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Transcriber’s Notes
Obvious typographical errors have been silently corrected. Variationsin hyphenation have been standardised but all other spelling andpunctuation remains unchanged.
The table of contents was added by the transcriber.
FRANK READE, JR., IN CENTRAL AMERICA.
The subscription Price of the Frank Reade Library by the year is $2.50: $1.25 per six months, post-paid. Address FRANKTOUSEY, Publisher, 34 and 36 North Moore Street. Box 2730.
FRANK READE, JR.,
With His New Steam Man in Central America.
By “NONAME,”
Author of “Frank Reade, Jr., With His New Steam Man in No Man’s Land; or, On a Mysterious Trail,” etc., etc.
Table of Contents
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CHAPTER I.
A STRANGE STORY FROM YUCATAN.
Frank Reade, Jr., the distinguished inventor of many wonderfulmachines, and particularly the new Steam Man, sat in his library onewinter’s day reading a newspaper.
His wife sat near him engaged in some light needle work. Shelooked up to see a peculiar expression upon her husband’s handsomeface.
“Well, that is strange,” exclaimed Frank Reade, Jr., with a whistleof surprise. “I am positive that is my old friend, Buckden, whom Iknew at college. Upon my word, this breaks me all up.”
“What is it, Frank?” asked Mrs. Reade, with interest.
“Why, Tony Buckden, an old college mate of mine, it seems hasturned his wits to mining engineering. This has taken him down toCentral America, to Yucatan, and a cablegram has just been receivedin New York, stating that Tony had become separated from his partyand lost in the jungle. For six weeks he was searched for in vain.”
“How terrible.”
“It is more than likely that he has fallen a prey to wild beasts.Yet his father, the millionaire, Thomas Buckden, of New York, comesout with an offer of $50,000 to the person who will furnish positiveproof that his son is alive, and bring him safely home.”
“That is a large reward,” ventured Mrs. Reade. “I hope somebodywill win it.”
“Poor Tony!” exclaimed Frank, with emotion. “I declare I almostfeel it my duty to go to his rescue.”
“What! le