The Flying Machine Boys in the Wilds; Or, The Mystery of the Andes

"The Flying Machine Boys in the Wilds; Or, The Mystery of the Andes" by Frank Walton is a fictional adventure novel likely written in the early 20th century. The narrative follows a group of young aviators, known as the Flying Machine Boys, who find themselves embarking on a thrilling journey through the South American wilderness filled with mystery and danger, including encounters with indigenous tribes. The main characters include Ben Whitcomb, Jimmie Stuart, Glenn Richards, and Carl Nichols, who navigate through thrilling challenges while exploring ancient ruins. The opening of the story introduces the boys as they camp under the equator in the high Andes, humorously lamenting their unexpected cold surroundings despite being so close to the equator. They discuss their aspirations to explore old temples in Peru, revealing their curiosity about the local mysteries, particularly a haunted temple said to be surrounded by tales of ghostly figures and strange occurrences. As they prepare to move to a warmer camp site, Jimmie and Carl venture down to a river to fish but encounter danger in the form of local savages, leading to a tense escape back to their friends, setting the stage for further adventures and the unfolding of the mystery of the Andes.