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Read Ebook: Frank Reade Jr. With His New Steam Man in Central America by Senarens Luis
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Ebook has 1326 lines and 25601 words, and 27 pages
Da sagte Josi unvermittelt, als h?tte er von der Geschichte seiner Schwester gar nichts geh?rt: >>Bini ist aber ein sch?nes M?dchen!<<
Vroni sah den Bruder erstaunt an, erst nach einer Weile antwortete sie: >>Siehst du das erst jetzt, das habe ich schon lange gewusst.<<
Ihre Gedanken blieben bei der Erz?hlung haften, die H?nde im Schoss, spann si IN YUCATAN.
?"You can see that he is constructed of plates of iron," said Frank, explanatively. "The legs are reservoirs for water, the furnace is in his chest and the smoke-pipe is his high hat. The gauge and indicator and throttle as well as steam chest are upon his back. In his mouth you will see the whistle.
?"Then you will observe the steel driving rods down his legs. Of course it required some clever mechanical skill, but it can be seen at a glance that the machine is a practicable and feasible one. Just as much so as a locomotive."
?"But ten times more wonderful," declared Mr. Buckden.
"Perhaps so. Now you can see that this is the wagon drawn by the Steam Man. In this wagon we carry a supply of coal, provisions and weapons. It is covered with a wire screen made of toughest steel and able to withstand a rifle ball.
?"Through this opening in the front come the reins by which I drive the Man. The loopholes in the sides are to fire through. Indeed, sir, the wagon is a small fortress in itself."
?"I should say so," agreed the millionaire, ?"and what an admirable thing for this trip to Yucatan. In that land of poisonous reptiles and insects you can travel with immunity for it would puzzle a fly to get through that screen."
?"I think it is the proper vehicle to travel with there," agreed Frank. ?"I believe that the region where your son will be likely to be found is one of level sort, flat table-lands and plains."
?"I believe so!"
?"Ah, well, I will promise to do the best I can to save him."
?"I thank you!"
A short while later Mr. Buckden took his departure.
Now that Frank's mind had been made up to take the trip, he lost no time in making preparations.
His father, when acquainted with the project, shook his head wistfully and said:
"I only wish I was as young and supple as I once was. How I'd like to go along!"
Barney and Pomp were over-enthusiastic over the project.
They were on hand promptly and assisted in the preparations.
The wagon was quite spacious and would carry a good deal. Provisions of a portable kind were packed, and plenty of ammunition.
Frank took care also to supply himself with drugs, for he did not forget that it was a malarial country that he was going to.
One thing was much in their favor, and that was the season of the year, it being winter.
Naturally the climate would not be so hot as in mid-summer.
When the report was spread that Frank Reade, Jr., and his Steam Man were going to Central America, the whole country was deeply interested.
The newspapers contained sketches of the young inventor and his famous machine.
People traveled hundreds of miles to Readestown for a look at the great Steam Man, the wonder of the age.
Scientists and explorers were continually besieging Frank, and the young inventor was quite worn out with the importunities of many when the day set for starting came.
At length the day came.
The Steam Man was placed aboard a special car and shipped to New Orleans direct.
Here Mr. Buckden had seen to the chartering of a steamer, aboard which the travelers went.
A tremendous crowd were at the wharf to cheer the voyagers.
It was a great day for New Orleans.
But at length the steamer's bell rung for starting.
Frank shook hands warmly with Mr. Buckden.
?"I feel sure that you will rescue my son," declared the agonized father. ?"Heaven will aid you."
?"I will do all in my power," said Frank, earnestly.
The schooner cast loose from the levee and shot down into the current. A band played, the people cheered, and Frank Reade, Jr., Barney and Pomp and the Steam Man were really off upon their trip to Central America.
A short while later they passed through the jetties at the delta of the Mississippi, and were in the waters of the Gulf.
The voyage to Campeachy was not a long one and most propitious.
When at length they entered the Bay of Campeachy the mild land breeze and a view of the palm-studded shore told them that they were in a tropical clime.
To the surprise of our voyagers, a warm reception was accorded them at Campeachy.
The Spanish people, ever of an enthusiastic, sport-loving turn, turned out in great force to welcome the distinguished visitors.
Word had been received by cablegram of their coming.
The governor of Campeachy warmly welcomed Frank, and for a few hours he was taken charge of by a committee and treated to many hospitalities.
There were many of his own people in the town also--merchants connected with houses in New York that dealt in dye stuffs, fruits and many of the products of the country.
Frank was deeply impressed with the warmth of the welcome given him.
He thanked all his benefactors kindly.
Then at the most favorable moment he returned to the ship.
The Steam Man was brought ashore and exhibited to the wondering gaze of the people.
But Frank knew the importance of quick and prompt action, and was not the one to readily accede to delay.
He knew that every moment was to the success of his enterprise of vital worth.
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