 CHAPTER XIII. What does it all mean, asked Tom, seeing that the note was written in Spanish, a tongue which he could speak slightly, but read indifferently. "'This is some of Beecher's work,' was Professor Bumper's grim comment. It seems that Hasinto was in his pay. "'In his pay,' cried Mr. Damon, "'do you mean that Beecher deliberately hired Hasinko to betray us?' "'Well, no, not that exactly. Here, I'll translate this note for you.' And the professor proceeded to read. "'Signores, I greatly regret the step I have to take. But I am a gentleman, and, having given my word, I must keep it. No harm shall come to you. I swear it on my honour.' "'Queer idea of honour,' he has,' commented Tom grimly. Professor Bumper read on. "'No, then, that before I engaged myself to you, I had been engaged by Professor Beecher through a friend to guide him into the Copan Valley, where he wants to make some explorations, for what I know not, save maybe that it is for gold. I agreed, in case any rival expeditions came to lead them astray, if I could. So, knowing from what you said that you were going to this place, I engaged myself to you, planning to do what I have done. I greatly regret it, as I have come to like you, but I had given my promise to Professor Beecher's friend, that I would first lead him to the Copan Valley, and would keep others away until he had had a chance to do his exploration. So, I have led you to this wilderness. It is far from the Copan. But you are near an Indian village, and you will be able to get help in a week or so. In the meanwhile you will not starve, as you have plenty of supplies. If you will travel northeast, you will come again to Puerto Cortez in due season. As for the money I had from you, I deposited it to your account. Professor Beecher having made me an allowance for steering rival parties on the wrong trail. So I lose nothing, and I save my honour. I write this note as I am leaving in the night with the Indians. I put some harmless sedative in your tea that you might sleep soundly, and not awaken until we were well on our way. Do not try to follow us, as the river will carry us swiftly away. And let me add, there is no personal animosity on the part of Professor Beecher against you. I should have done to any rival expedition the same as I have done with you. Hasinto. For a moment there is silence. And then Tom Swift burst out with, Well, of all the mean, contemptible tricks of a human skunk, this is the limit. Bless my hairbrush, but he is a scoundrel, ejaculated Mr. Damon, with great warmth. I'd like to start after him. The biggest alligator in the river was Ned's comment. Professor Bumper said nothing for several seconds. There was a strange look on his face. And then he laughed shortly, as though the humour of the situation appealed to him. Professor Beecher has more gumption than I gave him credit for, he said. It was a clever trick. Trick! cried Tom. Yes, I can't exactly agree that it was the right thing to do, but he, or some friend acting for him, seems to have taken precautions that we are not to suffer or lose money. Beecher goes in the theory that all is fair in love and war, I suppose, and he may call this a sort of scientific war. Ned wondered, as he looked at his chum, how much love there was in it. Clearly Beecher was determined to get that idol of gold. Well, it can't be helped, and we must make the best of it, said Tom, after a pause. True. But now, boys, let's have breakfast, and then we'll make what goods we can't take with us as snug as possible, until we can send the mule-drivers after them. Question Ned. What do you mean to do? Do. Why, keep on, of course. You don't suppose I'm going to let a little thing like this stand between me and the discovery of Curzon and the idol of gold, do you? But, began Mr. Damon, I don't see how. Oh, we'll find a way, interrupted Tom. It isn't the first time I've been pretty well stranded on an expedition of this kind, and sometimes from the same cause, the actions of a rival. Now, we'll turn the tables on the other fellows and see how they like it. The Professor's right. Let's have breakfast. Hasinto seems to have told the truth. Nothing of ours is missing. Tom and Ned got the meal, and then a consultation was held as to what was best to be done. We can't go on any further by water, that sure, said Tom. In the first place, the river is too shallow, and secondly, we have no canoes. So the only thing I can do is take a look at the We have no canoes. So the only thing is to go on foot through the jungle. But how can we, and carry all this stuff, asked Ned? We needn't carry it, cried Professor Bumper. We'll leave it here, where it will be safe enough, and tramp on to the nearest Indian village. There, we'll hire bearers to take our stuff on until we can get mules. I'm not going to turn back. Good, cried Mr. Damon. Bless my rubber boots. But that's what I say. Keep on. Oh, no, we'll never turn back, agreed Tom. But how can we manage it, asked Ned? We've just got to. And when you have to do a thing, it's a whole lot easier to do than if you just feel as though you ought to. So, lively as the word, cried Tom, in answer. We'll pack up what we can carry and leave the rest, added the scientist. Being an experienced traveler, Professor Bumper had arranged his baggage, so that it could be carried by porters, if necessary. Everything could be put into small packages, including the tents and food supply. There are four of us, remarked Tom, and if we can not pack enough along with us to enable us to get to the nearest village, we had better go back to civilization. I'm not afraid to try. Nor I, cried Mr. Damon. The baggage, stores, and supplies that were to be left behind were made as snug as possible, and so piled up that wild beasts could do the least harm. Then a pack was made up for each one to carry. They would take weapons, of course, Tom Swift's electric rifle, being the one he chose for himself. They expected to be able to shoot game on their way, and this would provide them food in addition to the concentrated supply they carried. Small tents and sections were carried. There being two, one for Tom and Ned, and one for Mr. Damon and the Professor. As far as could be learned from a casual inspection, Hasinto and his deserting Indians had taken back with them only a small quantity of food. They were travelling light and downstream, and could reach the town much more quickly than they had come away from it. That beacher certainly was slick, commented Professor Bumper, when they were ready to start. He must have known about what time I would arrive, and he had Hasinto waiting for us. I thought it was too good to be true to get an experienced guide like him so easily. But it was all planned, and I was so engrossed in thinking of the ancient treasures I hoped to find that I never thought of a possible trick. Well, let's start, and he led the way into the jungle, carrying his heavy pack as lightly as did Tom. Professor Bumper had a general idea in which direction lay a number of native villages, and it was determined to head for them, blazing a path through the wilderness so that the Indians could follow it back to the goods left behind. It was with rather heavy hearts that the party set off, but Tom's spirits could not long stay clouded, and the scientist was so good-natured about the affair and seemed so eager to do the utmost to render Beecher's trick void that the others fell into a lighter mood, and went on more cheerfully, though the way was rough and the pack's heavy. They stopped at noon under a bower, they made of palms, and, spreading the nets over them, got a little rest after a lunch. Then, when the sun was less hot, they started off again. Forward is the word, cried Ned cheerfully, forward! They had not gone more than an hour on the second stage of their tramp when Tom, who was in the lead, following the direction laid out by the compass, suddenly stopped and reached around for his electric rifle, which he was carrying at his back. What is it? asked Ned in a whisper. I don't know, but at some big animal there in the bushes was Tom's low-voiced answer. I'm ready for it. The rustling increased, and a form could be seen indistinctly. Tom aimed the deadly gun and stood ready to pull the trigger. Ned, who had a side view into the underbrush, gave a sudden cry. Don't shoot, Tom! he yelled. It's a man! End of CHAPTER XIII CHAPTER XIV OF TOM SWIFT IN THE LAND OF WONDERS This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. TOM SWIFT IN THE LAND OF WONDERS by Victor Appleton CHAPTER XIV A NEW GUIDE In spite of Ned Newton's cry, Tom's finger pressed the switch-trigger of the electric rifle. For previous experience it taught him that it was sometimes the best thing to awe the natives in out-of-the-way corners of the earth. But the young inventor quickly elevated the missile and the deadly missile went hissing through the air over the head of a native Indian who at that moment stepped from the bush. The man, startled and alarmed, shrank back and was about to run into the jungle whence he had emerged. Small wonder if he had, considering the reception he so unwittingly met with. But Tom, aware of the necessity for making inquiries of one who knew that part of the jungle, quickly called to him. I didn't mean that. I thought at first you were a taper or a tiger. No harm intended. I say, Professor, Tom called back to the savant. You better speak to him in his lingo. I can't manage it. He may be useful in guiding us to that Indian village Hasinto told us of. This Professor Bumper did, being able to make himself understood in the queer part-Spanish dialect used by the native Hondurans, though he could not, of course, speak it as fluently as at Hasinto. Professor Bumper had made only a few remarks to the man who had so unexpectedly appeared out of the jungle when the scientist gave an exclamation of surprise at some of the answers made. Bless my moving picture! cried Mr. Damon. What's the matter now? Is anything wrong? Does he refuse to help us? No, it isn't that was the answer. In fact, he came here to help us. Tom, this is the brother of the Indian who fell overboard and who was eaten by the alligators. He says you were very kind to try to save his brother with your rifle, and for that reason he has come back to help us. Come back, queried Tom. Yes, he went off with the rest of the Indians when Hasinto deserted us, but he could not stand being a traitor after you had tried to save his brother's life. These Indians are queer people. They don't show much emotion, but they have deep feelings. This one says he will devote himself to your service from now on. I believe we can count on him. He is deeply grateful to you, Tom. I'm glad of that for all our sakes, but what does he say about Hasinto? The professor asked some more questions, receiving answers, and then translated them. This Indian, whose name is Tolpec, says Hasinto is a fraud, exclaimed Professor Bumper. He made all the Indians leave us in the night, though many of them were willing to stay and fill the contract they had made. But Hasinto would not let them, making them desert. Tolpec went away with the others, but because of what Tom had done he planned to come back at the first chance and be our guide. Accordingly he jumped ashore from one of the canoes and made his way to our camp. He got there, found it deserted, and followed us, coming up just now. So he agrees with us that Hasinto is a scoundrel, does he? I guess he might as well classify Professor Beecher in the same way. I am not quite so sure of that, said Professor Bumper slowly. I could not believe Beecher would play such a trick as this, though some overzealous friend of his might. Of course Beecher did it, cried Tom. He heard we were coming here, figured out that we'd start ahead of him and he wanted to sidetrack us. He did it all right, and Tom's voice was bitter. He has only sidetracked us for a while, announced Professor Bumper in cheerful tones. What do you mean, asked Mr. Damon? I mean that this Indian comes just in the nick of time. He is well acquainted with this part of the jungle, having lived here all his life, and he offers to guide us to a place where we can get mules to transport ourselves and our baggage to Kopan. Fine, cried Ned, when can we start? Once more the Professor and the native conversed in the strange tongue and then Professor Bumper announced. He says it will be better for us to go back where we left our things and camp there. He will stay with us tonight and in the morning go on to the nearest Indian town and come back with porters and helpers. I think that is good advice to follow, put in Tom, for we do need our goods, and if we reached the settlement ourselves we would have to send back for our things with the uncertainty of getting them all. So it was agreed that they would make a forced march back through the jungle to where they had been deserted by Hisinto. There they would make a camp for the night and until such time as Tolpec could return with a force of porters. It was not easy that backward tramp through the