“Many attempts have been made by the natives to destroy the snakes. A great body of men once attempted it. Six of the snakes were killed, but there seemed to be fully half a hundred left. The place seemed alive with them, and a dozen men falling victims to the monsters the attempt was abandoned.
“From that day to this no attempt has been made to recover the wealth. Metlo told me that no white man ever visited the region.
“The journey thither is a dangerous one on account of beasts and poisonous reptiles. Yet I believe it can be made. I have thought of you and your wonderful Steam Man and I feel sure that with the aid of you and your wonderful invention the treasure can be recovered.
“Now, Frank, I humbly beg of you if possible come down here and embark in this enterprise with me.
“Of course I have plenty of money, my father being a millionaire, but I have a powerful desire to visit the ruined city of Mazendla and do battle with those anacondas.
“I can do it alone, but I can succeed better with the aid of your Steam Man. As a favor I beg of you to write me at once to Campeachy. And now, my dear Frank, hoping to hear from you soon and favorably, I am as ever your friend.
Tony Buckden.”
Frank Reade, Jr., drew a deep breath as he finished reading this stirring epistle.
His eyes shone like stars and his whole being was stirred up.
It was certainly just the kind of a trip he would fancy. His adventurous spirit was fired and he muttered: