"You are
right in one respect. I am a scientist and I purpose
doing some exploring near Copan. Can
you get us there?"
"Most expensively--I mean, most expeditionlessly,"
said Val Jacinto eagerly. "Pardon my
unhappy English. I forget at times. The
charges will be most moderate. I can send you
by boat as far as the river travel is good, and
then have mules and ox-carts in waiting."
"How far is it?" asked Tom.
"A hundred miles as the vulture flies, Senor,
but much farther by river and road. We shall
be a week going."
"A hundred miles in a week!" groaned Ned.
"Say, Tom, if you had your aeroplane we'd be
there in an hour."
"Yes, but we haven't it. However, we're in
no great rush."
"But we must not lose time," said Professor
Bumper. "I shall consider your offer," he added
to Val Jacinto.
"Very good, Senor. I am sure you will be
pleased with the humble service I may offer you,
and my charges will be small. Adios," and he
bowed himself away.
"What do you think of him?" asked Ned, as
they went up to their rooms in the hotel, or
rather one large room, containing several beds.
"He's a pretty slick article," said Mr. Damon.
"Bless my check-book! but he spotted us at
once, in spite of our secrecy."
"I guess these guide purveyors are trained
for that sort of thing," observed the scientist.
"I know my friends have often spoken of having
had the same experience. However, I shall
ask my friend, who is in business here, about
this Val Jacinto, and if I find him all right we
may engage him "
Inquiries next morning brought the information,
from the head of a rubber exporting firm
with whom the professor was acquainted, that
the Spaniard was regularly engaged in transporting
parties into the interior, and was considered
efficient, careful and as honest as pos-
sible, considering the men he engaged as workers.
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