“This morning while I was out scouting around I came across an American who was just returning from a hunting trip in the Andes,” Mr. Holton resumed. “He informed me that the valley of the Comberciato is teeming with wild game. According to his estimate, that’s about a hundred miles from here, northwest. It——”
“I’ve heard of it, too,” cut in Mr. Wallace, his face beaming with scientific enthusiasm. “Why not go there? We’ll probably find it worth our while.”
“I’m willing,” came from Joe’s father.
“Then let’s call it settled,” Mr. Holton said. “We’ll start out as soon as possible.”
“Here’s where Mr. Sutman and his airplane come in,” remarked Professor Allan. “By the use of the ’plane, we can keep informed as to the whereabouts of the other division of the expedition. It will prove a valuable asset to our equipment.”
Bob and Joe and Mr. Dunn took it on themselves to go back to the railroad station and have the many boxes of food and supplies removed to the camp. The scientists had purposely left them in charge of the agent until after deciding the course of the expedition and had carried only the lighter bags and cases to the camp.
The railroad agent, when asked of a means of transporting the boxes, pointed outside to a large cart drawn by a mule. Walking lazily at the side was an Indian.
“He will do it for you,” the railroad man said in poor Spanish.
Then, knowing that the Americans could not speak the Quichua language, the agent called to the native and asked if he would be willing to take the boxes.