“Oh, I’ve heard of all kinds of mines about there,” he said, instead.
“The mines are farther south,” said the stranger. “Are you boys with a party?” he added, in a moment. “If not, I would like to have you spend the night as my guests.”
“We’ve got a camp back here,” Peter said, “and the others will be expecting us.”
“I see,” said the other. “You are the boys who are here in search of specimens. I recall something Lieutenant Gordon said about you. But you are a long way from the cottage in the jungle near Gatun.”
“When did you see Lieutenant Gordon last?” asked Peter, suspiciously.
“I met him something over half an hour ago,” was the reply, “on his way back to the Tivoli at Ancon. You came here in his machine?”
“Yes,” was the reply.
“Well, I’m going to Gatun to-night, and you may ride with me.”
The stranger turned away, as if to get his motor car, and Peter nudged Jimmie in the ribs with his elbow.
“Now we’ve done it,” he whispered.