Cortes, one of the principal seaports of
Honduras. This is a town of about three thousand
inhabitants, with an excellent harbor and a
big pier along which vessels can tie up and
discharge their cargoes directly into waiting cars.

The preparations were finally completed.
The party went aboard the steamer, which was
a large freight vessel, carrying a limited number
of passengers, and late one afternoon swung
down New York Bay.

"Off for Honduras!" cried Ned gaily, as they
passed the Statue of Liberty. "I wonder what
will happen before we see that little lady again."

"Who knows?" asked Tom, shrugging his
shoulders, Spanish fashion. And there came before
him the vision of a certain "little lady," about
whom he had been thinking deeply of late.



CHAPTER IX

VAL JACINTO


"Rather tame, isn't it, Tom?"