jungle especially as night had fallen but the new Indian guide could see like a cat and led the party along paths they never could have found by themselves. The use of their pocket electric lights was a great help and possibly served to ward off the attacks of jungle beasts for as they tramped along they could hear stealthy sounds under the underbush on either side of the path as though tigers were stalking them. For there was in the woods an animal of the leopard family called tiger or tigra by the natives that was exceedingly fierce and dangerous. But watchfulness prevented any accident and eventually the party reached the place where they had left their goods. Nothing had been disturbed and finally a fire was made. The tent set up and a light meal with hot tea served. We'll get ahead of Beecher yet, said Tom. You seem as anxious as Professor Bumper observed Mr. Damon. I guess I am admitted, Tom. I want to see that idol of gold in the possession of our party. The night passed without incident and then, telling his new friends that he would return as soon as possible with help, Tolpec, taking a small supply of food with him, set out through the jungle again. As the green vines and creepers closed after him and the explorers were left alone with their possessions piled around them, Ned remarked, After all, I wonder if it was wise to let him go. Why not? asked Tom. Well, maybe he only wanted to be here, and then he'll desert too. Maybe that's what he's done now, making us lose two or three days by inducing us to return, waiting for what will never happen, his return with other natives. A silence followed Ned's intimation. End of Chapter 14 Chapter 15 of Tom Swift in the Land of Wonders This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Tom Swift in the Land of Wonders by Victor Appleton Chapter 15 In the Coils Ned, do you really think Tolpec is going to desert us? asked Tom. Well, I don't know, was a slowly given reply. It's a possibility, isn't it? Yes it is, broken Professor Bumper, but what if it is? We might as well trust him, if he proves true, as I believe he will, we'll be so much better off. If he proves a traitor, we'll only have lost a few days, for if he doesn't come back, we can go on again in the way we started. But that's just it, complained Tom. We don't want to lose any time with that Beecher chap on our trail. I am not so very much concerned about him, remarked Professor Bumper dryly. Why not? snapped out Mr. Damon. Well, because I think he'll have just about as hard work locating the hidden city and finding the idol of gold as we'll have. In other words, it will be an even thing unless he gets too far ahead of us, or keeps us back, and I don't believe he can do that now. So, I thought it best to take a chance with this Indian. He would hardly have taken the trouble to come all the way back and run the risks he did just to delay us a few days. However, we'll soon know. We can wait for the return of Tolpec and his friends. Though none of them like to admit it, Ned's words had caused his three friends some anxiety, and though they busied themselves about the camp, there was an air of waiting impatiently for something to occur, and waiting is about the hardest work there is. But there was nothing for it but to wait, and it might be at least a week, Professor Bumper said, before the Indian could return to the camp, he had to take a chance with his friends, and he had to take the trouble to move their baggage. Yes, Tolpec is not only to locate the settlement, Tom admitted, but he must persuade the natives to come back with him. He may have trouble in that, especially if it is known that he has left Asinto, who I imagine is a power among the tribes here. I am not a little anxious they watch the jungle path along which he had disappeared. Oh, come on! exclaimed Tom one morning when the day seemed a bit cooler than its predecessor. Let's go for a hunt or something. I'm tired of sitting around camp. Bless my watch-hands. So am I, cried Mr. Damon. Let's all go for a trip. It'll do us good. And perhaps I can get some specimens of interest, added Professor Bumper, who is a psychologist, was something of a naturalist. Accordingly, having made everything snug in camp, the party, Tom and Ned equipped with electric rifles, and the professor, with the butterfly net and specimen boxes, sat forth. Mr. Damon said he would carry a stout club as his weapon. The jungle, as usual, was teeming with life, but as Ned and Tom did not wish to kill wantonly, they refrained from shooting until later in the day. Instead, game did not keep well in that hot climate, and needed to be cooked almost immediately. We'll try some shots on our back trip, said the young inventor. Professor Bumper found plenty of his own particular kind of game, which he caught in the net, transferring the specimens to the boxes he carried. There were beautiful butterflies, moths, and strange bugs in the securing of which the scientist evinced great delight, though firmly and painfully on his thumb his involuntary cry of pain was as real as that of any other person. But I didn't let him get away, he said in triumph, when he had dropped the clawing insect into the cyanide bottle, where death came painlessly. It is well worth a sore thumb. They wandered on through the jungle, taking care not to get too far from their camp, for they did not want to lose their way, nor did they want to be absent too long until Alpec and his native friends should return. Well, it's about time we shot something, I think, remarked Ned, when they had been out about two hours. Let's try for some of these wild turkeys. They ought to go well roasted, even if it isn't thanksgiving. I'm with you, agreed, Tom. Let's see who has the best luck. But tone down the charge in your rifle and use a smaller projectile, or you'll have nothing but a bunch of feathers to show for your shot. The guns are loaded for deer. And once more the two young men started off, a little ahead of Professor Bumper and Mr. Damon. Tom and Ned had not gone far, however, before they heard a strange cry from Mr. Damon. Tom! Ned! shouted the eccentric man. Here's a monster after me. Come quick! A tiger! ejaculated Tom, as he began once more to change the charge in his rifle to a larger one, running back, meanwhile, in the direction of the sound of the voice. There were really no tigers in Honduras, the jaguar being called a tiger by the natives, while the cougar is called a lion. The presence of these animals, often dangerous to man, had been indicated around camp, and it was possible that one had been bold enough to attack Mr. Damon, not through hunger, but because of being cornered. Come on, Ned! cried Tom. He's in some sort of trouble. But when, a moment later, the young inventor burst through a fringe of bushes and saw Mr. Damon standing in a little clearing with upraised club, Tom could not repress a laugh. Kill it, Tom! Kill it! begged the eccentric man. Bless my insurance policy, but it's a terrible beast! And so it was, at first glance, for it was a giant iguana, one of the most repulsive looking of the lizards, not unlike an alligator in shape, with spikes in its head and tail, with a warty, squatty, ridge-encrusted body, a big pouch beneath its chin, and long-toed claws. It was enough to strike terror into the heart of almost anyone. Even the smaller ones looked dangerous, and this one, which was about five feet long, looked capable of attacking a man and injuring him. As a matter of fact, the iguanas are harmless, their shape and colouring being designed to protect them. Don't be afraid, Mr. Damon, called Tom, still laughing. It won't hurt you. I'm not so positive of that. It won't let me pass. Take your club and poke it out of the way, the young inventor advised. It's only waiting to be shoved. Then you do it, Tom. Bless my looking-glass, but I don't want to go near it. If my wife could see me now, she'd say it surged me just right. Mr. Damon was not a coward, but the giant iguana was not pleasant to look at. Tom, with the butt of his rifle, gave it a gentle shove, whereupon the creature scurried off through the brush, as though glad to make its escape unscathed. I thought it was a new kind of alligator, said Mr. Damon, with a sigh of relief. Where is it? asked Professor Bumper, coming up at this juncture. A new species of alligator? Let me see it. It's too terrible, said Mr. Damon. I never want to see one again. It was worse than a vampire bat. Notwithstanding this, when you heard that it was one of the largest size the iguanas ever seen, the professor started through the jungle after it. We can't take it with us if we get it, Tom called after his friend. We might take the skin, answered the professor. I have a standing order for such things from one of the museums I represent. I'd like to get it. Then they are often eaten. We can have a change of diet, you see. We'd better follow them, said Tom to Ned. We'll have to let the turkeys go for a while. He may get into trouble. Come on. Off they started through the jungle, trailing after the impetuous professor, who was intent on capturing the iguana. The giant lizard's progress could be traced by the disturbance of the leaves and underbrush, and the professor was following as closely as possible. So fast did he go that Ned, Tom, and Mr. Damon following lost sight of him several times, and Tom finally called, Wait a minute. We'll all be lost if you keep this up. I'll have him in another minute, answered the professor. I can almost reach him now. Then, oh. His voice ended in a scream that seemed to be one of terror. So sudden was the change that Tom and Ned, who were together, ahead of Mr. Damon, looked at one another in fear. What has happened? whispered Ned, pausing. Don't stop to ask. Come on! shouted Tom. At that instant again came the voice of the savant. Tom, Ned! he gasped rather than cried. I'm caught in the coils. Quick, quick, if you would save me. In the coils, repeated Ned. What does he mean? Can the giant iguana? Tom Swift did not stop to answer. With his electric rifle and readiness he leaped forward through the jungle. End of Chapter 15 Chapter 16 of Tom Swift in the Land of Wonders This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Tom Swift in the Land of Wonders by Victor Appleton Chapter 16 A Meeting in the Jungle Before Tom and Ned reached the place whence Professor Bumper had called they heard strange noises other than the employing voice of their friend. It seemed as though some great body was threshing about in the jungle lashing the trees, bushes, and leaves about. And when the two young men followed by Mr. Damon reached the scene they saw that, in a measure this really accounted for what they heard. Something like a great whip was beating about close to two trees that grew near together. And then, when the storm of twigs, leaves, and dirt caused by the leaping, threshing thing ceased for a moment the onlookers saw something that filled them with terror. Between the two trees and seemingly bound to them by a great coiled rope spotted and banded was the body of Professor Bumper. His arms were pinioned to his sides and there was horror and terror on his face that looked employingly at the youths from above the topmost coil of those encircling him. What is it? cried Mr. Damon as he ran pantingly up. What has caught him? Is it the giant iguana? It's a snake. A great boa, gasped Tom. It has him in its coils but it is wound around the trees too. That alone prevents it from crushing the professor to death. Ned, be ready with your rifle. Put in the heaviest charge and watch your chance to fire. The great ugly head of the boa reared itself up from the coils which it had with the quickness of thought thrown about the man between the two trees. This species of snake is not poisonous and kills its prey by crushing it to death making it into a pulpy mass with scarcely a bone left unbroken after which it swallows its meal. The crushing power of one of these boas from which reached a length of 30 feet with a body as large around as that of a full-grown man is enormous. I'm going to fire," suddenly cried Tom. He had seen his chance and he took it. There was the faint report the crack of the electric rifle and the folds of the serpent seemed to relax. I see a good chance now added Ned who had taken the small charge from his weapon replacing it with a heavier one. His rifle was also discharged from one of the snake and Tom saw that the hit was a good one right through the ugly head of the reptile. One other will be enough to make him loosen his coils," cried Tom as he fired again and such was the killing power of the electric bullets that the snake though an immense one and one that short of decapitation would have received many injuries without losing power seemed to shrivel up. Its folds relaxed and the coils of the great body were at the roots of the two trees between which the scientist had been standing. Professor Bumper seemed to fall backward as the grip of the serpent relaxed, but Tom, dropping his rifle and calling to Ned to keep an eye on the