“What does it say?” called Jerry.
“It’s written in some queer language; Spanish, I guess,” replied Ned. “I can’t read it.”
“Bring it here,” said Professor Snodgrass. “Perhaps I can make it out.”
The naturalist puzzled over the writing a few minutes. Then he exclaimed:
“It’s from our old friend, the Mexican magician. He tells us to turn to the left, which is the same advice he has given us before, and he adds that we must beware of some sudden happening.”
“I wonder what he means by that?” asked Jerry.
“Probably nothing,” answered the professor. “But if something does happen, and he meets us after it, he’ll be sure to say he warned us. It’s a way those pretended wonder-workers have.”
“How do you suppose the note was placed there?” inquired Bob. “We left the Mexican many miles behind.”
“They are wonderful runners,” answered the naturalist. “The magician may not have placed it here himself, but he may have given it to a friend. Perhaps there was a relay of runners, such as used to exist among the ancient Mexicans to carry royal messages. The old Mexican, who, somehow or other, discovered our object in this country, probably wanted to impress us with his abilities in the mystifying line.”