Appleton, Victor – Tom Swift in the Land of Wonders

“Oh, it isn’t a question of money,” said Tom. “It’s time.”

“That’s just what it is with me!” exclaimed Professor Bumper. “I haven’t any time to lose. My rivals may, even now, be on their way to Honduras!”

“Your rivals!” cried Tom. “You didn’t say anything about them!”

“No, I believe I didn’t There were so many other things to talk about. But there is a rival archaeologist who would ask nothing better than to get ahead of me in this matter. He is younger than I am, and youth is a big asset nowadays.”

“Pooh! You’re not old!” cried Mr. Damon. “You’re no older than I am, and I’m still young. I’m a lot younger than some of these boys who are afraid to tackle a trip through a tropical wilderness,” and he playfully nudged Tom in the ribs.

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“I’m not a bit afraid!” retorted the young inventor.

“No, I know you’re not,” laughed Mr. Damon. “But I’ve got to say something, Tom, to stir you up. Ned, how about you? Would you go?”

“I can’t, unless Tom does. You see I’m his financial man now.”

“There you are, Tom Swift!” cried Mr. Damon. “You see you are holding back a number of persons just because you don’t want to go.”

“I certainly wouldn’t like to go without Tom,” said the professor slowly. “I really need his help. You know, Tom, we would never have found the city of Pelone if it had not been for you and your marvelous powder. The conditions in the Copan valley are likely to be still more difficult to overcome, and I feel that I risk failure without your young energy and your inventive mind to aid in the work and to suggest possible means of attaining our object. Come, Tom, reconsider, and decide to make the trip.”