tom swift in the land of wonders(汤姆·史威夫特-奇境)-第34节
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Professor Beecher had tentatively engaged Jacinto; and had sent word to
him to keep other explorers away from the vicinity of the ancient city if
possible; but Jacinto; who did not return Professor Bumper's money; as he
had promised; had acted treacherously in order to enrich himself。
Professor Beecher had nothing to do with that; nor had he with the taking
of the map; as has been seen; the loss of which; after all; was a blessing in
disguise; for Kurzon would never have been located by following the
directions given there; as it was very inaccurate。
In another point it was demonstrated that the old documents were at
fault。 This was in reference to the golden idol having been overthrown
and another set up in its place; an act which had caused the destruction of
Kurzon。
It is true that the city was destroyed; or rather; buried; but this
catastrophe was probably brought about by an earthquake。 And another
great idol; one of clay; was found; perhaps a rival of Quitzel; but it was
this clay image which was thrown down and broken; and not the golden
one。
Perhaps an effort had been made; just before the burying of the city; to
change idols and the system of worship; but Quitzel seemed to have held
his own。 The old manuscripts were not very reliable; it was found;
except in general。
〃Well; I guess this will hold Beecher for a while;〃 said Tom; the night
of the arrival of Mary's letter; and after he had written one in answer;
which was dispatched by a runner to the nearest place whence mail could
be forwarded。
〃Yes; luck seems to favor you;〃 replied Ned。 〃You've had a hand in the
discovery of the idol of gold; and〃
〃Yes。 And I discovered something else I wasn't quite sure of;〃
interrupted Tom; as he felt to make sure he had a certain letter safe in his
pocket。
It was several weeks later that the explorations of Kurzon came to an
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TOM SWIFT IN THE LAND OF WONDERS
enda temporary end; for the rainy season set in; when the tropics are
unsuitable for white men。 Tom; Professor Bumper; Ned and Mr。 Damon
set sail for the United States; the valuable idol of gold safe on board。
And there; with their vessel plowing the blue waters of the Caribbean
Sea; we will take leave of Tom Swift and his friends。
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