Frank led the way to the other side of the invention, and then with pardonable pride began explicitly to illustrate the fine points of the Steam Man. CHAPTER II. IN YUCATAN. ‪“You can see that he is constructed of plates of iron,” said Frank, explanatively. “The legs are reservoirs for water, the furnace is in his chest and the smoke-pipe is his high hat. The gauge and indicator and throttle as well as steam chest are upon his back. In his mouth you will see the whistle. ‪“Then you will observe the steel driving rods down his legs. Of course it required some clever mechanical skill, but it can be seen at a glance that the machine is a practicable and feasible one. Just as much so as a locomotive.” ‪“But ten times more wonderful,” declared Mr. Buckden. “Perhaps so. Now you can see that this is the wagon drawn by the Steam Man. In this wagon we carry a supply of coal, provisions and weapons. It is covered with a wire screen made of toughest steel and able to withstand a rifle ball. ‪“Through this opening in the front come the reins by which I drive the Man. The loopholes in the sides are to fire through. Indeed, sir, the wagon is a small fortress in itself.” ‪“I should say so,” agreed the millionaire, ‪“and what an admirable thing for this trip to Yucatan. In that land of poisonous reptiles and insects you can travel with immunity for it would puzzle a fly to get through that screen.” ‪“I think it is the proper vehicle to travel with there,” agreed Frank. ‪“I believe that the region where your son will be likely to be found is one of level sort, flat table-lands and plains.” ‪“I believe so!” ‪“Ah, well, I will promise to do the best I can to save him.” ‪“I thank you!” A short while later Mr. Buckden took his departure. Now that Frank’s mind had been made up to take the trip, he lost no time in making preparations. His father, when acquainted with the project, shook his head wistfully and said: “I only wish I was as young and supple as I once was. How I’d like to go along!” Barney and Pomp were over-enthusiastic over the project. They were on hand promptly and assisted in the preparations. The wagon was quite spacious and would carry a good deal. Provisions of a portable kind were packed, and plenty of ammunition. Frank took care also to supply himself with drugs, for he did not forget that it was a malarial country that he was going to. One thing was much in their favor, and that was the season of the year, it being winter. Naturally the climate would not be so hot as in mid-summer. When the report was spread that Frank Reade, Jr., and his Steam Man were going to Central America, the whole country was deeply interested. The newspapers contained sketches of the young inventor and his famous machine. People traveled hundreds of miles to Readestown for a look at the great Steam Man, the wonder of the age.