d at one another. There seemed to be something back of the simple
statement--an ominous and portending "something."

"On the same steamer with us, is he?" mused Tom.

"How did you learn this?" asked Ned.

"Just got a wire from Professor Bumper telling me. He asked me to
telephone to you about it, as he was too busy to call up on the long
distance from New York. But instead of 'phoning I decided to come over
myself."

"Glad you did," said Tom, heartily. "Did Professor Bumper want us to
do anything special, now that it is certain his rival will be so close
on his trail?"

"Yes, he asked me to warn you to be careful what you did and said in
reference to the expedition."

"Then does he fear something?" asked Ned.

"Yes, in a way. I think he is very much afraid this young Beecher will
not only be first on the site of the underground city, but that he may
be the first to discover the idol of gold. It would be a great thing
for a young archaeologist like Beecher to accomplish a mission of this
sort, and beat Professor Bumper in the race."

"Do you think that's why Beecher decided to go on the same steamer we
are to take?" asked Ned.

"Yes, I do," said Mr. Damon. "Though from what Professor Bumper said I
know he regards Professor Beecher as a perfectly honorable man, as well
as a brilliant student. I do not believe Beecher or his party would
stoop to anything dishonorable or underhand, though they would not
hesitate, nor would we, to take advantage of every fair chance to win
in the race."

"No, I suppose that's right," observed Tom; but there was a queer gleam
in his eye, and his chum wondered if Tom did not have in mind the
prospective race between himself and Fenimore Beecher for the regard of
Mary Nestor. "We'll do our best to win, and any one is at liberty to
travel on the same steamer we are to take," added the young inventor,
and his tone became more incisive.

"It will be all the livelier with two expeditions after the same golden
idol," remarked Ned.

"Yes, I think we're in for some excitement," observed Tom grimly. But
even he did not realize all that lay before them ere they would reach
Kurzon.

Mr. Damon, having delivered his message, and remarking that his
preparations for leaving were nearly completed, went back to
Waterfield, from there to proceed to New York in a few days with Tom
and Ned, to meet Professor Bumper.

"Well, I guess we have everything in pretty good shape," remarked To