But as the man's life was saved Professor
Bumper said it made up for the other loss.
Another accident did not end so auspiciously.
One of the bearers was bitten by a poisonous
snake, and though prompt measures were taken,
the poison spread so rapidly that the man died.
In due season the Indian village was reached.
where, after a day spent in holding funeral services
over the dead bearer, preparations were
made for proceeding farther.
This time some of the bearers were left behind,
and ox-carts were substituted for them, as it was
possible to carry more goods this way,
"And now we're really off for Copan!"
exclaimed Professor Bumper one morning, when
the cavalcade, led by Tolpec in the capacity of
head guide, started off. "I hope we have no
more delays."
"I hope not, either," agreed Tom. "That
Beecher may be there ahead of us."
Weary marches fell to their portion. There
were mountains to climb, streams to ford or swim,
sending the carts over on rudely made rafts.
There were storms to endure, and the eternal heat
to fight.
But finally the party emerged from the
lowlands of the coast and went up in among the
hills, where though the going was harder, the
climate was better. It was not so hot and moist.
Not wishing to attract attention in Copan
itself, Professor Bumper and his party made a
detour, and finally, after much consultation with
Tom over the ancient maps, the scientist announced
that he thought they were in the vicinity
of the buried city.
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