Page:Weird Tales Volume 5 Number 1 (1925-01).djvu/155

154 Benton found what he considered a desirable point for placing the bomb. He set the bomb and placed the time lock at its greatest length. He left the spot and hurriedly rejoined the others.

Scarcely had he arrived where they were standing before the earth shook and a large section of the masonry and base of the mountain appeared to be torn away. When the accompanying shower of fine rocks and gravel had subsided the members of the party again advanced to the place.

"The exit from the Valley of Teeheemen," said Benton, as they looked into an enormous natural cavern that apparently receded into the bowels of the mountain.

Duros nodded.

"It is the way through which our first ancestors came," he said.

"We must make arrangements to pass through as soon as possible," said Benton. "Our packs yet contain enough goods for a week's journey and we have enough firearms and ammunition to furnish food and protection. It would be better, though, before undertaking the trip through the mountain, to return to our plane in the forest of Teeheemen and bring the other rifles and supplies that will be needed in our trip toward the coast."

"Gomo will make the trip," the big fellow offered, turning to Benton. "He will take a force of warriors and carry all the things."

"I will go with you," Holton offered, "The exact location of the plane may be difficult for you to find, since you were never there and know only the approximate position. I remember the road perfectly from the camp where we remained."

"I would like to make the trip, too." said Benton. "I would relish an opportunity of again shooting some of the strange beasts in the jungle of Teeheemen."

"I, too, must make the trip," said Virginia. "I want to get the clothing I left in the plane in my two suit cases."

"You will be better cared for in the temple of Teeheemen," Benton insisted. "The trip will require but a short time. We will take enough men to bring everything from the plane. What we cannot use in making our trip to the coast we will donate to King Duros."

After some protesting, Virginia finally agreed to remain at the temple of Teeheemen with Gala under the protection of a special guard which Duros would select. The new king of Teeheemen delegated Gomo to name a hundred of the best warriors of his forces to accompany the white men on their trip.

By evening Gomo had, completed. his task, and the party made preparations for an early march in the morning.

Virginia smilingly waved farewell to the expedition the next day.

"A few weeks more and I shall be going home to my people." she said, turning to Gala.

"Gala will be sad," replied the native girl, turning her eyes toward the young white woman. "She will never see the white sister again."

"You may, some time," Virginia suggested. "This is an unusual world. Who knows but that some time I may desire to return to the Valley of Teeheemen?"

"Gala will always live in that hope," replied the native girl.

"Let us go to the entrance of the mountain passage which Benton tore open with his bomb yesterday," Virginia suggested.

Gala consented, and the two wandered to the cavern mouth.

"Let us go inside," said Virginia. "It will be all right for just a little distance."