safely through all these, there must be many more to come, after they
had launched their little airship, and started to explore the strange
regions of this tropical land.

"It's a fire, all right, Frank," he said, as they negotiated the bend,
and opened up a new vista ahead.

"Yes, that's so for a fact," returned his chum. "And notice, will you,
Andy, how old Felipe has managed to keep over well toward the port
shore. He sized up the situation all right, and knew how to act."

"Yes, Felipe tells me he used to serve in the army. Many a battle he has
been through, not only in Colombia, but in other countries as well. He
was once something of a soldier of fortune. But where are you going,
Frank?" as his comrade started to leave him.

"I must warn the crew to keep out of sight, or they may be hit, if there
happens to be any shooting going on," called the other, over his
shoulder.

He found that every member of the crew seemed to be awake, as if they
had talked the situation over, and also guessed where the trouble would
lie in wait for the venturesome young Americano señors.

So Frank gave his warning, and saw that they obeyed. While they were in
his employ he felt a certain degree of interest in these ragged fellows,
and did not wish to be held responsible for any damage they might
receive, if inclined to be reckless at times.

When he once more reached Andy's side the latter was looking through a