snake, leaped forward and caught his friend. Are you hurt? asked Tom, carrying the limp form over to a grassy place. There was no answer. The savant's eyes were closed and he breathed but faintly. Ned Newton fired two more electric bullets into the still writhing body of the boa. I guess he's all in, he called to Tom. Bless my horseradish, and so our friend seems to be, commented Mr. Damon. Have you anything with which to revive him, Tom? Yes, some ammonia. See if you can find a little water. I'll have some in my flask. Tom mixed a dose of the spirits which he carried with him, and this, forced between the paddled lips of the scientist, revived him. He asked faintly, as he opened his eyes. Oh yes, I remember, he added slowly. The boa! Don't try to talk, urge Tom. You're all right. The snake is dead, or dying. Are you much hurt? Professor Bumper appeared to be considering. He moved first one limb then another. He seemed to have the power over all his muscles. I see how it happened, he said, as he sat up after taking a little more of the ammonia. I found the iguana, and when the big lizard came to a stop in a little hollow place in the ground at the foot of those two trees, I leaned over to slip a noose of rope about its neck. Then I felt myself caught, as if in the hands of a giant, and bound fast between the two trees. It was the big boa that whipped itself around you as you leaned over, explained Tom, as Ned came up to announce that the snake was no longer dangerous. It was the two trees, you, fortunately, slipping between them. Had it not been that their trunks took off some of the pressure of the coils, you wouldn't have lasted a minute. Well, I was pretty badly squeezed as it was, remarked the Professor. I hardly had breath enough left to call you. I tried to fight off the serpent, but it was of no use. I should say not, cried Mr. Damon. Bless my circus-ring. One might as well try to combat an elephant. But, my dear Professor, I think so, yes. Though I shall be lame and stiff for a few days, I fear, I can hardly walk. Professor Bumper was indeed unable to go about much for a few days after his encounter with the great serpent. He stretched out in a hammock under trees in the camp clearing, and with his friends waited for the possible return of Tolpec and the porters. Ned and Tom made one or two short hunting trips, and on these occasions they kept a lookout in the direction the ending had taken when he went away. For he's sure to come back that way if he comes at all, declared Ned, which I am beginning to doubt. Well, he may not come, agreed Tom, who is beginning to lose some of his first hope, but he won't necessarily come from the same direction he took. He may have had to go in an entirely different way to get help. We'll hope for the best. A week passed. There was an anxious look in his face. Was he, too, beginning to despair? Well, this isn't hunting for golden idols very fast, said Mr. Damon, the morning of the eighth day after their desertion by the faithless Jacinto. What do you say, Professor Bumper? Aught we not to start off on our own account? We'd better if Tolpec does not return today, was the answer. They had eaten breakfast, had put their camp in order, and were both to have a consultation on what was best to do when Tom suddenly called to Ned, who was whistling, Hark! Through the jungle came a faint sound of singing, not a harmonious air, but the somewhat barbaric chant of the natives. It is Tolpec coming back, cried Mr. Damon. Hooray! Now our troubles are over. Bless my meal-ticket. Now we can start. It may be Jacinto, suggested Ned. And then, walking at the head of a band of Indians who were weirdly chanting, while behind them came a train of mules, was Tolpec, a cheerful grin covering his honest, if homely, dark face. Me come back, he exclaimed in guttural English, using about half of his foreign vocabulary. I see you did, answered Professor Bumper in the man's own tongue. Glad to see you. Is everything all right? All right was the answer. These Indians will take you and will not leave you as Jacinto did. We'll start in the morning, exclaimed the savant, his own cheerful self again, now that there was a prospect of going further into the interior. Tell the men to get something to eat, Tolpec, there's plenty for all. Good, grunted the new guide, and soon the hungry Indians who had come far were satisfying their hunger. As they ate, Tolpec explained to Professor Bumper, who repeated it to the youths that it had been necessary to go farther than he had intended to get the porters and mules, but the Indians were a friendly tribe of which he was a member and could be depended on. There was a feast and a sort of celebration in camp that night. Tom and Ned shot two deer, and these formed the main part of the feast and the Indians made merry about the fire until nearly midnight. They did not seem to mind in the least the swarms of mosquitoes at night. As for Tom Swift and his friends, their nets protected them. An early start was made the following morning. Such packages of goods and supplies as could not well be carried by the Indians in their head straps were loaded on the backs of the pack mules. Tolpec explained that on reaching the Indian village, where he had secured the porters, they could get some ox carts which would be a convenience in travelling into the interior for the next two days was tiresome, but the Indians' Tolpec had secured were as faithful and efficient as he had described them, and good progress was made. There were a few accidents. One native fell into a swiftly running stream as they were forting it and lost a box containing some much needed things, but as the man's life was saved Professor Bumper said it made up for the other loss. Another accident did not end so auspiciously. One of the bearers was bitten by the poison a snake and though prompt measures were taken the poison spread so rapidly that the man died. In due season the Indian village was reached, where after a day spent in holding funeral services over the dead bearer preparations were made for proceeding farther. This time some of the bearers were left behind and ox carts were substituted for them as it was possible to carry more goods this way. And now we're really off for copan playing Professor Bumper one morning when the cavalcade, led by Tolpec and the capacity of Headguide, started off. I hope we have no more delays. I hope not either, agreed Tom. That beacher may be there ahead of us. Weary marches fell to their portion. There were mountains to climb, streams to forward or swim, sending the carts over on rudely made rafts. There were storms to endure and the eternal heat to fight. But finally the party emerged on the low lands of the coast and went up in among the hills where, though the going was harder the climate was better. It was not so hot and moist. Not wishing to attract attention in copan itself Professor Bumper and his party made a detour and finally after much consultation with Tom over the ancient maps the scientist announced that he thought they were in the vicinity of the buried city. We will begin test excavations in the morning, he said. There were trees in camp and preparations were made for spending the night in the forest when from among the trees there floated to the ears of our friends a queer Indian chant. Someone is coming, said Tom to Ned. Almost as he spoke there filed into the clearing where the camp had been set up a cavalcade of white men followed by Indians and at the sight of one of the white men Tom swift uttered a cry. End of Chapter 16 Chapter 17 of Tom Swift in the Land of Wonders This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Tom Swift in the Land of Wonders by Victor Appleton Chapter 17 The Lost Map The on-marching company of white men with their Indian attendants came to a halt on the edge of the clearing as they caught sight of the tents already set up there. The barbaric chant of the native bearers ceased abruptly and there was a look of surprise shown on the face of Professor Fenimore Beecher. For Professor Beecher it was in the lead of the rival expedition. Bless my shoelaces, exclaimed Mr. Damon. Is it really Beecher? asked Ned. Though he knew as well as Tom that it was the young archaeologist. It certainly is, declared Tom a nerve to follow us so closely. Maybe he thinks we have nerve to get here ahead of him, suggested Ned, smiling grimly. Probably, agreed Tom with a short laugh. Well, it evidently surprises him to find us here at all after the mean trick he played on us to get Jacinto to lead us into the jungle and desert us. That's right, assented Ned. Well, what's the next move? There seemed to be some doubt about this on the part of both expeditions. Professor Beecher, Professor Bumper, who had come out of his tent, hurriedly turned to Tom and asked him what he thought it best to do. Do, exclaimed the eccentric Mr. Damon, not giving Tom time to reply, why, stand your ground, of course. Bless my house and lot, but we're here first. For the matter of that, I suppose the jungle is free and we can no more object to his coming here than he can to our coming. First come, first served, first. Meanwhile the surprise occasioned by the unexpected meeting of their rivals seemed to have spread something like consternation among the white members of the Beecher Party. As for the natives, they evidently did not care one way or the other. There was a hasty consultation among the professors accompanying Mr. Beecher, and then the latter himself advanced toward the tents of Tom and his friends and asked, how long have you been here? I don't see that we are called upon to answer that question, replied Professor Bumper stiffly. Perhaps not, and yet there is no perhaps about it, said Professor Bumper quickly. I know what your object is, as I presume you do mine. And, after what I may term your disgraceful and unsportsmanlike conduct toward me and my friends, I prefer not to have anything further to do with you. We must meet as strangers hereafter. Very well. And Professor Beecher's voice was as cold and rising as was his rivals. Let it be as you wish. But I must say I don't know what you mean by unsportsmanlike conduct. An explanation would be wasted on you, said Professor Bumper stiffly. But in order that you may know I fully understand what you did, I will say that your efforts to thwart us through your tool Hasinto came to nothing. We are here ahead of you. Hasinto, cried Professor Beecher in real or simulated surprise, is not my tool as you term it? Your denial is useless in the light of his confession, asserted Professor Bumper. Confession? Now look here, exclaimed the older Professor. I do not propose to lower myself by quarreling with you. I know certainly what you and your party tried to do to prevent us from getting here. But we got out of the trap you set for us, and we are on the ground first. I recognize your right to make explorations as well as ourselves, and I know that you will not recognize the unwritten law in a case of this kind. The law which says the right of discovery belongs to the one who first makes it. I shall certainly abide by such conduct as is usual under the circumstances, said Professor Beecher, more stiffly than before. At the same time I must deny having set a trap, and as for Hasinto it will be useless to discuss it further, broke in Professor Bumper. Then no more need be said, retorted the younger man. I shall give orders to my friends as well as to the natives to keep away from your camp, and I shall expect you to do the same regarding mine. I should have suggested the same thing myself, came from Tom's friend, and the two rival scientists fairly glared at one another, the others of both parties looking on with interest. Professor Bumper turned and walked defiantly back to his tent. Professor Beecher did the same thing. Then, after a short consultation among the white members of the latter's organization, their tents were set up in another clearing, removed and separated by a screen of trees and bushes from those of Tom Swift's friends. The natives of the Beecher party also withdrew a little way from those of Professor Bumper's organization, and then preparations for spending the night in the jungle went on in the rival headquarters. Well, he certainly had nerve to deny practically that he had set Hasinto up to do what he did, commented Tom. So agreed Ned. How do you imagine he got here nearly as soon as we did, when he did not start until later?" asked Mr. Damon. He did not have the unfortunate experience of being deserted in the jungle, replied Tom. He probably had Hasinto, or some of that unprincipled scoundrel's friends, show him a short route to Copan, and he came on from there. Well, I did hope we might have the ground to ourselves, at least for the preliminary explorations and excavations, but it is not to be. My rival is here," sighed Professor Bumper. Don't let that discourage you, exclaimed Tom. We can fight all the better now the foe is in the open, and we know where he is. Yes, Tom Swift, that is true, agreed the scientist. I am not going