Copan valley?" asked the professor. "You are
right in one respect. I am a scientist and I purpose
doing some exploring near Copan. Can
you get us there?"

"Most expensively--I mean, most expeditionlessly,"
said Val Jacinto eagerly. "Pardon my
unhappy English. I forget at times. The
charges will be most moderate. I can send you
by boat as far as the river travel is good, and
then have mules and ox-carts in waiting."

"How far is it?" asked Tom.

"A hundred miles as the vulture flies, Senor,
but much farther by river and road. We shall
be a week going."

"A hundred miles in a week!" groaned Ned.
"Say, Tom, if you had your aeroplane we'd be
there in an hour."

"Yes, but we haven't it. However, we're in
no great rush."

"But we must not lose time," said Professor
Bumper. "I shall consider your offer," he added
to Val Jacinto.

"Very good, Senor. I am sure you will be