“You must have no fears. I am quite able to take care of myself. Yes, it is another trip.”
“Oh, Frank, I so fear for your safety!”
“But you must not. With the Steam Man I am quite safe.”
Mrs. Reade did not speak upon the subject further, and like the true wife that she was did not attempt to gainsay her husband’s plans.
Woman-like, though, she dreaded his going upon these expeditions into regions of unexplored wilderness where danger was rife.
But Frank had fully made up his mind to go to Los Pueblos.
He at once sent a messenger to Senor Ravello at Laredo.
It was to this effect:
“Senor Ravello—I shall come to Laredo at an early day. Negotiate with Costello for a ransom to gain time. I shall bring the Steam Man with me, and shall try to rescue my friend Montaine.
“Yours truly,
“Frank Reade, Jr.”