"Oh, I can't wait!" burst out Dave. "How far is that old temple from here?"
"About three miles."
"Can I hire somebody to take me there? I want to see Mr. Porter as soon as possible."
"Certainly; you can get a boy for a few pennies," answered the bald-headed man. "There is a boy now who wants a job." And he beckoned to an urchin who sat on an empty box, eating a banana.
When the lad came up the man explained in the native tongue, and soon the party set off, Dave first thanking the bald-headed man for his kindness.
To Phil and Roger the walk on the tropical road was long, hot, and dusty. But Dave was so busy with his thoughts that he did not notice he was walking at all. How much the next hour or two might reveal!
Presently they came in sight of a ruined pile, which the native boy pointed out as the old temple. Dave forged ahead and hurried into the ruins, and then around to the back. Here, from under some palms, could be had a fine view of the surrounding country.
A hasty glance around revealed to Dave the form of a man, lying on the grass half asleep. The country youth hurried forward, gave a good look, and uttered a little cry, at which the man sat up suddenly.
"Who are you?" asked the man, and then he began to stare at Dave very hard.
"Is this Mr. Dunston Porter?" asked Dave, in a voice he tried in vain to steady.