to give up, but I shall have to change my plans a little. Perhaps you will come into the tent with me, and you nodded to Tom and Ned. I want to talk over certain matters with you and Mr. Damon. A little later, supper having been eaten, the camp made ship's shape and the natives settled down. Tom, Ned, Mr. Damon, and Professor Bumper assembled in the tent of the scientist, where a dry battery lamp gave sufficient illumination to show a number of maps and papers scattered over an improvised table. Now, gentlemen, said the Professor, I have called you here to go over my plans more in detail than I have hitherto done. Now we are on the ground. You know in a general way what I hope to accomplish, but the time has come when I must be specific. Aside from being on the spot, below which, or below the vicinity where, I believe, lies the lost city of Curzon, and I hope the idol of gold, a situation has arisen, an unexpected situation, I may say, which calls for different action from that I had counted on. I refer to the presence of my rival, Professor Beecher. I will not dwell now on what he has done. It is better to consider what he may do. That's right, agreed, Ned. He may get up in the night, dig up this city, and skip with that golden image before we know it. Hardly, agreeing to Tom. No, said Professor Bumper. Excavating buried cities in the jungle of Honduras is not as simple as that. There is much work to be done, but accidents may happen, and in case one should occur to me to prosecute the search, I want one of you to do it. For that reason I'm going to show you the maps and ancient documents, and point out to you where I believe the lost city lies. Now, if you'll give me your attention, I'll proceed. The Professor went over in detail the story of how he had found the old documents relating to the lost city of Curzon, and of how, after much labour and research, he had located the city in the Copan Valley. The great idol of gold was one of the chief possessions of Curzon, and it was often referred to in the old papers, copies and translations of which the Professor had with him. But this is the most valuable of all, he said, as he opened an oiled silk packet. And before I show it to you, suppose you two young men take a look outside the tent. What for, asked Mr. Damon? To make sure that no emissaries from the Beecher crowd are sneaking around to overhear what we say was the somewhat bitter answer of the scientist. I'll give you an example of what happened to him in spite of his attempt to denial. Tom and Ned took a quick but thorough observation outside the tent. The blackness of the jungle night was in strange contrast to the light they had just left. Doesn't seem to be anyone around here, remarked Ned, after waiting a minute or two. No, all's quite along the Potomac. Those Beecher natives are having some sort of song-fest, though. Well, as long as they stay there, we'll be all right, said Tom. Come on in, I'm anxious to hear what the Professor has to say. Everything's quiet, reported Ned. Then give me your attention, beg the scientist. Carefully, as though about to exhibit some precious jewel, he loosened the oiled silk wrappings and showed a large map on thin but tough paper. This is drawn from the old charts, the Professor explained. I worked on it to be destroyed. I should have to go all the way back to New York to make another copy. I have the original there in a safe deposit vault. Wouldn't it have been wise to make two copies, asked Tom? It would have only increased the risk. With one copy, and that constantly in my possession, I can be sure of my ground. Otherwise not. That is why I am so careful of this. Now I will show you why I believe we are about over the ancient city of Curzon. Over it, cried Mr. Damon, bless my gunpowder. What do you mean?" And he looked down at the earth and floor of the tent as though expecting it to open and swallow him. I mean that the city, like many others of Central and South America, is buried below the refuse of centuries, went on the Professor. Very soon, if we are fortunate, we shall be looking on the civilizations of hundreds of years ago, how long no one knows. Considerable excavation has been done in Central America, went on Professor Bumper, and certain ruins have been brought to light. Near us are those of Copan, while toward the frontier are those of Quirigua, which are even better preserved than the former. We may visit them if we have time. But I have reason to believe that in this section of Copan is a large city, the existence of which has not been made certain of by anyone save myself, and perhaps Professor Beecher. Certainly no part of it has seen the light of day for many centuries. It shall be our pleasure to uncover it, if possible, and secure the idol of gold. How long ago do you think the city was buried, asked Tom? It would be hard to say. From the carvings and hieroglyphics I have studied, it would seem that the mine civilization lasted about five hundred years, and that it began perhaps in the year AD 500. That would mean, said Mr. Damon, that the ancient cities were in ruins buried perhaps long before Columbus discovered the New World. Yes, assented the Professor. Probably the one which we now seek was buried deep for nearly five hundred years before Columbus landed at San Salvador. The specimens of writing and architecture here to fore disclosed indicate that. But as a matter of fact it is very hard to decipher the mine pictographs. So far little but the ability to read their calendars and numerical system is possessed by us, though we are gradually making headway. Now this is the map of the district, and by the markings you can see where I hope to find what I seek. We shall begin digging here. And he made a small mark with a pencil on the map. Of course, the Professor explained, I may be wrong, and it will take some time to discover the error if we make one. When a city is buried 30 or 40 deep beneath earth and great trees have grown over it, it is not easy to dig down to it. How do you ever expect to find it, asked Ned? Well, we will sink shafts here and there. If we find carved stones, the remains of ancient pottery and weapons, buildings, or building stones, we shall know we are on the right track, was the answer. And now that I have shown you the map and explained how valuable it is, I will put it away again. We shall begin our excavations in the morning. At what point, asked Tom? At a point I shall indicate after further consultation of the map. I must see the configuration of the country by daylight to decide. And now, let's get some rest. We have had a hard day. The two tents housing the four white members of the Bumper Party were close together, and it was decided that the night would be divided into four watches to guard against possible treachery on the part of the Beecher crowd. It seems an unkind precaution to take against a fellow scientist, said Professor Bumper, but I cannot afford to take chances after what has occurred. The others agreed with him, and though standing guard was not pleasant, it was done. However, the night passed without incident and then came morning, and the excitement of getting breakfast was made merry. They did not like the cold and darkness and always welcomed the sun, no matter how hot. And now, cried Tom, when the meal was over, let us begin the work that has brought us here. Yes, agreed Professor Bumper. I'll consult the map and start the diggers where I think the city lies, far below the surface. Now, gentlemen, if you'll give me your attention. He was seeking through his outer coat pockets after an ineffectual search on the inner one. A strange look came over his face. What's the matter, asked Tom? The map! The map! gasped the Professor. The map I was showing you last night, the map that tells where we are to dig for the idol of gold. It's gone! The map gone? gasped Mr. Damon. I'm afraid so, faltered the Professor. I put it away carefully, but now he ceased speaking to make a further search in all his pockets. Maybe you left it in another coat suggested Ned. Or maybe some of the Beecher crowd took it, snapped Tom. End of Chapter 17. Chapter 18 of Tom Swift in the Land of Wonders This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org. Tom Swift in the Land of Wonders by Victor Appleton Chapter 18 El Tigra The four men gazed at one another. Consternation showed on the face of Professor Bumper, and was reflected, more or less, on the countenances of his companions. Are you sure the map is gone? asked Tom. I know how easy it is to mislay anything in a camp of this sort. I couldn't at first find my safety razor this morning, and when I did locate it, the hoe was in one of my shoes. I'm sure a rat or some jungle animal must have dragged it there. Now, maybe they took your map, Professor. That oiled silk in which it was wrapped in the taste of a rat or a snake. It is no joking matter, said Professor Bumper. But I know you appreciate the seriousness of it as much as I do, Tom. But I had the map in the pocket of this coat, and now it is gone. When did you put it there? asked Ned. This morning, just before I came to breakfast. Oh, then you have had it since last night, Tom ejaculated. Yes, I slept with it under my clothes that I rolled up for a pillow, and when it was my turn to stand guard I took it with me. Then I put it back again and went to sleep. When I woke and dressed, I put the packet in my pocket and ate breakfast. Now, when I look for it, why, it's gone! The map or the oiled silk package asked Mr. Damon, who, once having been a businessman, was sometimes a stickler for small points. Both answered the Professor. I opened the silk to tie it more smoothly so it would not be such a lump in my pocket, and I made sure the map was inside. Then the whole thing has been taken, or you have lost it, suggested Ned. I am not in the habit of losing valuable maps, retorted the scientist, and the pocket of my coat I had made deep for the purpose of carrying the long map. It could not drop out. Well, we mustn't overlook any possible chances, suggested Tom. Come on now, we'll search every inch of the ground over which you travelled this morning, Professor. It must be found, murmured the scientist. Without it, all our work will go for naught. They all went into the tent where the Professor and Mr. Damon had slept when they were not on guard. The camp was a busy place, with the Indians finishing their morning meal and getting ready for the work of the day, for word had been given out that there would be no more long periods of travel. In consequence, efforts were being directed by the headmen of the bearers to make a more permanent camp in the wilderness. Shelters of palm-fatched huts were being built, a site for cooking fires made, and, at the direction of Mr. Damon, to whom this part was entrusted, some sanitary regulations were insisted on. Leaving this busy scene, the four, with solemn faces, proceeded to the tent where it was hoped the map would be found. But though they went through everything and traced and retraced every place the Professor could remember having traversed about the canvas shelter, no signs of the important document could be found. I don't believe I dropped it out of my pocket, said the scientist, for perhaps the twentieth time. Then it was taken, declared Tom. That's what I say, chimed in Ned, and by some of Beecher's party. Easy, my boy, caution, Mr. Damon, we don't want to make accusations we can't prove. That is true, agreed Professor Bumper, but, though I am sorry to say it of a fellow archaeologist, I cannot help thinking Beecher had something to do with the taking of my map. But how could any of them get it? asked Mr. Damon. You say you had the map this morning, but none of them has been in our camp since dawn, though of course it is possible that some of them sneaked in during the night. It does seem a mystery how it could have been taken in open daylight while we were about camp together, said Tom. But is the law such a grave one, Professor Bumper? Very grave. In fact, I may say it is impossible to proceed with the excavating without the map. Then what are we to do, asked Ned? We must get it back, declared Tom. Yes, agreed the scientist. We cannot work without it. As soon as I make a little further search to make sure it could not have dropped in some out-of-the-way place, I shall go over to Professor Beecher's camp and demand that he give me back my property. Suppose he says he hasn't taken it, asked Tom. Well, I am sure he either took it personally, or one of his party did, and yet I can't understand how they could have come here without our seeing them, and the Professor shook his head in puzzled despair. He did not reveal the missing map, and Mr. Damon and his friend, the scientist, were on the point of departing for the camp of their rivals less than a mile away when Tom had what really amounted to an inspiration. Look here, Professor, he cried. Can you remember any of the details of your map, say, for instance, where we ought to begin excavating to get at the wonders of the underground city? Well, Tom, I