‪“Ki dar, Marse Frank!” cried Pomp, with eyes big as moons. “Kain’t say dis chile likes snakes, but yo’ kin jes’ bet he’d like to go dar jes’ de same.” ‪“Good!” cried Frank, “then if I conclude to go, you’ll be all ready?” “Yo kin jes’ bet we will.” ‪“Make no doubt av that.” ‪“All right,” said Frank, buttoning his coat closer, ‪“be in readiness for I may decide to go.” The young inventor went on down the street. In a few moments he came to the entrance of the big yards of the Reade Machine Shop. Here at the entrance was the sumptuously furnished office. Frank entered, and an elderly patrician-looking gentleman who was pacing the floor, excitedly rushed up to him, crying: ‪“Are you Mr. Frank Reade, Jr.?” ‪“I am,” replied Frank. ‪“Thank God you have come at last! Here is my card.” Frank took it and read: ‪“THOMAS BUCKDEN, NEW YORK CITY.” ‪“Indeed!” exclaimed the young inventor, affably. “I am glad to welcome you here, Mr. Buckden. I believe I know your son well, and——” ‪“Oh, then you remember him well,” cried the old gentleman, excitedly. “Thank Heaven for that! It will perhaps influence you to accede to the request I have to make. Oh, have—have you heard about my son?” ‪“I have heard that your son at last accounts had become lost in the jungle,” replied Frank. ‪“Yes, yes, but we believe that he has been captured and held a prisoner by a wild tribe of savages known in that vicinity as the Tanadas.” ‪“It is quite likely.” “God grant it may be so. Oh, sir, listen to an agonized father’s prayers. They tell me that you have the necessary equipments and are the only man who can go into those wilds and rescue my boy. Now I am a wealthy man and will pay——” ‪“Stop!” said Frank, imperatively. “Do not speak to me of pay! I knew your son; he was my college friend. I am only too glad to be able to go to his aid. I will say this much—that before three days I shall start from New Orleans with my Steam Man on board a special steamer for Campeachy. You may if you choose see to the chartering of the steamer.” ‪“A fleet if you wish it!” cried Mr. Buckden. “Oh, accept my deepest gratitude, Mr. Reade, and—bring my boy safely back.” ‪“I will try,” replied Frank. “God bless you! But this wonderful Steam Man—I have never seen it.” ‪“Come with me and I will be glad to show it to you,” said Frank. The young inventor led the way into a high roofed chamber with large doors which opened out into the yard. Here was a sight such as Mr. Buckden had never seen the like of. Standing in the center of the huge chamber was the Steam Man, the wonder of the century. Since his western trip Frank had had the Man thoroughly repaired, and he was now in perfect condition to go out upon a trip. ‪“What do you think of him?” asked Frank. ‪“Simply wonderful!” replied Mr. Buckden, admiringly. ‪“If you will please step this way I will be glad to show you how he is made, and how he is able to go.”