[CHAPTER XIV.]
THE ANGRY MEXICANS.
The professor and the boys were thinking of getting out their blankets and turning in for the night. They sat in a circle about the camp-fire, talking over the events of the day.
Meanwhile, creeping nearer and nearer, Noddy, Vasco and their gang were encircling the camp of Jerry and his friends. They came so close that they could hear the conversation between the professor and the boys.
Now, if the Mexicans whom Vasco had engaged to assist him had not understood something of the English language, or if chance had so arranged matters that they had not come near enough to overhear the talk of Jerry and his comrades, this story might have had a different ending.
As it was, fate so willed matters that Noddy and his gang got close to the camp in time to hear the professor remark:
“Well, boys, it will not be many more days, I hope, before we reach the buried city we are searching for. And when we do I will be the proudest man in the world. Think of discovering a buried town of ancient Mexico! Why, half the college professors would give their heads to be in my place.”
“But we haven’t found the city yet,” said Ned.
“No; but I am sure we are on the right road,” went on the professor. “I am sure of it, not only because of what the old Mexican magician told us, but from the map my friend left me. See, here it is,” and he drew out the paper with the rude drawing on.