‪“Si Senor. May the mother be with you,” said the Spanish gentleman, warmly. Frank lost no time now in making the Steam Man ready for the start. One day was consumed in making a map of his route, as nearly correct as he could gather in detail from the natives who penetrated the interior. Frank had decided to proceed at once to the table-land of Tanada. This point gained he believed that he could there learn something more of the fate of young Buckden. He consulted with every native guide and traveler who knew anything about the route. But now a curious thing occurred. Every man he encountered seemed to have a different idea of the table-lands. Some were inclined to Munchausen tales, while others pooh-poohed them. At length in sheer disgust Frank said: ‪“There is just one thing about it. I have got to proceed solely upon my own judgment. If I adopted all the different plans accorded me I should lead a queer course to be sure.” So with this decision Frank left Campeachy. Beyond the city, Frank found some fairly good roads which led through a section devoted to the culture of fruits and vegetables of various kinds. Then immense fields of the coffee plant were passed and finally the country began to change its appearance. Immense tropical forests were encountered. These of course the Steam Man could not travel through. But generally paths were found leading through the hills, and in this way the explorers got along. A wild region was encountered, wilder than even Barney and Pomp had seen in the heart of Africa. They were at the moment near the verge of a mighty forest. ‪“Speaking of snakes,” cried Frank Reade, Jr., ‪“Just look at that.” All gazed in the direction indicated. Hanging from the limb of a mighty forest monarch was a gigantic python or boa-constrictor. In the monster’s folds was a small wood fawn. It had been crushed all to jelly by the powerful folds of the reptile. It reared its head and recoiled as the Steam Man appeared on the scene. But it did not show fear, or seem to care in the least for the machine. Indeed, it acted defiant and ready for battle. Barney shrugged his shoulders and picked up his rifle. “Begorra, I’d loike to spoil the appetite av ther baste,” he cried. “An’ it’s that same I’ll do.” So with this the Celt up and fired at the python. The effect was curious. The huge snake received the bullet in its sinuous folds, and a jet of blood marked the course of the ball. Hissing savagely with pain, the python released the wood fawn, and without an instant’s warning charged directly at the man. In an instant Frank saw that they had committed an indiscretion. While to be sure they were protected by the steel screen of the wagon, yet it was easy to reckon the effect of the python’s attack. That monster’s brown body came hurtling and hissing down the slope like an avalanche. Swifter than a railroad train the enraged python charged upon its foe.