Doubtless the planter understood the reason for the boy's solicitude. He immediately took them inside the house and in another minute had thrust into Andy's eager hands a discolored piece of silk, such as is used in the making of balloons.
Nor did either Frank or the Colombian planter think it strange that the boy should press the token again and again to his lips, while tears ran down his face. They could understand the feelings that filled his heart, and no matter what the nationality may be, the honest love of a lad for his father cannot but provoke admiration and respect.
"And now," said Frank, presently, when his cousin had in a measure recovered from his first emotion, "will you tell us, Señor Mendoza, just how you found this strange communication? I hope you remember the exact day, because it is of the greatest importance to us that we learn, as near as possible, from just what quarter it came."
"Si, señor, I understand that," replied the planter, eagerly, his dark face aglow with enthusiasm. "I made note of the day in my diary, also the fact that it was the third day in succession when the wind blew direct from the south, with just a faint turn to the west."
"Splendid!" cried Frank, turning to give his chum a reassuring nod. "What did I tell you, Andy? The forethought of Señor Carlos has made our task much easier. There can be little doubt, then, that the hot air balloon must have started in a region that lies almost due south of here, possibly with a slant, as he says, toward the south by west quarter, as a sailor would call it. And now, señor, can you tell us just where a direct line that way would bring us?"
"First over the lowland and the forests. Then, if you go far enough amigos, it is the Sierra San Jeronimo mountains you would strike," replied the planter.
"Yes, I remember them on the map we have, and that corresponds exactly with all I had in my mind," Frank observed, his forehead wrinkled with serious thought.
"What sort of country is it up in those mountains?" asked Andy.
The planter shrugged his shoulders.
"That I am unable to tell you, amigos, since I have never been there. From all I have heard I believe it is one of the wildest and most inaccessible regions in all our country. Lofty peaks warn back the most daring explorer. Few have ever ventured to attempt to go among them. Some never came back, they say. The superstitious declare those mountains are filled with evil things. Nothing on earth could tempt one of my peons to accompany an expedition thither."