"Appleton, Victor - Tom Swift Sr 020 - Tom Swift in the Land of Wonders" - читать интересную книгу автора (Appleton Victor)

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part of a buried city. Whether or not it was Kurzon I am unable to say.

``But if there was one ancient city there must be more. So I want to
make an attempt. And I counted on you, Tom. You have had considerable
experience in strange quarters of the earth, and you're just the one to
help me. I don't need money, for I have interested a certain millionaire,
and my own college will put up part of the funds.''

``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.''