The Cross of Cortes

Eugene Meltsner narrates this adventure into his tape recorder as an official expedition log, and what an adventure it is. It has all begun three weeks earlier, when his employer, John Whittaker, received a mysterious package from Mexico. Whit has been planning a fact-finding trip to the region for the Universal Press Foundation, and the package turns out to be from his old friend Dan Isidro, a missionary who is also an archaeologist. Inside is an ancient map of southern Mexico, along with a letter warning Whit to guard it closely and bring it with him. Whit and Eugene can make out only a few clues on the map: the old Aztec island city of Tenochtitlan, two volcanoes labeled Corazon del Diablo - Heart of the Devil - and beneath them, the drawing of a cross.

Whit and Eugene fly to Mexico City and check into their hotel, but before Dan can join them there is a knock at the door. A man calling himself Inspector Roberto Cordova of the Mexico City police pushes in with his men and searches the room. He claims Dan has stolen a valuable historical artifact, a map, and he leaves with a chilly warning about what happens to visitors who do not cooperate. Moments later comes a tapping at the window. It is Dan, who has been clinging to the second-story ledge to avoid being seen. Dan explains that Cordova is no Mexico City policeman at all but a rival from his home country of Nicaragua who has followed him. Dan insists he did not steal the map - he bought it in a little bookstore in Managua - and he shares his astonishing news: he believes the map reveals the hiding place of the Cross of Cortes, the crucifix worn by Hernan Cortez when he conquered Mexico. Legend says the cross gave its wearer almost unbeatable power in battle, and its value would be beyond measure.

The key is a row of ancient Aztec symbols at the bottom of the map, which point somewhere inside the treacherous twin volcanoes of Corazon del Diablo. Dan has already arranged for an interpreter and guide, someone named Mendosa, whom they are to meet the next day at the bullfights. After spending the evening making a careful copy of the map, the three arrive at the arena, where Mendosa finds them - and turns out to be a young woman, Maria Mendosa, who takes an immediate liking to Whit. But when Eugene learns how a bullfight ends for the bull, he feels sick and hurries out to find the restroom. His shaky Spanish leads him to ask directions from a stranger, who points him through a dark doorway. The odd, dirty corridor Eugene wanders down is no restroom. As the first bull is released, Dan and Whit spot Eugene below them - standing in the middle of the bullfighting arena.