Tom Swift in the Land of Wonders; Or, The Underground Search for the Idol of Gold

ame, isn'

o was gazing over the rail down into the deep blue water of the Caribbean S

t all over this one for excitement,"

ation. "Don't speak of THAT trip. My wife never forgave me for goin

back to it. "But this one isn't over yet remember. And I sh

ou mean?"

cal seas had been anything but exciting. There were not many

the alert for any signs of hidden enemies on board the steamer. But aside from a little curiosity when it became known that

t drivers, whom they would hire to take them into the wilds of the interior would be told of the real object of the search. It would

n, when Tom did not answer him imm

s falling and I see the crew going about making everything snug

Damon. "We're not afraid of

nd yet it looks as though th

rry in case we have to take to the life-boats," said Professor Bumper, coming on deck at tha

added, and with a wink and a motion of his hand, he enjoined silence on his friend. Ned looked around for a rea

entist in a whisper, as the man we

said Tom; "but it is best not to

said Professor Bumper.

the sides of the vessel with a hissing sound as though the sullen waves would ask nothing better than to suck the craft down into their depths. The wind, whic

in making things snug, and life lines were strung along deck for the s

, and the vessel pitched, rolled and tossed more violently. At first Tom and his friends thought they were in for no more than an ordinary blow

e time it seemed as though the craft, having been heeled far over under a

the part of the first officer, who drove them back to the main cabin under threat of a revolver. For the men were de

she was soon running before the blast, going out of her course, it is true, but av

did in two days. Then came a period of delightful weather. The cargo

cane, and though the end of the trip came amid sunshine and sweet-scented trop

Cortes, their belongings stored in a convenient warehouse and themselves, rather weary b

the first night after their arrival, eating of several dishes, the re

s city of Kurzon," he proceeded in a low voice, so that none of the others in the dining-room would hear them, "we will have to

it may be navigable. If we can go by boat it will be much more comfortable. Travel by mules and ox-carts is s

travel to get us where we want to go. We can proceed as

boats and animals?" aske

nd reached for the water, ta

n he could catch his brea

you do?"

that cook to scatter his hits. He's bunching 'em too muc

ngements for men and animals, and boats if it is found feasible to use them. I've been in c

leave?" aske

elay," and it was evident the professor referred to his yo

by a tall, dignified Spaniard who bowed low, rather exaggerate

urself of the humble services of myself, I shall have great pleasure in

nterior?" asked Tom, a bit sharply, for

ome to Honduras except for two reasons. To travel and make explorations or to start tr

icult to guess your mission," and he flashed a smile on the party, hi

business, pleasure or scientific matters. I am, at your service

t be, as the man had said, that he was a professional tour conductor, like tho

essor Bumper. They looked at one another

ur ser

the professor. "You are right in one respect. I am a scientist an

unhappy English. I forget at times. The charges will be most moderate. I can send you b

is it?" a

s, Senor, but much farther by river

d Ned. "Say, Tom, if you had your a

t it. However, we'r

rofessor Bumper. "I shall consider

th the humble service I may offer you, and my charg

ey went up to their rooms in the hotel, or r

Damon. "Bless my check-book! but he spot

ow my friends have often spoken of having had the same experience. However, I shall ask my friend

fessor was acquainted, that the Spaniard was regularly engaged in transporting parties into the interior,

Professor Bumper informed Val Jacint

ll take you into the wilds of Hondura

bserved Tom to Ned a little later. "I'd have been better pleas

the Spaniard as the man left the hotel, the young inv