“As soon as possible.  I am not going to risk anything by delay,” and it was evident the professor referred to his young rival whose arrival might be expected almost any time.

As the party was about to leave the table, they were approached by a tall, dignified Spaniard who bowed low, rather exaggeratedly low, Ned thought, and addressed them in fairly good English.

“Your pardons, Senors,” he began, “but if it will please you to avail yourself of the humble services of myself, I shall have great pleasure in guiding you into the interior.  I have at my command both mules and boats.”

“How do you know we are going into the interior?” asked Tom, a bit sharply, for he did not like the assurance of the man.

“Pardon, Senor.  I saw that you are from the States.  And those from the States do not come to Honduras except for two reasons.  To travel and make explorations or to start trade, and professors do not usually engage in trade,” and he bowed to Professor Bumper.

“I saw your name on the register,” he proceeded, “and it was not difficult to guess your mission,” and he flashed a smile on the party, his white teeth showing brilliantly beneath his small, black moustache.

“I make it my business to outfit traveling parties, either for business, pleasure or scientific matters.  I am, at your service, Val Jacinto,” and he introduced himself with another low bow.

For a moment Tom and his friends hardly knew how to accept this offer.  It might be, as the man had said, that he was a professional tour conductor, like those who have charge of Egyptian donkey-boys and guides.  Or might he not be a spy?

This occurred to Tom no less than to Professor Bumper.  They looked at one another while Val Jacinto bowed again and murmured: 

“At your service!”

“Can you provide means for taking us to the Copan valley?” asked the professor.  “You are right in one respect.  I am a scientist and I purpose doing some exploring near Copan.  Can you get us there?”

“Most expensively—­I mean, most expeditionlessly,” said Val Jacinto eagerly.  “Pardon my unhappy English.  I forget at times.  The charges will be most moderate.  I can send you by boat as far as the river travel is good, and then have mules and ox-carts in waiting.”

“How far is it?” asked Tom.

“A hundred miles as the vulture flies, Senor, but much farther by river and road.  We shall be a week going.”

“A hundred miles in a week!” groaned Ned.  “Say, Tom, if you had your aeroplane we’d be there in an hour.”

“Yes, but we haven’t it.  However, we’re in no great rush.”

“But we must not lose time,” said Professor Bumper.  “I shall consider your offer,” he added to Val Jacinto.

“Very good, Senor.  I am sure you will be pleased with the humble service I may offer you, and my charges will be small.  Adios,” and he bowed himself away.