going to explore will vary all the way from Inca antiquities to the
source of the Amazon. I've done a lot of talking to-day, and a good
deal of cautioning as to secrecy, etc. It ought to bear fruit by to-
morrow, or the day after, at the latest. I'm going to start next week,
and I'm really going EXPLORING, too--though not exactly as they think.
I came in to-day to make a business appointment for to-morrow, please.
A man starting on such a hazardous journey must be prepared, you
understand. I want to leave my affairs in such shape that you will
know exactly what to do--in emergency. I may come to-morrow?"

The lawyer hesitated, his face an odd mixture of determination and
irresolution.

"Oh, hang it all--yes. Of course you may come. To-morrow at ten--if
they don't shut you up before."

With a boyish laugh Mr. Stanley G. Fulton leaped to his feet.

"Thanks. To-morrow at ten, then." At the door he turned back jauntily.
"And, say, Ned, what'll you bet I don't grow fat and young over this
thing? What'll you bet I don't get so I can eat real meat and 'taters
again?"




CHAPTER II

ENTER MR. JOHN SMITH