"To the dot," enthusiastically answered the Major. "Now, boys,
good-bye. Everything in that car is exactly as you planned and
asked. From now on it is subject to your orders alone. What mine
are you know. God bless you both and good luck to you!"

As the boys took his hand Ned handed him a letter. "I'm sorry I
couldn't have seen my mother again, but please send her this. I
wrote it to-day on the train."

Far down the line of cars came the words, "all aboard," and Elmer,
cap in hand, sprang onto the steps.

"Good-bye," exclaimed Alan, "and thank you for the great chance
you're giving us."

"Good-bye," said Ned, "if we fail in our work it won't be your
fault, Major."

And then, as the train began to move, the boys stepped aboard, off
at last, after six weeks preparation, in search of the lost Cibola
and the treasure of the Turquoise Temple.




CHAPTER II

NED'S MEETING WITH MAJOR BALDWIN HONEYWELL