CHAPTER XVI. A DASH OF TABASCO.

Mischievous Ned. TERRIBLE FATE OF A DARING INDIAN. STUMBLING UPON GOLD MINES. YEAR OF THE COCK.

CHARACTERS THAT APPEAR IN THIS STORY.

=Motor Matt=, a lad who is at home with every variety of motor, and whose never-failing nerve serves to carry him through difficulties that would daunt any ordinary young fellow. Because of his daring as a racer with bicycle, motor-cycle and automobile he is known as "Mile-a-minute Matt." Motor-boats, air ships and submarines come naturally in his line, and consequently he lives in an atmosphere of adventure in following up his "hobby."

=Dick Ferral=, a young sea dog from Canada, with all a sailor's superstitions, but in spite of all that a royal chum, ready to stand by the friend of his choice through thick and thin.

=Carl Pretzel=, a cheerful and rollicking German boy, stout of frame as well as of heart, who is led by a fortunate accident to link his fortunes with those of Motor Matt.

=Hays Jordan=, United States consul at Belize. A man of pluck and determination, who furnishes valuable information about his friend, Jeremiah Coleman, and even more valuable personal services during the rescue of Coleman.

=Jeremiah Coleman=, another United States consul who has been spirited away by Central American revolutionists in the hope of driving a sharp bargain with the United States Government for the release of a captured filibuster named James Sixty.

=Tirzal=, a half-breed mahogany-cutter who serves Jordan in the capacity of spy, and who has been a pilot along the coast.

=Speake, Gaines and Clackett=, part of the crew of the _Grampus_.

=Cassidy=, mate of the _Grampus_ who, because of a fancied grievance, takes the wrong trail at the forks of the road. An old friend whom Matt found to be an enemy and then made a friend again.

=Abner Fingal=, skipper of the notorious schooner, _North Star_, and brother of James Sixty, to whose evil nature Motor Matt owes most of his present troubles.

=Captain Nemo, Jr.=, skipper of the submarine, _Grampus_, and who falls victim to a sudden illness. Because of the captain's sickness, Matt is placed in command of the _Grampus_.

=Ysabel Sixty=, an old acquaintance who plays an important part in the story.