Here was a sight such as Mr. Buckden had never seen the like of.
Standing in the center of the huge chamber was the Steam Man, the wonder of the century.
Since his western trip Frank had had the Man thoroughly repaired, and he was now in perfect condition to go out upon a trip.
“What do you think of him?” asked Frank.
“Simply wonderful!” replied Mr. Buckden, admiringly.
“If you will please step this way I will be glad to show you how he is made, and how he is able to go.”
Frank led the way to the other side of the invention, and then with pardonable pride began explicitly to illustrate the fine points of the Steam Man.
CHAPTER II.
IN YUCATAN.
“You can see that he is constructed of plates of iron,” said Frank, explanatively. “The legs are reservoirs for water, the furnace is in his chest and the smoke-pipe is his high hat. The gauge and indicator and throttle as well as steam chest are upon his back. In his mouth you will see the whistle.
“Then you will observe the steel driving rods down his legs. Of course it required some clever mechanical skill, but it can be seen at a glance that the machine is a practicable and feasible one. Just as much so as a locomotive.”