grim files of tall soldiers, on whose spears the torch-light flashed
ominously. As they came the gates of the palace yard were opened. They
passed them and across the space beyond until they reached the doors of
the temple, which were thrown wide before them.

Here Otter and Juanna descended from the litters, and all the torches
were extinguished, leaving them in darkness.

Leonard felt his hand seized and was led along, he knew not where, for
the misty gloom was intense. He could scarcely see the face even of
the priest who conducted them, but from the sounds he gathered that all
their party were being guided in a similar fashion. Once or twice also
he heard the voice of a Settlement man speaking in accents of fear or
complaint, but such demonstrations were followed quickly by the sound
of a heavy blow, dealt, no doubt, by the priest or soldier in charge of
that individual. Evidently it was expected that all should be silent.
Presently Leonard became aware that they had left the open space across
which they were walking, for the air grew close and their footsteps rang
hollow on the rocky floor.

"I believe that we are in a tunnel," whispered Francisco.

"Silence, dog," hissed a priest in his ear. "Silence, this place is
holy."

They did not understand the meaning of the words at the moment, but the
tone in which they were spoken made their purport sufficiently clear.
Leonard took the hint, and at the same time clutched his rifle more
tightly. He began to be afraid for their safety. Whither were they being
led--to a dungeon? Well, they would soon know, and at the worst it was