But the vessel proved herself sturdier than the timid ones had dared to hope, and she was soon running before the blast, going out of her course, it is true, but avoiding the danger among the many cays, or small islands, that dot the Caribbean Sea.

There was nothing to do but to let the storm blow itself out, which it did in two days.  Then came a period of delightful weather.  The cargo had shifted somewhat, which gave the steamer a rather undignified list.

This, as well as the loss of a deckhand overboard, was the effect of the hurricane, and though the end of the trip came amid sunshine and sweet-scented tropical breezes, many could not forget the dangers through which they had passed.

In due time Tom and his party found themselves safely housed in the small hotel at Puerto Cortes, their belongings stored in a convenient warehouse and themselves, rather weary by reason of the stress of weather, ready for the start into the interior wilds of Honduras.

“How are we going to make the trip?” asked Ned, as they sat at supper, the first night after their arrival, eating of several dishes, the red-pepper condiments of which caused frequent trips to the water pitcher.

“We can go in two ways, and perhaps we shall find it to our advantage to use both means,” said Professor Bumper.  “To get to this city of Kurzon,” he proceeded in a low voice, so that none of the others in the dining-room would hear them, “we will have to go either by mule back or boat to a point near Copan.  As near as I can tell by the ancient maps, Kurzon is in the Copan valley.

“Now the Chamelecon river seems to run to within a short distance of there, but there is no telling how far up it may be navigable.  If we can go by boat it will be much more comfortable.  Travel by mules and ox-carts is slow and sure, but the roads are very bad, as I have heard from friends who have made explorations in Honduras.

“And, as I said, we may have to use both land and water travel to get us where we want to go.  We can proceed as far as possible up the river, and then take to the mules.”

“What about arranging for boats and animals?” asked Tom.  “I should think——­”

He suddenly ceased talking and reached for the water, taking several large swallows.

“Whew!” he exclaimed, when he could catch his breath.  “That was a hot one.”

“What did you do?” asked Ned.

“Bit into a nest of red pepper.  Guess I’ll have to tell that cook to scatter his hits.  He’s bunching ’em too much in my direction,” and Tom wiped the tears from his eyes.

“To answer your question,” said Professor Bumper, “I will say that I have made partial arrangements for men and animals, and boats if it is found feasible to use them.  I’ve been in correspondence with one of the merchants here, and he promised to make arrangements for us.”

“When do we leave?” asked Mr. Damon.