If
we can go by boat it will be much more comfortable.
Travel by mules and ox-carts is slow and
sure, but the roads are very bad, as I have heard
from friends who have made explorations in
Honduras.
"And, as I said, we may have to use both land
and water travel to get us where we want to go.
We can proceed as far as possible up the river,
and then take to the mules."
"What about arranging for boats and animals?"
asked Tom. "I should think----"
He suddenly ceased talking and reached for
the water, taking several large swallows.
"Whew!" he exclaimed, when he could catch his breath.
"That was a hot one."
"What did you do?" asked Ned.
"Bit into a nest of red pepper. Guess I'll have
to tell that cook to scatter his hits. He's bunching
'em too much in my direction," and Tom
wiped the tears from his eyes.
"To answer your question," said Professor
Bumper, "I will say that I have made partial
arrangements for men and animals, and boats
if it is found feasible to use them. I've been in
correspondence with one of the merchants here,
and he promised to make arrangements for us."
"When do we leave?" asked Mr. Damon.
"As soon as possible. I am not going to risk
anything by delay," and it was evident the professor
referred to his young rival whose arrival
might be expected almost any time.
As the party was about to leave the table,
they were approached by a tall, dignified Spaniard
who bowed low, rather exaggeratedly low,
Ned thought, and addressed them in fairly good
English.
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