has to do with the hidden city, and tells of the ancient
civilization of those who lived in the Copan valley thousands of years
ago. The people held this idol of gold to be their greatest treasure,
and they put to death many of other tribes who sought to steal it."

"Whew!" whistled Ned. "That IS some yarn. But what is Professor
Bumper going to do about it?"

"I don't know. The article seems to be written with an idea of
interesting scientists and research societies, so that they will raise
money to conduct a searching expedition.

"Perhaps by this time the party may be organized--this magazine is
several months old. I have been so busy on my stabilizer patent that I
haven't kept up with current literature. Take it home and read it!
Ned. That is if you're through telling me about my affairs," for Ned,
who had formerly worked in the Shopton bank, had recently been made
general financial manager of the interests of Tom and his father. The
two were inventors and proverbially poor business men, though they had
amassed a fortune.

"Your financial affairs are all right, Tom," said Ned. "I have just
been going over the books, and I'll submit a detailed report later."

The telephone bell rang and Tom picked up the instrument from the desk.
As he answered in the usual way and then listened a moment, a strange
look came over his face.

"Well, this certainly is wonderful!" he exclaimed, in much the same
manner as when he had finished reading the article about the idol. "It
certainly is a strange coincidence," he added, speaking in an aside to
Ned while he himself still listened to what was being told to him over
the telephone wire.

CHAPTER II

PROFESSOR BUMPER ARRIVES

"What's the matter, Tom? What is it?" asked Ned Newton, attracted by
the strange manner of his chum at the telephone. "Has anything
happened?"

But the young inventor was too busy listening to the unseen speaker to
answer his chum, even if he heard what Ned remarked, which is doubtful.

"Well, I might as well wait until he is through," mused Ned, as he
started to leave the room. Then as Tom motioned to him to remain, he
murmured: "He may have something to say to me later. But I wonder who
is talking to him."

There was no way of finding out, however, until Tom had a chance to
talk to Ned, and at present the young scientist was eagerly listening
to what came over the wire. Occasionally Ned could hear him say:

"You don't tell