"But Bob's horse fell and threw him off," she explained, in her native tongue. "I wanted to stay with him, but he told me to go on. Then Vasco came and got him, but I rode away, for I wanted to find you. I had hard work, and I lost my way several times. Three days ago my pony died and I walked the rest of the distance."
"Poor girl! You must be almost tired to death," said the professor.
"I was tired, but it is happiness to find you, señors, for I know you will go and help Señor Bob."
"Of course we will, right away," said the naturalist.
"She seems to have taken a sudden liking to our friend Bob," commented Ned. "She's a mighty pretty girl, too; don't you think so, Jerry?"
"Be careful," laughed Jerry. "Don't go to having any love affairs with beautiful Mexican maidens. I have read that they are a very jealous and quick-tempered nation. Besides, you are too young."
"I'm a year older than Bob," maintained Ned.
"Now, boys, what had we better do?" asked the professor. "Maximina can guide us to the place where Bob is held captive. Shall we go and give battle to these brigands?"
"Sure!" exclaimed Ned. "We have plenty of ammunition."
"And they are about ten to our one," put in Jerry. "But we've got to do something," he added, seriously.
"Then we'll start as soon as we can get in shape," decided the professor. "I have a better plan than making a direct attack on the camp of the Mexicans, however. We will go to the authorities and ask their aid. Maximina says there is a detachment of soldiers stationed about thirty miles from here and on the line we must take to go to the camp, from which they are distant about ten miles."
"Bully!" cried Ned. "With a few soldiers to help us we'll give those brigands and Noddy Nixon such a licking that they'll never want another."
The automobile was soon made ready. In it was packed all that remained of the provisions. The professor did up his precious specimens and curios, not forgetting the lead casket of jewels.
The water tank was filled. Fortunately, there was still plenty of gasolene left. Jerry and Ned pumped up the tires, Maximina was invited to a seat in the rear, with the professor, and the travelers, taking a last look at the underground city, started off.