in Father Francisco’s library. “We return this to you, Father,” he said, offering the manuscript. “It was found in Captain Carter’s dunnage after his death.” “That old parrot woman must have stolen it and turned it over to him,” contributed Jack. “Captain Carter knew you had the parchment, Father. He probably wanted it to prevent adventurers, and particularly our party, from seeking the lost city.” “Your theory must be correct,” the missionary said meditatively. “However, Captain Carter did not arrive in Cuertos until after your party came.” “We figure he probably tipped Lolita off about the parchment before he left here for America,” Willie offered his opinion. “She must have watched her chance to snatch it, and probably was paid well, either in jewelry or cash.” “I’m afraid my directions for reaching the lost city were not very helpful,” Father Francisco apologized. “I gave you the best information available, but unfortunately, I was deceived.” “Deceived?” Warwick asked quickly. “In what way?” “I have always believed that according to the story, the mountain of the lost city could be seen from the doorway of this mission.” “Actually, it can’t be,” remarked Ken. “The wording of the manuscript was not incorrect—only our interpretation,” declared the missionary. “Come, I will show you.” Walking with difficulty, Father Francisco led the party through the garden, into the mission. Surprisingly he did not conduct them to the door with which they were familiar. Instead, he took them once more to the half-underground library. There, the Scouts were astonished to see that the walls had been severely cracked. Plaster still lay untouched on the carpets. “The quake which was so severe where you were, also struck here,” the missionary disclosed. “The mission as you have noted, suffered some damage. In taking down a wall here in the library, another door, which had been plastered over, was revealed.” “And from this original door, one would gaze directly toward the treasure mountain!” exclaimed Jack. “No wonder so many explorers were thrown off the track!” Mr. Livingston told Father Francisco that he and the Scouts planned to return to the United States as soon as flight tickets could be obtained. Burton Monahan would remain a few weeks longer to assist government officials in cataloging the treasures taken from the Inca city. Mr. Monahan turned gratefully to the Scouts. “I can’t thank you fellows enough for undertaking a dangerous mission in my behalf,” he told them. “If it hadn’t been for you, I’m afraid Captain Carter would have accomplished his evil purpose. Alone, I’d never have been a match for him.” “It was Mr. Livingston’s trick with the cigarette lighter that proved his undoing,” Ken chuckled at the recollection. “’Course, the earthquake helped. Even now, the natives can’t be convinced that Carter didn’t set off the earth tremors with those grenade explosions.” “All in all, it’s been a real trip of exploration,” Jack contributed. “One we’ll never forget. After Peru though, it will be hard to tame ourselves down enough to schedule a canoe trip to Minnesota.” “Oh, I don’t know,” drawled War. “Right now, I can’t imagine anything that would be more fun than to hit white water.” “Or a quiet fishing trip,” added Ken. “Depends on the kind of fish you go after,” declared Willie with a grin. “Perch or cannibals?” “I’ll settle for muskies,” Ken laughed. “Even a nice peppy bass!” “The Minnesota trip may have to wait awhile,” Mr. Livingston told the Explorers. “Oh, that’s all right,” Ken assured him. “After a long, hard trip such as this, we won’t need another vacation for awhile. Belton is good enough for us.” “How long you fellows stay there will be strictly up to you,” the Scout leader hinted. “The truth is—I hate to tell you this—” “Go ahead,” Willie urged. “After what we’ve been through, we can take anything.” “You can, and that’s a fact,” Mr. Livingston responded warmly. “I’ve told you before, and I repeat, you fellows more than lived up to my hopes and expectations on this trip.” “Tell us the news,” Jack interrupted impatiently. “What’s in the wind, Hap?” “Word of our successful mission here has spread. I’ve already had an offer of another expedition—one which would bring us back to South America.” “To Peru again?” questioned Ken. “No,” Mr. Livingston replied, “but possibly to an even more interesting country. How does that strike you?” “It hits me from the ground floor up,” asserted War. “When do we take on this new job?” “Not for awhile,” Mr. Livingston said, smiling at his eagerness. “We all need a little rest, and I want to rid myself completely of fever before I lead you off on another jaunt. For that matter, other offers may develop.” “Then, for the immediate future, it’s Belton?” Ken asked. “Right. We should have our flight tickets by tomorrow.” “Just think of the yarns we can spin when we tie up with the fellows again,” chuckled Ken, relishing the prospect. “Lucky we still have a few Inca trophies, or I’m afraid no one would believe our story.” “So it’s back to the USA and good old Post 21,” announced Jack with a flourish. “To paved roads and plenty of hot running water,” added War. “To hamburgers and double-dip ice cream sundaes,” completed Willie, his eyes twinkling. “Peru’s great, but right now, I’d trade every souvenir in the world for a nice restful day at home!” Boy Scout Explorers at Treasure MountainThe lure of Inca gold led Burton Monahan on a dangerous trip to the mountains of Peru. When word is brought back that he has apparently disappeared, his brother asks “Hap” Livingston and his Boy Scout Explorers to try to find out what happened. An ancient parchment provides clues to the location of the Treasure Mountain but it cannot forewarn the Explorers of the many hazards—both natural and man-made—that must be surmounted before their goal can be reached. An exciting, live-action story, filled with thrilling incidents of courage and bravery, sure to hold the interest of every adventure enthusiast. BOY SCOUT EXPLORERS |
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