"He's relying on the prestige he'll get out of
this idol of gold if his party finds it," thought
on the young inventor. "But I'll help find it
first. I'm glad to have a little start of him, anyhow,
even if it isn't more than two days. Though
if our vessel is held back much by storms he may
get on the ground first. However, that can't
be helped. I'll do the best I can."
These thoughts shot through Tom's mind
even as Ned was asking his questions and making
comments. Then the young inventor, shaking
his shoulders as though to rid them of some
weight, remarked:
"Well, come on out and see the sights. It will
be long before we look on Broadway again."
When the chums returned from their sightseeing
excursion, they found that Professor Bumper
had arrived.
"Where's Professor Bumper?" asked Ned, the next day.
"In his room, going over books, papers and
maps to make sure he has everything."
"And Mr. Damon?"
Tom did not have to answer that last question.
Into the apartment came bursting the excited
individual himself.
"Bless my overshoes!" he cried, "I've been
looking everywhere for you! Come on, there's
no time to lose!"
"What's the matter now?" asked Ned. "Is the
hotel on fire?"
"Has anything happened to Professor Bumper?"
Tom demanded, a wild idea forming in his
head that perhaps some one of the Beecher party
had tried to kidnap the discoverer of the lost
city of Pelone.
"Oh, everything is all right," answered Mr.
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