The mules were driven up to the camp and herded together in a group.
Mr. Wallace introduced Don Chusmena to the others. The Peruvian in turn acquainted the Americans with the Indians who were to act as guides for the expedition. He assured them that the natives knew every foot of ground in the Andes country. One Indian was to lead Dr. Rust and the other scientists who were to search for Inca ruins. The other native would guide Mr. Lewis and any others that might be in the party of naturalists.
Both Bob and Joe had decided to stay with the expedition and not fly in the monoplane with Karl Sutman. Mr. Holton, however, intended to accompany the aviator and Dr. Brown, the expedition’s physician. Karl and the two men were to fly on ahead and look for Inca ruins from the air, keeping in touch with the others. It was intended that Karl head for the valley of the Comberciato, where he and Mr. Holton and the physician would await the others of the naturalist party.
“That leaves you and Mr. Wallace and Dad and I together,” remarked Joe. “I’m sorry your father isn’t going with us.”
Bob nodded.
“He’ll meet us at the Comberciato River, though,” the youth said.
“But that won’t be until two weeks from now, at least.” Joe would have been better satisfied if Mr. Holton had intended to go on foot instead of in the airplane.
Mr. Lewis and Mr. Wallace desired to get their division of the expedition started as soon as possible. But since it was so late they thought it best to wait until the next morning.
“That’ll give us time to look around some more,” said Joe, picking up a motion-picture camera. “Come on, Bob. There’s a lot to be seen around Cuzco.”