1994 Escort LX Wagon 5 speed-Trans fluid on driver's side floormat

I have a pool of what appears to be transaxle fluid collecting on the driver's side floormat. 2 auto techs say the fluid is coming on/up the speedometer cable, into the dash area behind the speedometer, and then somehow dripping to the floor. Does anyone know what's going on, how to fix it and what it might cost? Thnx..Dave