id
Mr. Titus. "We have a regular camp at the tunnel mouth, and my brother
has supplies of grub and other things constantly coming in. We also
have shacks to live in; but on this trip we will use tents, as the
weather at this season is fine."

It was quite a little expedition that set off up the mountain trail
that afternoon, for they had arrived at the end of the railroad line
shortly before dinner, and had eaten at a rather poor restaurant.

Professor Bumper had made up his own exploring party, consisting of
himself and three native Indian diggers with their picks and shovels.
They were to do whatever excavating he decided was necessary to locate
the hidden city.

Several mules and llamas, laden with the new explosive, and burdened
with camp equipment and food, and a few Indian servants made up the
cavalcade of Tom, the contractor, Mr. Damon and Koku. The giant was
almost as much a source of wonder to the Peruvians as he had been on
board the ship. And he was a great help, too. For some of the Indians
were under-sized, and could not lift the heavy boxes and packages to
the backs of the beasts of burden.

But Koku, thrusting the little men aside, grasped with one hand what
two of them had tried in vain to lift, and set it on the back of mule
or llama.

The way was rough but they took their time to it, for the trail was an
ascending one. Above and beyond them towered the great Andes, and Tom,
gazing up into the sky, which in places seemed almost pierced by the
snow-covered peaks, saw some small black specks moving about.

"Condors," said Mr. Titus, when his attention was called to them. "Some
of them are powerful birds, and they sometimes pick up a sheep and make
off with it, though usually their food consists of carrion."

They went into camp before the sun went down, for it grew dark soon
after sunset, and they wanted to be prepared. Supper was made ready by
the Indian helpers, and when this was over, and they sat about a camp
fire, Tom said:

"Now, Professor Bumper, perhaps you'll explain about the lost city."

"I wish I could explain about it," began the scientist. "For years I
have dreamed of finding it, but always I have been disappointed. Now,
perhaps, my luck may change."

"Do you think it may be near here?" asked Mr. Titus, motioning toward
the dark and frowning peaks all about them.

"It may be. The signs are most encouraging. In brief, the story of the
lost city of Pelone is this. Thousands of