did intend to compare my map with the configuration of the country about here. In which serves as a landmark and a guide for a starting point, I think that is it over there, and the scientist pointed to a distant snow-capped peak. The party had left the low and marshy land of the true jungle, and were among the foothills, though all about them was dense forest and underbush, which in reality was as much a jungle as the lower plains, but was less wet. The point where I believe we should start to dig, said the Professor, is near the spot where the top of the mountain will go when the sun is one hour high. At least, that is the direction given in the old manuscripts. So, though we can do little without the map, we might make a start by digging there. No, not there, exclaimed Tom. Why not? Because we don't want to let Beecher's crowd know that we are on the track of the idol of gold. But they know anyhow, for they have the map, commented Ned, puzzled by his chums' words. Maybe not, said Tom slowly. I think this is a time for a big bluff. It may work, and it may not. Beecher's crowd either has the map or they have not. If they have it, they will lose no time in trying to find the right place to start digging, and then they'll begin excavating. Very good. If they do that, we have a right to dig near the same place. But if they have not the map, which is possible, and if we start to dig where the Professor's memory tells him is the right spot, we'll only give them the tip, and they'll dig there also. I'm sure they have the map, the Professor said. But I believe your plan is a good one, Tom. Just what do you propose doing? asked Ned. Fooling him, exclaimed Tom quickly. We'll dig in some place remote from the spot where the mountain casts a shadow. They will think, if they haven't the map, that we are proceeding by it, and they'll dig too. When they find nothing, as will also happen to us, they may go away. If on the other hand they have the map and see us digging at a spot not indicated on it, they'll be puzzled knowing we must have some idea of where the buried city lies. They will think the map is at fault, perhaps, and not make use of it. Then we can get it back. Bless my hat-band, cried Mr. Damon. I believe you're right, Tom. We'll dig in the wrong place to fool him. And this was done. Search for the precious map was given up for the time being, and the Professor and his friends set the natives to work digging shafts in the ground, as though sinking them down to the level of the buried city. But though this fault's work was prosecuted with vigor for several days, there was a feeling of despair among the bumper party over the loss of the map. If we could only get it back, exclaimed the Professor again and again. Meanwhile, the Beecher Party seemed inactive. True, some members of it did come over to look on from a respectful distance at what the diggers were doing. Some of the rival helpers, under the direction of the head of the expedition, also began sinking shafts. But they were not in the locality remembered by Professor Bumper as being correct. I can't imagine what they're up to, he said. If they have my map, they would act differently, I should think. Whatever they're up to, answered Tom. The time has come when we can dig at the place where we can hope for results. And the following day shafts were started in the shadow of the mountain. Until some evidence should have been obtained by digging, as to the location beneath the surface of a buried city, there was nothing for the travellers to do but wait. Turns were taken in directing the efforts of the diggers, and an occasional inspection was made of the shafts. What do you expect to find first, asked Tom of Professor Bumper one day when the latter was at the top of a shaft waiting for a bucket load of dirt to be hoisted up? Pot-shirts and artifacts was the answer. What sort of bugs are they? asked Ned with a laugh. He and Tom were about to go hunting Artifacts are things made by the Indians, or whatever members of the race who built the ancient cities were called, such as household articles, vases, ornaments, tools, and so on. Anything made by artificial means is called an artifact. And pot-shirts are things with those Chinese laundry ticket scratches on them, added Tom. Exactly said the professor laughing, though some of the strange appearing inscriptions give much valuable information. As soon as we find some of them, with a strange bit of pottery with hieroglyphics on, I will know I am on the right track. And while the scientist and Mr. Damon kept watch at the top of the shaft, Tom and Ned went out into the jungle to hunt. They had killed some game and were stalking a fine big deer which would provide a feast for the natives, when suddenly the silence of the lonely forest was broken by a piercing scream followed by an agonized cry of El Tigre! El Tigre! End of Chapter 18 Chapter 19 of Tom Swift and the Land of Wonders This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org Tom Swift and the Land of Wonders by Victor Appleton Chapter 19 Poisoned Arrows Did you hear that, Tom? Asked Ned in a hoarse whisper. Surely was the cautious answer. Keep still, and I'll try for a shot. Better be quick, advised Ned in a tense voice. The chap who did that yelling seems to be in trouble. And as Ned's voice trailed off into a whisper, again came the cry. This time in frenzied pain, El Tigre! El Tigre! Then there was a jumble of words. It's over this way, and this time Ned shouted, seeing no need for low voices since the other was so loud. Tom looked to where Ned had parted the bushes alongside a jungle path, through the opening the young inventor saw, in little glade, that which caused him to take a firmer grip on his electric rifle, and also a firmer grip on his nerves. Directly in front of him and Ned, and not more than a hundred yards away, was a great tawny and spotted Jaguar, the Tigre, or Tiger, of Central America. The Tigre! El Tigre! or Tiger, of Central America. The beast, with lashing tail, stood over an Indian upon whom it seemed to have sprung from some layer, beating the unfortunate man to the ground. Nor had he fallen scatheless, for there was blood on the green leaves about him, and it was not the blood of the spotted beast. Oh, Tom! Can you—can you?" And Ned faltered. The young inventor understood the unspoken question. I think I can make a shot of it without hitting the man, he answered, never turning his head. It's a question, though, if the beast won't claw him in the death-struggle. It won't last long, however, if the electric bullet goes to the right place, and I've got to take the chance. Cautiously Tom brought his weapon to bear. Quiet as Ned and he had been after the discovery, the Jaguar seemed to feel that something was wrong. Intent on his prey, for a time he had stood over it, gloating. Stanced on easily from side to side, its tail nervously twitching, and it seemed trying to gain by sniffing of the air, some information as to the direction in which danger lay, for Tom and Ned had stooped low, concealing themselves by a screen of leaves. The Indian, after his first frenzied outburst of fear, now lay quiet as though fearing to move, moaning in pain. Suddenly the Jaguar attracted either by some slight movement or Tom, or perhaps by having winded them, turned his head quickly and gazed with cruel eyes straight at the spot where the two young men stood behind the bushes. He's seen us, whispered Ned. Yes, assented Tom, and it's a perfect shot, hope I don't miss. It was not like Tom swift to miss, nor did he on this occasion. There was a slight report of the Jaguar, and the powerful projectile sped true to its mark. Straight through the throat and chest under the uplifted jaw of the Jaguar it went, through heart and lungs. Then with a great coughing, sighing snarl, the beast reared up, gave a convulsive leap forward toward its newly discovered enemies, and fell dead in a limp heap just beyond the native over which it had been crouching for a long time. You did it, Tom, you did it," cried Ned, springing up from where he had been kneeling to give his chum a better chance to shoot. You did it and saved the man's life. And Ned would have rushed out toward the still twitching body. Just a minute, interposed Tom, those beasts sometimes have as many lives as a cat. I'll give it one more for luck. Another electric projectile through the head of the Jaguar produced no further effect than to move the body slightly, but it was safe to approach which Tom and Ned did. Their first thought, after glance at the Jaguar, was for the Indian. It needed but a brief examination to show that he was not badly hurt. The Jaguar had leaped on him from a low tree as he passed under it as the boys learned afterward, and had crushed the man to earth by the weight of the spotted body more than by a stroke of the paw. The American Jaguar is not so formidable a beast as the native name could cause one to suppose, though they are sufficiently dangerous, and this one had rather badly clawed the Indian. Fortunately the scratches were on the fleshy parts of the arms and shoulders where, though painful, they were not necessarily serious. But if you hadn't shot just when you did, Tom, it would have been all up with him, commented Ned. Oh well, I guess you'd have hit him if I hadn't, returned the young inventor. But let's see what we can do for this chap. The man sat up wonderingly, hardly able to believe that he'd been saved from the dreaded tigra. His wounds were bleeding rather freely, and as Tom and Ned carried with them a first aid kit, they now brought it into use. The wounds were bound up, the man was given water to drink, and then, as he was able to walk, Tom and Ned offered to help him wherever he wanted to go. Blessed if I can tell whether he's one of our Indians or whether he belongs to the Beecher crowd, remarked Tom. Señor Beecher, said the Indian, adding in Spanish, that he lived in the vicinity and had only lately been engaged by the young professor who hoped to discover the idol of gold before Tom's scientific friend could do so. Tom and Ned knew a little Spanish, and with that, and simple but expressive signs in the part of the Indian, they learned his story. He had his palm-thatched hut not far from the Beecher camp in a small Indian village, and he, with others, had been hired on the arrival of the Beecher party in the locations. These, for some reason, were delayed. Delayed because they dared to use the map they stole from us, commented Ned. Maybe, agreed Tom. The Indian whose name it developed was Tal, as nearly as Tom and Ned could master it, had left camp to go to visit his wife and child in the jungle hut, intending to return to the Beecher camp at night. But as he passed through the forest the jaguar had dropped on him, bearing him to earth. He said to Tom, dropping on one knee and trying to kiss Tom's hand, which our hero avoided, and now my life is yours, added the Indian. Well, you'd better get home with it and take care of it, said Tom. I'll have Professor Bumper come over and dress your scratches in a better and more careful way. The bandages we put on are only temporary. My wife, she make a poultice of leaves. They cure me, said the Indian. I guess that will be the best way, observed Ned. These natives can doctor themselves better than we can. Well, we'll take him home, suggested Tom. He might keel over from loss of blood. Come on, he added to Tal, indicating his object. It was not far to the natives hut from the place where the jaguar had been killed, and there Tom and Ned underwent another demonstration of affection as soon as those of Tal's immediate family and the other natives understood what had happened. I hate this business, complained Tom, after having been knelt to and called him the preserver and other endearing titles of the same kind. Come on, let's hike back. But Indian hospitality, especially after a life has been saved, is not so simple as all that. My life, my house, all that I own is yours, said Tal in deep gratitude. Take everything. And he waved his hand to indicate all the possessions in his humble hut. Thanks, answered Tom. But I guess you need all you have. That's a fine specimen of blowgun, though, he added, seeing one hanging on the wall. I wouldn't mind having one like that. If you get well enough to make me one, Tal, and some arrows to go with it, I'd like it for curiosity to hang in my room at home. The senior shall have a dozen, promised the Indian. Look, Ned, went on Tom, pointing to the native weapon. I never saw one just like this. They used small arrows or darts, tipped with wild cotton instead of feathers. These the arrows, explained Tal's wife, bringing a bundle from a corner of the one-room hut. As she held them out, her husband gave a cry of fear. Poisoned arrows, poisoned arrows, he exclaimed. One scratch and the seniors are dead men. Put them away. In fear, the Indian wife prepared to obey. But as she did so, Tom swift caught sight of the package and uttered a strange cry. Thundering hop-toads, Ned, he exclaimed. The poisoned