"Sadly long and hideously dreary years I have found them, sir,"
the exile said, in dejected tones.

The professor burst into a shrill, excited laugh, which sounded
almost hysterical, and, not a little to the amazement of his
nephews, broke into a regular dance, jigging it right merrily,
hands on hips, head perked, and chin in air, at the same time
striving to carry the tune in his far from melodious voice.

After all, perhaps no better method could have been taken to work
off his almost hysterical excitement, and presently he paused,
panting and heated, chuckling after an abashed fashion as he
encountered the eyes of his nephews.

"Not a word, my dear boys," he hastened to plead. "I had to do
something or--or explode! I feel better, now. I can behave
myself, I hope. I am calm, cool, and composed as--the genuine
Aztecs! And we are the ones to discover that--oh, I forgot!"

For Waldo was fairly exploding with mirth, while Bruno smiled,
and even the exile appeared to be amused to a certain extent at
his expense.

Little by little, the worthy savant calmed down, and then, almost
forcing the exile to indulge in another delicious smoke, he led
up to the subject in which his interest was fairly intense.

Cooper Edgecombe was willing enough to tell all that lay in his
power, although he was only beginning to realise how much that