‪“But ten times more wonderful,” declared Mr. Buckden.

“Perhaps so. Now you can see that this is the wagon drawn by the Steam Man. In this wagon we carry a supply of coal, provisions and weapons. It is covered with a wire screen made of toughest steel and able to withstand a rifle ball.

‪“Through this opening in the front come the reins by which I drive the Man. The loopholes in the sides are to fire through. Indeed, sir, the wagon is a small fortress in itself.”

‪“I should say so,” agreed the millionaire, ‪“and what an admirable thing for this trip to Yucatan. In that land of poisonous reptiles and insects you can travel with immunity for it would puzzle a fly to get through that screen.”

‪“I think it is the proper vehicle to travel with there,” agreed Frank. ‪“I believe that the region where your son will be likely to be found is one of level sort, flat table-lands and plains.”

‪“I believe so!”

‪“Ah, well, I will promise to do the best I can to save him.”

‪“I thank you!”

A short while later Mr. Buckden took his departure.

Now that Frank’s mind had been made up to take the trip, he lost no time in making preparations.