arrows are wrapped in the piece of oiled paper. The professor's missing map. CHAPTER XX. An old legend. Fascinated, Tom and Ned gazed at the package the Indian woman held out to them. Undoubtedly, the Indian woman was very happy to see the Indian woman. The Indian woman was very happy to see the Indian woman. The Indian woman was very happy to see the Indian woman. Undoubtedly it was oiled silk on the outside, and through the almost transparent covering could be seen the small arrows or dirt used in the blow-gun. Where did you get that? asked Tom, pointing to the bundle and gazing sternly at Tal. What is the matter, senior? asked the Indian intern. Is it that you are afraid of the poisoned arrows? Be assured, they will not harm you unless you are scratched by them. It is difficult to comprehend all the rapid Spanish spoken by their host, but they managed to understand some and his eloquent gestures made up the rest. We're not afraid, Tom said, noting that the oiled skin well covered the dangerous darts, but where did you get that? I picked it up after another Indian had thrown it away. He got it in your camp, senior. I will not lie to you. I did not steal. And he brought back this wrapping. It contained something he thought was gold, but it was not so, so he— Quick! Yes! Tell us, demanded Tom eagerly. What did he do with the professor's map that was in the oiled silk? Where is it? Oh, seniors! exclaimed the Indian woman, thinking perhaps her husband was about to be dealt harshly with when she heard Tom's excited voice. Tal, do no harm. No, he did no harm went on Tom in a reassuring tone, but he can do a whole lot of good if he tells us what became of the map that was in this oiled silk. Where is it? he asked again. Valdez, burn it up, answered Tal. What! Burned the professor's map, cried Ned? If that was in this yellow cloth, yes, answered the injured man. Valdez, he is bad. He say to me he is going to your camp to see what he can take. How he got this I know not, but he came back one morning with the yellow package. I see him, but he make me promise not to tell. But you save my life, I tell you everything. Valdez opened the package, but it is not gold, though he thinks so because it is yellow, and the man with no hair in his head keep it in his pocket close, so close, and Tal hugged himself to indicate what he meant. That's Professor Bumper, exclaimed Ned. How did Valdez get the map out of the professor's coat? asked Tom. Valdez, he very much smart. When man with no hair on his head take coat off for a minute to eat breakfast, Valdez take yellow thing out of pocket. The Indian must have sneaked into camp when we were eating, said Tom. Those from Beecher's party and our workers look all alike to us. We wouldn't know one from the other, and one of our rivals might slip in. One evidently did, if this is really the piece of oiled silk that was around the professor's map, said Ned. It certainly is the same, declared the young inventor. There is his name, and he stretched out his hand to point. Don't touch, cried Tal. Poisoned arrows, snake poison, very deadlike and quick. Don't worry, I won't touch, said Tom grimly. But go on. You say Valdez sneaked into our camp, took the oiled silk package from the coat pocket of Professor Bumper, and went back to his own camp with it, thinking it was gold. Yes, answered Tal, though it is doubtful if he understood all that Tom said, as it was half Spanish and half English. But the Indian knew a little English, too. Valdez, when he find no gold, is very mad. Only papers in the yellow silk papers with queer marks on. Valdez think it may be a charm to work evil, so he burned them up, all up. Burn that rare map, gasped Tom. All in fire went on Tal, indicating by his hands the play of flames. Valdez throw away yellow silk, and I take for my arrows so rain not wash off poison. I say to you, if you like, with blowgun. No, thank you, answered Tom, in disappointed tones. The oiled silk is of no use without the map, and that's gone. Woo, this is tough, he said to his chum. As long as it was only stolen, there was a chance to get it back, but if it's burned, the jig is up. It looks so, agreed Ned. We better get back and tell the Professor. If he can't get along without the map, it's time he started a movement toward getting another. So it wasn't Beecher after all who got it. Evidently not, assented Tom, but I believe him capable of it. You haven't much use for him, remarked Ned. Ha, was all the answer given by his chum. I am sorry, Seniors, went on Tal, but I could not stop Valdez and the burning of the papers. No, you cannot help it, interrupted the young inventor, but it just happens that it brings bad luck to us. You see, Tal, the papers in this yellow covering told of an old buried city that the bald-headed Professor, the man with no hair in his head, is very anxious to discover. It is somewhere under the ground, and he waved to the jungle all about them, pointing earthwards. Paper Valdez burn tell of lost city, asked Tal, his face lighting up. Yes, but now, of course, we can't tell where to dig for it. The Indian turned to his wife and talked rapidly with her in their own dialect. She, too, seemed greatly excited, making quick gestures. Finally, she ran out of the hut. Where is she going, asked Tom suspiciously. To get her grandfather, he very old Indian, he knows story of buried cities under trees, very old story, what you call legend, maybe, but Goose will know. He tell same as his grandfather told him. You wait, Goose will come and you listen. Good Ned! suddenly cried Tom. Maybe we'll get on the track and, maybe, we won't need the map. It hardly seems possible, said Ned slowly. What can these Indians know of buried cities that were out of existence before Columbus came here? Why, they haven't any written history. No, and that may be just the reason they are more likely to be right, returned Tom. Legends handed down from one grandfather to another go back a good many hundred years. If they were written, they might be destroyed as the professor's map was. Somehow or other, though I can't tell why, I begin to see daylight ahead of us. I wish I did, remarked Ned. Here comes Goose, I think, murmured Tom, and he pointed to an Indian bent with the weight of years who, led by Tal's wife, was slowly approaching the hut. Chapter XXI of Tom Swift and the Land of Wonders This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Tom Swift and the Land of Wonders by Victor Appleton Chapter XXI The Cavern Now, Goose'll can tell you, said Tal, evidently pleased that he had, in a measure, solved the problem caused by the burning of the professor's map. Goose'll, very old Indian, he know old stories, legends, very old. Well, if he can tell us how to find the buried city of Curzon and the things in it, said Tom, he's all right. The aged Indian proceeded slowly toward the hut where the impatient youths awaited him. I know what you seek in the buried city, remarked Tal. Do you? cried Tom, discreetly spoken of the idol of gold. Yes, you want pieces of rock, with strange writings on them. Old weapons, broken pots, I know, I have helped white men before. Yes, those are the things we want, agreed Tom, with a glance at his chum. That is, some of them. But does your wife's grandfather talk our language? No, but I can tell you what he says. By this time the old man, led by Mrs. Tal, the wife of the Indian they had helped, entered the hut. He seemed nervous and shy, and glanced from Tom and Ned to his grandson-in-law, as the latter talked rapidly in the Indian dialect. Then Goosele made answer, but what it was all about the boys could not tell. Goosele say, translated Tal, that he know a story of a very old city away down underground. But a difficulty very soon developed. Tal's intentions were good, but he was not equal to the task of translating, nor was the understanding of Tom and Ned of Spanish quite up to the mark. Say, this is too much for me, exclaimed Tom. We are losing the most valuable part of this by not understanding what Goosele says and what Tal translates. What can we do, asked Ned. Get the professor here as soon as possible. He can manage this dialect, at first hand. If Goosele can tell where to begin excavating for the city, he ought to tell the professor, not us. That's right, agreed Ned. We'll bring the professor here as soon as we can. Accordingly, they stopped the somewhat difficult task of listening to the translated story and told Tal, as well as they could, that they would bring the man with no hair on his head to listen to the tale. This seemed to suit the Indians, and they would be grateful to Tom and Ned for having saved the life of Tal. That was a good shot you made when you bowled over the Jaguar, said Ned, as the two young explorers started back to their camp. Better than I realized if it leads to the discovery of Curzon and the idol of gold, remarked Tom, and to think we should come across the oiled silk holding the poisoned arrows wed on Ned. That's the strangest part of the whole affair. If it hadn't been that you shot the Jaguar, this never would have come about. That professor Bumper was astonished, and Mr. Damon likewise, when they heard the story of Tom and Ned, is stating it mildly. Come on, exclaimed the scientist, as Tom finished. We must see this goosele at once. If my map is destroyed, and it seems to be, this old Indian may be our only hope. Where did he say the buried city was, Tom? Oh, somewhere in this vicinity is nearly as I could make out. But you'd better talk with him yourself. We didn't say anything about the idol of gold. That's right. It's just as well to let the natives think we are only after ordinary relics. Bless my insurance policy, gasp, Mr. Damon. It does not seem possible that we are on the right track. Well, I think we are, from what little information goosele gave us, remarked Tom, this buried city of his must be a wonderful place. It is, if it is what I take it to be, agreed the professor. I told you I would bring you to a land of wonders, Tom Swift, and they have hardly begun yet. Come, I am anxious to talk to goosele. In order that the Indians in the bumper camp might not hear rumors of the new plan to locate the hidden city, and at the same time to keep rumors from spreading to the camp of the rivals, the scientist and his friends started a new shaft and put a shift of men at work on it. We'll pretend we are on the right track and very busy, said Tom. That will fool Beecher. Are you glad to know he did not hear map, Professor Bumper? Asked Mr. Damon. Well, yes, it is hard to believe such things of a fellow scientist. If he didn't take it, he wanted to, said Tom. And he has done, or will do, things as unsportsmanlike. Oh, you are hardly fair, perhaps Tom, commented Ned. Was all the answer he received. With the Indians in camp busy on the excavation work, and having ascertained that similar work was in the future outfit, Professor Bumper, with Mr. Damon and the young man, set off to visit the Indian village and listen to Goosele's story. They passed the place where Tom had slayed in the jaguar, but nothing was left but the bones, the ants, vultures and jungle animals having picked them clean in the night. On the arrival of Tom and his friends at the Indians hut, Goosele told in language which Professor Bumper could understand, the ancient legend of the buried city, as he had had it with his father. But is that all you know about it, Goosele, asked the savant? No, Leonard One, it is true most of what I have told you was told to me by my father and his father's father, but I, I myself, with these eyes, have looked upon the lost city. You have, cried the Professor, this time in English, where, when, take us to it, how do you get there? Through the cavern of the dead after when the questions were modified. Bless my diamond ring! exclaimed Mr. Damon, when Professor Bumper translated the reply. What does he mean? And then, after some talk, this information came out. Years before, when Goosele was a young man, he had been taken by his grandfather on a journey through the jungle. They stopped one day at the foot of a high mountain, and clearing away the brush and stones at a certain place, an entrance to a field. This, it appeared, was the Indian burial ground and had been used for generations. Goosele, though in fear and trembling, was led through it, and came to another cavern, vaster than the first. And there he saw strange and wonderful sites, for it was the remains of a buried city that had once been the home of a great and powerful tribe, unlike the Indians, the ancient Mayas it would seem. Can you take us to this cavern? To the professor? Yes, answered Goosele. I will lead to it those who save the life of Tal, them and their friends. I will take you to the lost city. Good! cried Mr. Damon, when this had been translated. Now let Beecher try to play any more tricks in us. For the cavern and the lost city of Curzon. And the idol of gold, said Tom Swift to himself. I hope we can get it ahead of Beecher. Oh well, here's hoping that's all. And a little smile curved his lips. Greatly excited by the strange news, but maintaining as common air outwardly as possible, so as not to excite the Indians, Tom and his friends returned to camp to prepare for their trip. Goosele had said the cavern lay distant more than a two-days journey into the jungle. End of Chapter 21 Chapter 22 of Tom Swift in the Land of Wonders This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org Tom Swift in the Land of Wonders by Victor Appleton. Chapter 22 The Storm Now, remarked Tom, once they were back again in their camp, we must go about this trip to the cavern in a way that will cause no suspicion over there as to what our object is. And he nodded in the direction of the quarters of his rival. Do you mean to go off quietly, ask Ned? Yes, and to keep the work going on here at these shafts, put in the scientist, so that if any of their spies happen to come here, they will think we still believe the buried city to be just below us. To that end we must keep the Indians digging, though I am convinced now that it is useless. Accordingly, preparations were made for an expedition into the jungle Tal had not sufficiently recovered from the Jaguar wounds to go with the party, but the old man, in spite of his years, was hail and hearty and capable of withstanding hardships. One of the most intelligent of the Indians was put in charge of the digging gangs as foremen, and told to keep them at work, and not to let them stray. Tolpec, whose brother Tom had tried to save, proved a treasure. He agreed to remain behind and look after the interests of his friends which or stores were taken. Well, I guess we're as ready as we ever shall be, remarked Tom, as a cavalcade made ready to start. Mules carried the supplies that were to be taken into the jungle, and others of the sturdy animals were to be ridden by the travellers. The trail was not an easy one, Goose will warn them. Tom and his friends found it even worse than they had expected, for all their experience in jungle and mountain travelling. In places they would have to dismount and lead the mules along, sometimes pushing and dragging them. More than once the trail fairly hung on the edge of some almost bottomless gorge, and again it wound its way between great walls of rock, so poised that they appeared about to topple over and crush the travellers. But they kept on with dogged patience through many hardships. To add to their troubles they seem to have entered the abode of the fiercest mosquitoes encountered at times it was necessary to ride along with hats covered with mosquito netting and hands encased in gloves. They had taken plenty of condensed food with them, and they did not suffer in this respect. Game two was plentiful, and the electric rifles of Tom and Ned added to the larder. One night, after a somewhat sound sleep induced by hard travel on the trail that day, Tom awoke to hear someone, or something, moving about among their goods which included their provisions. "'Who's there?' asked the young inventor sharply, as he reached for his electric rifle. There was no answer, but a rattling of the pans. "'Speak, or I'll fire,' Tom warned, adding this in such Spanish as he could muster, for he thought it might be one of the Indians. No reply came, and then, seeing by the light of the stars a dark form moving in front of the tent occupied by himself and Ned, Tom fired. There was a combined grunt and pain, then a savage growl, and Ned yelled, "'What's the matter, Tom?' For he had been awakened and heard the crackle of the electrical discharge. "'I don't know,' Tom answered, but I shot something, or somebody. Maybe some of Beecher's crowd ventured his chum. But when they got their electric torches and focused them on the inert black object, it was found to be a bear which had come to knows about the camp for dainty morsels. Bruin was quite dead, and as he was in prime condition there was a feast of bear meat at the following dinner. The white travellers found it rather too strong for their palates, but the Indians reveled in it. It was shortly afternoon the next day, when Goosell, after remarking that a storm seemed brewing, announced that they would be at the entrance to the cavern in another hour. "'Good!' cried Professor Bumper. At last we are near the buried city. "'Don't be too sure,' advised Mr. Damon. "'We may be there, though I hope not for your sake, my dear Professor.' Goosell now took the lead, and the old Indian, travelling on foot, for he said he could better look for the old landmark that way than on the back of a mule, walked slowly along a rough cliff. "'Here, somewhere, is the entrance to the cavern,' said the aged man. "'It was many years ago that I was here, many years. But it seems as though yesterday, it is little changed.' In that land of wonders, only nature caused what alterations there were, the hand of man had long been absent. Slowly Goosell walked along the rocky trail, on one side a sheer rock, towering a hundred feet or more toward the sky, on the other side a deep gash leading to a great fertile valley below. Suddenly the old man paused, and looked about him as though uncertain. Then, more slowly still, he put out his hand, and pulled at some bushes that grew on a ledge of the rock. They came away having no depth of earth, and a small opening was disclosed. "'It is here,' said Goosell quietly. The entrance to the cavern that leads to the burial place of the dead, and the city that is dead also. It is here.' He stood aside while the others hurried forward. It took but a few minutes to prove that he had passed, at least as to the existence of the cavern, for the four men were soon peering into the opening. "'Come on,' cried Tom impetuously. "'Wait a moment,' suggested the professor. "'Sometimes the air in these places is foul. We must test it.' But a torch one of the Indians threw in burned with a steady glow. That test was conclusive, at least. They made ready to dry it, as well as a good supply of electric dry battery lamps, and the way into the cavern was thus well lighted. At first the Indians were afraid to enter. But a word or two from Goosell reassured them, and they followed Professor Bumper, Tom, and the others into the cavern. For several hundred feet there was nothing remarkable about the cave. It was like any other cavern of the mountains, though wonderful for the number of crystal formations on the roof and walls, only in diamonds in the flickering lights. "'Talk about a wonderland,' cried Tom. "'This is Fairyland.' A moment later, as Goosell walked on beside the professor and Tom, the aged Indian came to a pause, and, pointing ahead, murmured, "'The City of the Dead.' They saw the niches cut in the rock walls, niches that held the countless bones of those who had died many, many years before. It was a vast Indian grave. "'Doubtless a wealth of material of historic interest here,' said Professor Bumper, flashing his torch on the skeletons. But it will keep. "'Where is the city you spoke of, Goosell?' "'Farther on, Signore, follow me.' Passed the stone graves they went, deeper and deeper into the great cave. Their footsteps echoed and re-echoed. Suddenly Tom, who with Ned had gone a little ahead, came to a sudden halt and said, "'Well, this may be a burial-place, sure enough, but I think I see something alive, all right. If it isn't a ghost,' he pointed ahead. Surely those were lights flickering and moving about, and yes, there were men carrying them. The Bumper Party came to a surprised halt. The other lights advanced, and then to the great astonishment of Professor Bumper and his friends there confronted them in the cave of Professor Beecher's Party and a scar or more of Indians. Professor Heilop, who was known to Professor Bumper, stepped forward and asked sharply, "'What are you doing here?' I might ask you the same thing, was the retort. You might, but you would not be answered, came sharply. We have a right here, having discovered this cavern, and we claim it under a concession of the Honduras Government. I shall have to ask you to withdraw.' "'Do you mean leave here?' asked Mr. Damon. "'That is it exactly. We first discovered this cave. We have been conducting explorations in it for several days, and we wish no outsiders. "'Are you speaking for Professor Beecher?' asked Tom. "'I am. But he is here in the cave, and will speak for himself if you desire it. But I represent him, and I order you to leave. If you do not go peaceably, we will use force. The Indians grouped behind him, scowling, savage Indians. We have no wish to intrude, observed Professor Bumper, and I fully recognize the right of prior discovery. But one member of our party, he did not say which one, was in this cave many years ago. He led us to it. "'Ours is a Government concession,' exclaimed Professor Highlip Harshley. We want no intruders. Go!' and he pointed toward the direction whence Tom's party had come. "'Drive them out,' he ordered the Indians in Spanish, and with muttered threats the dark-skinned men advanced towards Tom and the others. "'You need not use force,' said Professor Bumper. He and Professor Highlip had quarreled bitterly years before on some scientific matter, and the matter was afterward found to be wrong. Perhaps this made him vindictive. Tom stepped forward and started to protest, but Professor Bumper interposed. I guess there is it seems to be theirs by right of discovery and Government concession,' he said, in disappointed tone. "'Come, friends,' and ejectedly they retraced their steps.' Followed by the threatening Indians, the Bumper party made its way back to the entrance. They had hoped for great things, but if the cavern gave access to the buried city, the ancient city of Curzon, on the chief altar of which stood the golden idol, Quetzal, it looked as though they were never to enter the city. "'You'll have to get our Indians and drive those fellows out,' declared Tom. "'I'm not going to be beaten this way and by Beecher.' "'It is galling,' declared Professor Bumper. Still he has right on his side, and I must give in to priority as I would expect him to do. It is the unwritten law.' "'Then we've failed,' cried Tom bitterly. "'Not give up.' "'Hark! What's that noise?' asked Tom, as they approached the entrance to the cave. "'Sounds like a great wind blowing,' commented Ned. "'It was.' As they stood in the entrance they looked out to find a fierce storm raging. The wind was sweeping down the rocky trail. The rain was falling in veritable bucketfuls from the overhanging cliff, and deafening thunder and blinding lightning roared and flashed. "'Surely you would not drive in this storm,' said Professor Bumper to his former rival. "'You cannot stay in the cave. You must get out,' was the answer, as a louder crash of thunder than usual seemed to shake the very mountain." CHAPTER XXIII OF TOM SWIFT IN THE LAND OF WONDERS This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org TOM SWIFT IN THE LAND OF WONDERS by Victor Appleton CHAPTER XXIII ENTUMED ALIVE For an instant Tom and his friends paused at the entrance to the wonderful cavern and looked at the raging storm. It seemed madness to venture out into it, yet they had been driven from the cave by those who had every right of discovery to say who and who should not partake of its hospitality. But into that blow, cried Ned, is enough to loosen the very mountains. Let's stay here and defy them, murmured Tom, and if what we seek is here we have as good a right to it as they have. We must go out, said Professor Bumper, simply. I recognize the right of my rival to dispossess us. He may have the right, but it isn't human, said Mr. Damon. Bless my overshoes. I would not give him the satisfaction of appealing to him, remarked Professor Bumper. Come, we will go out. We have our pond shows, and we are not fair-weather explorers. If we can't get to the lost city one way, we will another. Come, my friends. And despite the downpour, the deafening thunder and the lightning that seemed ready to sear one's eyes, he walked out of the cave entrance, followed by Tom and a voice he tried to render confident as they went out into the terrible storm. We'll beat them yet. The rain fell harder than ever. Small torrents were now rushing down the trail, and it was only a question of a few minutes before the place where they stood would be a raging river, so quickly does the rain collect in the mountains and speed toward the valleys. We must take to the forest, cried Tom. There'll be some shelter there, and I don't like this slide at any moment. As he spoke, he motioned upward through the mist of the rain to the sloping side of the mountain, towering above them. Loose stones were beginning to roll down, accompanied by patches of earth loosened by the water. Some of the patches carried with them bunches of grass and small bushes. Yes, it would be best to move into the jungle, said the professor. Goosele, you'd better take the lead. It was long gone ahead. They had left their mules tethered some distance back in a sheltering clump of trees, and they hoped the animals would be safe. The guide found a place where they