"I suppose you know where it is?" he added,
nodding toward the professor. "I am leaving
that part to you."
"Oh, I have a map, showing where I want to
begin some excavations," was the answer. "We
must first go to Copan and see what arrangements
we can make for laborers. After that--well, we
shall trust to luck for what we shall find."
"There are said to be many curious things,"
went on Jacinto, speaking as though he had no
interest. "You have mentioned buried cities.
Have you thought what may be in them--great
heathen temples, idols, perhaps?"
For a moment none of the professor's
companions spoke. It was as though Jacinto had
tried to get some information. Finally the
scientist said:
"Oh, yes, we may find an idol. I understand
the ancient people, who were here long before
the Spaniards came, worshiped idols. But we
shall take whatever antiquities we find."
"Huh!" grunted Jacinto, and then he called
to the paddlers to increase their strokes.
The journey up the river was not very
eventful. Many alligators were seen, and Tom and
Ned shot several with the electric rifle. Toward
the close of the third day's travel there was a
cry from one of the rear boats, and an alarm of
a man having fallen overboard was given.
Tom turned in time to see the poor fellow's
struggles, and at the same time there was a swirl
in the water and a black object shot forward.
"An alligator is after him!" yelled Ned.
"I see," observed Tom calmly.
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