“Suppose we ask the conductor?” said Gus.
After some little trouble they found the man, who was surrounded by a crowd of passengers, all eager to know what would be the result of the delay.
“We will go through as soon as possible,” he replied. “The men will work hard, and I think in two hours, or three at the most, we will be able to move.”
“Three hours!” exclaimed Oliver. “That is quite a time.”
“Let us spend it in exploring the vicinity,” suggested Gus.
Oliver was agreeable. Mr. Whyland did not care to go, but sat down to read a magazine, and the two boys started off alone.
“We won’t go far,” said Oliver. “I suppose they will blow the whistle before they start, so that we can get back.”
In five minutes the boys were in a veritable forest. On every side could be seen tall palms, interspersed with cocoa, sycamore, and other tropical trees. Beneath their feet grew a rank vegetation, and wherever there was a bit of water, gorgeous lilies sprang up, the like of which they had never before beheld.
And the birds and monkeys overhead! Never had they seen such a sight, and it seemed they would never get done wondering over it. Every tree was full, and the air resounded with sweet song and senseless chatter.