Scientists and explorers were continually besieging Frank, and the young inventor was quite worn out with the importunities of many when the day set for starting came. At length the day came. The Steam Man was placed aboard a special car and shipped to New Orleans direct. Here Mr. Buckden had seen to the chartering of a steamer, aboard which the travelers went. A tremendous crowd were at the wharf to cheer the voyagers. It was a great day for New Orleans. But at length the steamer’s bell rung for starting. Frank shook hands warmly with Mr. Buckden. ‪“I feel sure that you will rescue my son,” declared the agonized father. ‪“Heaven will aid you.” ‪“I will do all in my power,” said Frank, earnestly. The schooner cast loose from the levee and shot down into the current. A band played, the people cheered, and Frank Reade, Jr., Barney and Pomp and the Steam Man were really off upon their trip to Central America. A short while later they passed through the jetties at the delta of the Mississippi, and were in the waters of the Gulf. The voyage to Campeachy was not a long one and most propitious. When at length they entered the Bay of Campeachy the mild land breeze and a view of the palm-studded shore told them that they were in a tropical clime. To the surprise of our voyagers, a warm reception was accorded them at Campeachy. The Spanish people, ever of an enthusiastic, sport-loving turn, turned out in great force to welcome the distinguished visitors. Word had been received by cablegram of their coming. The governor of Campeachy warmly welcomed Frank, and for a few hours he was taken charge of by a committee and treated to many hospitalities. There were many of his own people in the town also—merchants connected with houses in New York that dealt in dye stuffs, fruits and many of the products of the country. Frank was deeply impressed with the warmth of the welcome given him. He thanked all his benefactors kindly. Then at the most favorable moment he returned to the ship. The Steam Man was brought ashore and exhibited to the wondering gaze of the people. But Frank knew the importance of quick and prompt action, and was not the one to readily accede to delay. He knew that every moment was to the success of his enterprise of vital worth. The people were all in sympathy with his enterprise. Tony Buckden had been well and favorably known in Campeachy. The young engineer was very popular there, and everybody was deeply interested in his fate. But Senor Gonzales, one of the patrician gentlemen of Campeachy, came to Frank and said: ‪“Senor Americano, I hope you will succeed with all my heart. But do not be disappointed if you do not find the young Senor Buckden.” ‪“Ah, then you think the chances are few?” asked Frank. ‪“I speak of what I know. The dangers of interior Yucatan are known to none better than I. I fear the worst for your friend.” ‪“But I can at least try.”