The friend, whose name was Wilson, was a newspaper man, often traveling East in the interest of his profession. He was good-natured and talkative, at once taking a liking to Bob and Joe.
When everything was in readiness, Bob and Joe and the men took their places in Mr. Wilson’s automobile and, with a warm farewell to Mrs. Wallace, started down the driveway.
Soon the youths would be home—and on their way to the mysterious Andes!
CHAPTER VI
The Big Surprise
AS the automobile sped toward the thoroughfare, Bob and Joe settled back for the long ride. Now that they were at last heading for Washington, the boys were becoming impatient, although they had enjoyed the last few days immensely.
Until after they had left Chicago, Mr. Wilson was rather quiet, bending his efforts solely on managing the car. But when the metropolis had disappeared from view, he inquired about his friends’ expedition into the Andes Mountains.
“Perhaps I’m not much of an adventurer, but somehow I wouldn’t care for that sort of a life,” he laughed, after Mr. Wallace had related the outlines of the expedition. “I wouldn’t mind taking a trip to that place—put up at a hotel, or the like. But when it comes to straying off the traveled road, well——” He stopped meaningly.
Bob laughed.