“Oh, they were tame. They never bit me once,” the professor said, with pride in his voice.
With Ned at the steering-wheel, the auto made good time. The road was a fair one, skirting the edge of a vast plain for several miles. About noon the path led into a dense forest, where there was barely room for the machine to pass the thick trees and vines that bordered the way on either side.
“I hope we don’t get caught in this wilderness,” said Ned, making a skilful turn to avoid a fallen tree.
“Supposing we stop now and get dinner,” suggested Jerry. “It’s past noon, and I’m hungry.”
The plan was voted a good one. The portable stove that burned gasolene was set going, coffee was made and some canned chicken was warmed in a frying pan. With some seasoning and frijoles Don Alvarzo had given them the boys made an excellent meal.
After a rest beneath the trees the boys started off in their auto again. The road widened when they had gone a few miles, and improved so that traveling was easier. About dusk they came to a small village, in the centre of which was a comfortable-looking inn.
“How will that do to stop at overnight?” asked Ned.
“First rate,” answered Jerry.
The auto was steered into the yard, and the proprietor of the place came out, bowing and smiling.
“Your friends have just preceded you, señors,” he said.