“Oh, Frank, I so fear for your safety!” “But you must not. With the Steam Man I am quite safe.” Mrs. Reade did not speak upon the subject further, and like the true wife that she was did not attempt to gainsay her husband’s plans. Woman-like, though, she dreaded his going upon these expeditions into regions of unexplored wilderness where danger was rife. But Frank had fully made up his mind to go to Los Pueblos. He at once sent a messenger to Senor Ravello at Laredo. It was to this effect: “SENOR RAVELLO--I shall come to Laredo at an early day. Negotiate with Costello for a ransom to gain time. I shall bring the Steam Man with me, and shall try to rescue my friend Montaine. “Yours truly, “FRANK READE, JR.” This message was sent over the wires with all dispatch. The report spread that the Steam Man was to go upon a tour to Mexico. At once public interest as usual was aroused. The exploits of the young inventor and his wonderful Steam Man always claimed widespread attention. Letters of congratulation, of inquiry, and of request began to pour in. But Frank had little time to give them heed. He was very busy for some time fitting up the Man. But on the fourth day after receiving the letter of Senor Ravello the Steam Man, packed securely in sections, was safely placed aboard a special train. Frank had decided to take the Steam Man as far as Laredo by rail. Then he would go from thence to Los Pueblos overland. Nothing of note occurred during the trip to the Mexican frontier. A few days later after having crossed half of the continent the Rio Grande river was crossed, and the Steam Man and our voyagers were in Mexico. Immediately upon alighting from the train Frank was met by a tall, fine-looking gentleman. “I am Senor Ravello,” he said. “I imagine that you are Senor Reade.” “I am!” replied Frank. “I am glad to meet you.” They shook hands and conversed pleasantly for some moments. It was an early hour in the morning, and Barney and Pomp went at once to work to take the Man from the cars. It was unloaded in sections, and then with the aid of half a dozen skilled workmen whom Frank had brought along, it was put together. Quite a crowd of people were at the station to witness this operation. They were of all classes and many different nations. Senor Ravello conversed with Frank and watched with interest the reconstruction of the Steam Man. “Have you heard from Montaine lately?” asked Frank, casually. “I sent word to Costello by a special messenger, asking him what ransom he would take.” “Ah!” “He returned an evasive reply.” “Indeed!” “I have, therefore, arrived at the conclusion perforce that he is not desirous of accepting a ransom. His game is to hold Montaine a prisoner while he works the rich Los Pueblos claim.” “Well,” said Frank, drawing a deep breath, “we will try and spoil that little game for him.”