“I will do all in my power,” said Frank, earnestly.
The schooner cast loose from the levee and shot down into the current. A band played, the people cheered, and Frank Reade, Jr., Barney and Pomp and the Steam Man were really off upon their trip to Central America.
A short while later they passed through the jetties at the delta of the Mississippi, and were in the waters of the Gulf.
The voyage to Campeachy was not a long one and most propitious.
When at length they entered the Bay of Campeachy the mild land breeze and a view of the palm-studded shore told them that they were in a tropical clime.
To the surprise of our voyagers, a warm reception was accorded them at Campeachy.
The Spanish people, ever of an enthusiastic, sport-loving turn, turned out in great force to welcome the distinguished visitors.
Word had been received by cablegram of their coming.
The governor of Campeachy warmly welcomed Frank, and for a few hours he was taken charge of by a committee and treated to many hospitalities.
There were many of his own people in the town also—merchants connected with houses in New York that dealt in dye stuffs, fruits and many of the products of the country.