to our own country as soon as possible, for if father is alive he will
suffer great anxiety concerning us."

"You are right to make haste; but what if I tell you that by going with
me no time will be lost?"

"How can that be possible?"

"Because if you were in Merida to-day you could not reach Progresso in
time to take the steamer which left for the United States this morning.
If you remain here two weeks more, there will then be ample opportunity
to get passage on the next vessel which starts. I have a time table,
and you can see by it that I am telling the truth."

As he ceased speaking Cummings arose, walked leisurely to the house, and
returned with the article in question, which he handed to Neal.

It was only necessary to glance at it in order to learn that his
statement was a fact, and when Teddy was also convinced, the host
continued:

"According to the plan I have formed we should be back in less than ten
days from the time we begin the journey, and if you agree to the scheme
it should make us all wealthy."

"But you said the old Indian would not return for three days," Jake
interrupted.

"Very true; but we shall not wait for him to come here. That which he
will bring is exactly what we want as an outfit, and we can meet him at
the only entrance to the swamp where, for more than three months, I have
had a boat hidden in readiness for the attempt."

Then Cummings gave a more detailed account of the wonderful city as he
had heard it in Merida and from Poyor, and so well did he tell the story
that in a short time his guests were in the highest state of excitement.

"Now the question is whether you will join me?" he said in conclusion.
"Having studied the matter so long I feel warranted in saying that it
is not an unusually dangerous venture, and, if we are successful, the
amount of wealth we can carry away must be enormous."

"It wouldn't take me long to decide," Jake replied promptly; "but seeing
that I am in Mr. Emery's employ I couldn't go contrary to his son's
orders. As a matter of fact I'm not bound in any way; but it seems to be
the only square thing to do."

"And what is your idea?" Cummings asked as he looked toward Teddy.

"Since we can't start for home immediately, I don't see why we shouldn't
spend the time in what will be the jolliest kind of an adventure whether
there is any gold to be gained or not."

The young man then turned to Neal questioningly, and the latter said
hesitatingly: