s were a
friendly tribe, of which he was a member, and could be depended on.

There was a feast and a sort of celebration in camp that night. Tom
and Ned shot two deer, and these formed the main part of the feast and
the Indians made merry about the fire until nearly midnight. They did
not seem to mind in the least the swarms of mosquitoes and other bugs
that flew about, attracted by the light. As for Tom Swift and his
friends, their nets protected them.

An early start was made the following morning. Such packages of goods
and supplies as could not well be carried by the Indians in their head
straps, were loaded on the backs of the pack-mules. Tolpec explained
that on reaching the Indian village, where he had secured the porters,
they could get some ox-carts which would be a convenience in traveling
into the interior toward the Copan valley.

The march onward for the next two days was tiresome; but the Indians
Tolpec had secured were as faithful and efficient as he had described
them, and good progress was made.

There were a few accidents. One native fell into a swiftly running
stream as they were fording it and lost a box containing some
much-needed things. 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