As for the fortunate four, they scarcely could believe their own good luck. It seemed a miracle that they had been selected, that all expenses would be paid, and that their parents had given consent.
Their enthusiasm boundless, the young Explorers spent hours at the public library, reading about South America. Jack, in particular, studied Spanish grammar, trying out phrases on his friends.
According to a carefully worked out plan, Captain Carter was scheduled to sail without delay for Cuertos, an almost unknown dog-hole port on the Peruvian coast.
The trip through the Canal would take many weeks, while the Rovers, by clipper, would reach their destination speedily. Captain Carter’s Shark was expected to arrive at Cuertos well ahead of Mr. Livingston’s party. A meeting date was set for the following month.
As preparations rapidly went forward for the sailing, the four Explorers saw little of Captain Carter. Occasionally, they ran into him at Mr. Livingston’s home, but always he shunned them. Though they tried to be friendly, he would not respond.
“He won’t get over his grudge,” Willie remarked. “A nice way to start a long trip!”
“It’s not our fault,” Jack returned. “We’ve done everything we can to make amends. He distrusts us, and between you and me and the gatepost, I feel the same about him!”
The Explorers consoled themselves with the thought that once their equipment and stores had been delivered at Cuertos, they would be done with Captain Carter. Few freighters, they were told, ever visited the out-of-the-way port.
“Don’t underestimate Captain Carter,” Mr. Livingston advised the Rovers. “He can be very useful to us if we win him over. He knows the ropes and can put us in touch with the right people.”
“You’re not expecting trouble on this trip?” Jack asked quietly.