Jud gasped. "I don't know what he means," he returned angrily, "but he's wrong—specially that part about me bein' old."
"I feel it is my duty to warn you," interrupted Professor Ditson, "that this trip may involve a special danger outside of those usual to the tropics. When I was last in Peru," he went on, "I had in my employ a man named Slaughter. He was an expert woodsman, but sinister in character and appearance and with great influence over the worst element among the Indians. One night I found him reading this manuscript, which he had taken from my tent while I was asleep. I persuaded him to give it up and leave my employ."
"How did you persuade him?" queried Jud, curiously.
"Automatically," responded Professor Ditson. "At least, I used a Colt's automatic," he explained. "His language, as he left, was deplorable," continued the scientist, "and he declared, among other things, that I would have him to reckon with if I ever went again to Eldorado. I have no doubt that through his Indian allies he will be advised of the expedition when it reaches Peru and make trouble for us."
"What did he look like?" inquired Mr. Donegan.
"He was a giant," replied Professor Ditson, "and must have been over seven feet in height. His eyebrows made a straight line across his forehead, and he had a scar from his right eye to the corner of his jaw."
"Scar Dawson!" shouted Will.
"You don't mean the one who nearly burned you and Joe alive in the cabin?" said the lumber-king, incredulously.
"It must be," said Will. "No other man would have that scar and height. I'll say 'some danger' is right," he concluded, while Joe nodded his head somberly.
"That settles it!" said Jud. "It's evident this expedition needs a good man to keep these kids out of trouble. I'm on."