Would you like to try it, Meschines ?" "To be sure I should!" the professor replied.

"I imagine I can stand as much of the desert as you can! And I want to catch a sidewinder." "Good! And you, Mr.Freeman ?" "It would suit me exactly," said the latter.

"In fact, I had been intending to gratify my curiosity by making some such expedition on my own account." "Ah!" said the general, eying him with some intentness.

"Well, we may be able to show you something more curious than you anticipate .-- And now, Senor de Mendoza, there is only you left.

May we count on your company into the desert ?" But the Mexican, with a bow and a grimace, excused himself.