"Do you count on asking others to go with you?"
"No," Cummings replied, with a meaning glance toward Jake. "If I ever succeed the honor will be divided among Poyor and myself alone."
Then, as on the day when he first broached the subject, he reviewed all that is known to the white race concerning the buried cities of Central America and of the descendants of that mighty race of people whose once high state of civilization cannot be questioned. When he concluded Jake indulged in but one remark before composing himself for slumber:
"It don't make any difference to me whether the inscriptions can ever be read or not; but a fellow feels sore to think that he had a chance of scoopin' in enough to set himself up in great shape, an' was prevented when the precious metal was under his very fingers."
"Have you any particular reason for going to Progresso?" Neal asked after a pause.
"I have most decidedly. Since getting you in a scrape which nearly cost your lives, it is only right I should see you homeward bound."
"That would be impossible even for me. Poyor is the only guide, and when he has done his work you sail on the steamer, while he and I return to the little hut, there to wait for another opportunity of getting inside the Silver City."
After this Cummings appeared disinclined to talk any more, and the boys lay down near Jake for the slumber which both needed so badly.
Although their eyelids were heavy with sleep, it was not possible to lose consciousness immediately. Now their safety was in a measure assured, the thoughts of Cummings' great disappointment, and the lost opportunity of making themselves famous, came to mind more forcibly than ever before, causing both to remain awake after all save Poyor were breathing heavily.
"This won't do," Teddy said half to himself. "The mysteries of the Silver City are not to be solved by us, and the sooner we go to sleep the better condition we shall be in for to-morrow's tramp."
Before Neal could reply the Indian stole softly toward them and whispered:
"If you would see the father of serpents, sit up and look toward the spring; but make no noise."
The boys did as they were directed and could distinguish by the glare of the camp-fires the largest snake either had ever seen.