“We are to explore the region northwest of Lake Titicaca,” he continued. “I understand there are some very high peaks in this range, all the way from ten to twenty thousand feet in altitude.”
“These Incas,” started Joe, “when did they live? It hasn’t been so very long ago, has it?”
“Not as time is usually thought of. The sixteenth century witnessed their downfall. This was at the time of the Spanish South American explorations, you know.”
“Those Spaniards sure saw something unusual and unexpected,” remarked Bob. “This mountainous region was chock-full of architectural wonders, all built by the Incas.”
“Something tells me we’ll see sights, all right,” said Joe. “It will be good to get away from home again—into the unknown, I mean. And that reminds me. Would it be possible for you to lend us enough money to get back to Washington?”
“Why—of course. How much do you need?”
“Fifty dollars will pull us through. Perhaps we can get along on less than that,” was the answer from Bob.
“All right. I’ll see that you get it. But wait! I expect to go day after tomorrow with a friend, who is driving East on business. There will be plenty of room for two more. You fellows don’t have to get home at once, do you?”
“No, we don’t have to,” returned Joe. “We——”