Jake advanced as if unable to believe the evidences of his own senses, and said hesitatingly:
"We had no intention of intruding, sir; but followed the line of banana trees without the slightest idea of finding a gentleman's home."
"Don't apologize," the stranger replied in good English, and springing to his feet as if in alarm. "It is true that I am not in the habit of receiving callers in this out-of-the-way place; but those of my own race are none the less welcome. Will you walk into the house?"
The boys peered through the foliage where, after some difficulty, they saw a small cabin, hardly large enough to be called a dwelling, and Jake replied quickly:
"We would prefer to remain here. Having walked since sunrise, you can fancy that any place in which to rest our legs without fear of coming in contact with a scorpion or a snake is grateful."
"I can't promise that you won't be troubled by such visitors; but you are welcome to do as you choose."
Jake threw himself on the ground, asking as he did so:
"Can you tell me how near we are to a sea-port? We have just landed from a pleasure yacht which was destroyed by fire, and haven't any idea where we are."
"You are now in Yucatan, and probably know perfectly well how near to the coast, for----"
"Exactly, and not so very far from the famed Silver City of the Chan Santa Cruz Indians."
"That last information doesn't seem to be very important so far as we are concerned; but it does surprise me to know we are in this section of the country, for our captain was quite positive we should strike the coast of Cuba."
"That is exactly what I don't know myself; but it won't take long to explain why we are here."
Then Jake told the story of the cruise in the Sea Dream, of the unaccountable conflagration, and the fatal landing on the coast, concluding by saying:
"As a matter of course we are most anxious to reach some place from which we can find a steamer or sailing vessel going to the United States. Probably you can give us the proper information, and by that means get rid of unexpected and, perhaps, unwelcome visitors."
"But I do not wish to get rid of you," the stranger replied quickly. "On the contrary I am more than delighted because you were forced to come here, since you can render me a very great service."