of it, he declared was a _terra incognita_, being utterly unknown land.

"But," continued the obliging señor, "you will certainly be able to
learn more concerning this when you see my fellow-countryman, Señor
Mendoza; for all his life has he lived there at Magangue, and surely he
must know something of that country to the south."

"We shall leave here with as little delay as possible," observed
Frank. "I have sent our purser, Manuel, to comply with the custom
duties, and secure us a few supplies. When he comes aboard again we
expect to start."

"It is just as well," remarked the other, significantly, and seeming to
be relieved. "Because, there is an uneasy feeling in Barranquila just
at present. Agents of the revolutionary junta have been here. They are
very active. And from secret sources I happen to know that they are
aware of the strange cargo you are bringing with you."

"You must mean our aeroplane, Señor?" remarked Frank, quickly.

"Si, Señor Bird," the other continued, nodding his head. "It has become
known that the two young Americanos are of the new and wonderful
aeronauts, with whom nothing is impossible. And if you remained here any
length of time I fear lest even my government might seek to find some
excuse for appropriating your little airship. The talk is all in that
direction now. Colombia is ripe to take a forward step, and have an
aviation corps."

"Well," said Frank, "under the circumstances we would seriously object
to having our monoplane confiscated now, because upon it we depend