“But where does the idol of gold come in?”

“I’m coming to that,” said Tom.  “Though, if Professor Bumper has his way, the idol will be coming out instead of coming in.”

“You mean he wants to get it and take it away from the Copan valley, Tom?”

“That’s it, Ned.  It has great value not only from the amount of pure gold that is in it, but as an antique.  I fancy the professor is more interested in that aspect of it.  But he’s written a wonderful story, telling how he happened to come across the ancient manuscripts in the tomb of some old Indian whose mummy he unearthed on a trip to Central America.

“Then he tells of the trouble he had in discovering how to solve the key to the translation code; but when he did, he found a great story unfolded to him.

“This story has to do with the hidden city, and tells of the ancient civilization of those who lived in the Copan valley thousands of years ago.  The people held this idol of gold to be their greatest treasure, and they put to death many of other tribes who sought to steal it.”

“Whew!” whistled Ned.  “That is some yarn.  But what is Professor Bumper going to do about it?”

“I don’t know.  The article seems to be written with an idea of interesting scientists and research societies, so that they will raise money to conduct a searching expedition.

“Perhaps by this time the party may be organized—­this magazine is several months old.  I have been so busy on my stabilizer patent that I haven’t kept up with current literature.  Take it home and read it!  Ned.  That is if you’re through telling me about my affairs,” for Ned, who had formerly worked in the Shopton bank, had recently been made general financial man-ager of the interests of Tom and his father.  The two were inventors and proverbially poor business men, though they had amassed a fortune.

“Your financial affairs are all right, Tom,” said Ned.  “I have just been going over the books, and I’ll submit a detailed report later.”

The telephone bell rang and Tom picked up the instrument from the desk.  As he answered in the usual way and then listened a moment, a strange look came over his face.

“Well, this certainly is wonderful!” he exclaimed, in much the same manner as when he had finished reading the article about the idol.  “It certainly is a strange coincidence,” he added, speaking in an aside to Ned while he himself still listened to what was being told to him over the telephone wire.

CHAPTER II

PROFESSOR BUMPER ARRIVES

“What’s the matter, Tom?  What is it?” asked Ned Newton, attracted by the strange manner of his chum at the telephone.  “Has anything happened?”

But the young inventor was too busy listening to the unseen speaker to answer his chum, even if he heard what Ned remarked, which is doubtful.