“So we owe the trip to Captain Carter?” commented Jack.
“Quite the contrary. Captain Carter expected to control the expedition. He didn’t much like the idea of having me put in charge.”
“Then how did we get accepted?” Jack asked, puzzled.
“Mr. Monahan doesn’t entirely trust Captain Carter, I suspect. At any rate, in financing the trip, he specified that I was to be in charge. I insisted upon having you fellows along. I’ve already cleared with your parents, so if you’re game to tackle a really tough proposition, the expedition is set.”
“Peru, here I come!” Warwick chortled.
“Just lead me to the Inca treasure!” added Willie, his eyes sparkling.
“It’s quite a responsibility,” said Jack soberly. “I hope we’ll be equal to it.”
“You will be. I have full confidence in every member of our little team, and told Mr. Monahan so.”
“The parchment translation should be helpful in tracing Burton’s route,” Ken remarked thoughtfully. “You were going to show it to us, Mr. Livingston.”
The Scout leader nodded and laid several sheets of folded yellow paper upon the table. He picked one at random, and after studying the fine writing, read aloud: