"We've got to see about getting ox teams, carts and helpers, and no end of food for our trip into the interior."
"Bless my coffee pot! It's like old times to be going off into the jungle or wilderness camping," said Mr. Damon.
"Did you see anything of the Fogers?" asked Ned of his chum.
"Not a thing. Guess they're in their stateroom, and they can stay there for all of me. I'm going to get busy."
Tom and his friends went to a hotel, for they, knew it would take several days to get their expedition in shape. They looked about for a sight of their enemies, but saw nothing of them.
It took five days to hire the ox carts, get helpers, a supply of food and other things, and to unload the balloon and baggage from the ship. In all this time there was no sign of the Fogers, and Tom hoped they had gone about their own business.
Our friends had let it be known that they were going into the interior to prospect, look for historic relics and ruins, and generally have a sort of vacation.
"For if it is even hinted that we are after the city of gold," said Tom, "it would be all up with
