"I haven't a relative in this world," Mr. Walters continued, "and now the Sea Dream has gone down would be obliged to look around for a job, therefore if you'll accept me as a comrade I'll stay here instead of going back to the states."

"Do you really mean to enter upon such a wild venture?" Mr. Emery asked in surprise.

"Most certainly. What is to prevent?"

"Nothing that I know of; but it seems little less than suicide to go there after the Indians have been so thoroughly aroused."

"We shall not make the attempt for several months, perhaps a year," Cummings added.

"Where would you propose to stop? Here?"

"How far do you intend to go in this schooner?"

"To the nearest port where we can find a steamer bound for the United States."

"That is Progresso, and if you have no objections Poyor and I will accompany you there. We need some supplies from Merida, and if Mr. Walters is of the same mind when we arrive I shall be more than pleased to have him go with us."

"The vessel is at your disposal. We will land you at any point, and I yet have sufficient money with me to pay Walters' wages and make him a slight advance if he needs it."