“Senor Americano, I hope you will succeed with all my heart. But do not be disappointed if you do not find the young Senor Buckden.”
“Ah, then you think the chances are few?” asked Frank.
“I speak of what I know. The dangers of interior Yucatan are known to none better than I. I fear the worst for your friend.”
“But I can at least try.”
“Si Senor. May the mother be with you,” said the Spanish gentleman, warmly.
Frank lost no time now in making the Steam Man ready for the start.
One day was consumed in making a map of his route, as nearly correct as he could gather in detail from the natives who penetrated the interior.
Frank had decided to proceed at once to the table-land of Tanada.
This point gained he believed that he could there learn something more of the fate of young Buckden.
He consulted with every native guide and traveler who knew anything about the route.