could leave the trail, though going down a dangerous slope, and take to the forest. As carefully as possible they descended this, the rain continuing to fall, the wind to blow, the lightning to sizzle all about them, and the thunder to boom in their ears. They went on until they were beneath the forest, which kept off some of the pelting drops. This is better, exclaimed Ned, shaking his poncho and getting rid of some of the water that had settled on it. Bless my overcoat, cried Mr. Damon. We seem to have gotten out of the frying pan into the fire. How, asked Tom? We are partly sheltered here, though had we stayed in the cave in spite of a deafening crash interrupted him, and following the flash one of the giant trees of the forest was seen struck by lightning, yelled Ned. Yes, and it may happen to us, exclaimed Mr. Damon. We were safer from the lightning in the open. Maybe again came an interruption. But this time a different one. The very ground beneath their feet seemed to be shaking and trembling. What is it, gasped Ned, while Goosle fell on his knees and began fervently to pray? It's an earthquake, yelled Tom Swift. As he spoke there came another sound, the sound of a massive earth in motion. It came from the direction of the mountain trail they had just left. They looked toward it, and their horror-stricken eyes saw the whole side of the mountain sliding down. Slowly at first the earth slid down, but constantly gathering force and speed. In the face of this new disaster the rain seemed to have ceased and the thunder and lightning to be less severe. The weather. Look, look, gasped Ned. In silence, which was broken now only by a low and ominous rumble, more menacing than had been the awful fury of the elements, the travellers looked. Suddenly there was a quicker movement of seemingly one whole section of the mountain. Great rocks and trees carried down by the appalling force of the landslide were slipping over the trail, obliterating it as though it had never existed. There goes the entrance to the cavern, cried Ned, and as the others looked to where he pointed they saw the whole on the side of the mountain, the mouth of the cave that led to the lost city of Curzon, completely covered by thousands of tons of earth and stones. That's the end of them, exclaimed Tom, as the rumble of the earthquake died away. Of, Ned stopped, his eyes staring, of Professor Beecher's party there entombed alive. End of Chapter 23 Chapter 24 of Tom Swift in the Land of Wonders This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org. Tom Swift in the Land of Wonders by Victor Appleton Chapter 24 The Revolving Stone Stunned, not alone by the realization of the awfulness of the fate of their rivals, but also by the terrific storm and the effect of the earthquake and the landslide, Tom and his friends remained for a moment gazing toward the mouth of the cavern, now completely out of sight, buried by a mass of broken trees, tangled bushes, rocks, and earth. Somewhere, far beyond that mass, was the Beecher Party, held prisoners in the cave in reference to the buried city. Tom was the first to come to a realization of what was needed to be done. We must help them, he exclaimed, and it was characteristic of him that he harbored no enmity. How, asked Ned? We must get a force of Indians and dig them out, was the prompt answer. At Tom's vigorous words Professor Bumper's forces were energized into action, and he stated, fortunately we have plenty of excavating tools, we may be in time to save them. Come on! The storm seems to have passed as suddenly as it came up, and the earthquake, which, after all, did not cover a wide area, seems to be over. We must start the work of rescue at once. We must go back to camp and get all the help we can muster. The storm indeed seemed to be over, but it was no easy matter to get back over the soggy, rain-soaked ground to the trail they had left to take shelter in the forest. Fortunately, the earthquake had not involved that portion where they had left their mules, but most of the frightened animals had broken loose, and it was some little time before they could all be caught. It is no use to try to get back to camp to-night, said Tom, when the last of the pack and saddle animals had been corralled. It is getting late, and there is no telling the condition of the trail. We must stay here until morning. But what about them? And Mr. Damon nodded We can help them best by waiting until the beginning of a new day, said the Professor. We shall need a large force, and we could not bring it up to-night. Besides, Tom is right, and if we tried to go along the trail after dark, torn and disturbed as it is bound to be by the rain, we might get into difficulties ourselves. No, we must camp here until morning and then go for help. They all decided, finally, this was best. It was a much in roomy cave, not likely to suffer from lack of air nor food or water, since they must have supplies with them. The only danger is that the cave has been crushed in, added Tom. But in that event we would be of no service to them anyhow. The night seemed very long, and it was a most uncomfortable one because of the shock and exertions through which the party had passed. Added to this was the physical discomfort caused by the storm. By the time there was the light in the east that meant morning was at hand, and with it came action. A hasty breakfast, cups of steaming coffee forming a most welcome part, put them all in better condition, and once more they were on their way, heading back to the main camp where they had left their force of Indians. My exclaimed Tom, as they made their way slowly along. It surely was some storm. Look at those big trees uprooted over there. They're almost as big as the giant redwoods of California, and yet they were bowled over as if they were ten pins. I wonder if the wind did it, or the earthquake, ventured Mr. Damon. No wind could do that, declared Ned. It must have been the landslide caused by the earthquake. The wind could do it if the ground was made soft by the rain, and that was probably what did it, suggested Tom. There's no harm in settling the point, commented Professor Bumper. I have a few minutes to go over to the trees. I should like to get some photographs to accompany an article that perhaps I shall write on the effects of sudden and severe tropical storms. We'll go to look at the overturned trees, and then we'll hurry on to camp to get the rescue party. The uprooted trees lay on one side of the mountain trail, perhaps a mile from the mouth of the cave which had been covered over in tooming the Beecher Party. Leaving the mules in charge accompanied by Goosele, approached the fallen trees. As they neared them, they saw that in falling the trees had lifted with their roots a large mass of earth and embedded rocks that had clung to the twisted and gnarled fibers. This mass was as large as a house. Look at the hole they left when the roots pulled out, cried Ned. Why, it's like the crater of a small volcano, he added. And as they stood on the edge of it looking curiously at the hole made with Tom's chum. Professor Bumper was looking about, trying to ascertain if there were any evidences of the earthquake in the vicinity when Tom, who had cautiously gone a little way down into the excavation caused by the fallen trees, uttered a cry of surprise. Look! he shouted. Isn't that some sort of tunnel or underground passage? And he pointed to a square opening perhaps seven feet high and nearly as broad which extended, no one knew where, and onward from the side of the hole made by the uprooting of the trees. It's an underground passage all right, said Professor Bumper eagerly, and not a natural one either. That was fashioned by the hand of man if I am any judge. It seems to go right under the mountain, too. Friends, we must explore this. It may be of the utmost importance. Come, we have our electric torches and we shall need them for it's very dark in there. And he peered into the passage and they all stood now. It seemed to have been tunneled through the earth, the sides being lined by either slabs of stone, or walls made by a sort of concrete. But what about the rescue work, asked Mr. Damon. I am not forgetting Professor Beecher and his friends, answered the scientist. Perhaps this may be a better means of rescuing them than by digging them out, which will take a week at least, observed Tom. This a better way, asked Ned, pointing to the tunnel. If you will notice, it extends back in the direction of the cave from which we were driven. Now, if there is a buried city beneath all this jungle, this mountain of earth and stones, the accumulation of centuries, it is probably on the bottom of some vast cavern. It is my opinion that we were only in one end of that cavern and this may be the entrance to another end of it. Then, asked Mr. Damon, do you mean that we can enter here, and find there Beecher and his friends? That's it. It is possible. And if we could, it would save an immense lot of work and probably be a sureer way to save their lives than by digging a tunnel through the landslide to find the mouth of the cave where we first entered. It's a chance worth taking, said Mr. Damon. Of course, it is a chance. But then, everything connected with this expedition is. So one is no worse than another. As you say, we may find the entombed men more easily this way than any other. I wonder, said Tom slowly, if by any chance we shall find, through this passage, the lost city we are looking for. And the idol of gold, added Ned. Goosele, do you know anything about this? Asked Professor Bumper. Did you ever hear of another passage leading to the cave where you saw the ancient city? No, learned one. Though I have heard stories about there being many cities or parts of a big one beneath the mountain, and when it was above ground there were many entrances to it. That settles it, cried the Professor in English, having talked to Goosele in Spanish. We'll try this and see where it leads. They entered the stone-lined passage. In spite of the fact that it had probably been buried and concealed from light and air for centuries, as evidenced by the growth of the giant trees above it, the air was fresh. And this is one reason, said Tom, in commenting on this fact, why I believe it leads to some vast cavern which is connected in some fashion with the outer air. Well, perhaps we shall soon make a discovery. Eagerly and anxiously the little party pressed forward by the light of the pocket-electric lamps. They were obsessed by two thoughts, what they might find and the necessity for aiding in the rescue of their rivals. On and on they went. The darkness illuminated only by the torches but they noticed that the air was still fresh and that a gentle wind blew toward them. The passage was undoubtedly artificial, a tunnel made by the hands of men now long crumbled into dust. It had a slightly upward slope and this, Professor Bumper said, indicated that it was bored upward and perhaps into the very heart of the mountain somewhere in the interior of which was the Beecher Party. Just how far they went they did not know, but it must have been more than two miles, yet they did not tire for the way it was smooth. Suddenly Tom, who with Professor Bumper was in the lead, uttered a cry as he held his torch above his head and flashed the boat in a circle. We're blocked, he exclaimed, we're up against a stone wall. It was but too true. Confronting them and extending from side to side across the passage and from roof to floor was a great rough stone. Immense and solid it seemed when they pushed on it in vain. Nothing short of dynamite will move that, said Ned in despair. This is a blind lead. We'll have to go back. But there must be something on the other side of that stone, cried Tom. See, it is pierced with holes and through them comes a current of air if we could only move the stone. I believe it is an ancient door, remarked Professor Bumper. Eagerly and frantically they tried to move it by their combined weight. The stone did not give the fraction of the breadth of a hair. We'll have to go back and get some of your big-tunnel blasting-powder, Tom, suggested Ned. As he spoke, old Goosele glided forward. He had remained behind them in the passage while they were trying to move the rock. Now he said something in Spanish. What does he mean, asked Ned? He asks that he be allowed to try, translated Professor Bumper. Sometimes, he says, there is a secret way of opening stone doors in these underground caves. Let him try. Goosele seemed to be running his fingers lightly over the outer edge of the door. He was muttering to himself in his Indian tongue. Suddenly he uttered an exclamation, and, as he did so, there was a noise from the door itself. It was a grinding, scraping sound, a rumble as though rocks were being rolled one against the other. Then the astonished eyes of the adventurers saw the great stone door revolve on its axis and swing to one side, leaving a passage open through which they could pass. Goosele had discovered the hidden mechanism. What lay before them?