"Very large indeed. At its mouth it is about ten miles wide, and it is from twelve to fourteen hundred miles long. Stanley traced its course after an expedition in which he fought over thirty battles with the natives."
"They must be fearfully savage."
"Those in the interior are. The natives that live close to the ocean are peaceable enough, so I have been told."
"And how are we going to get there?" asked Tom. "I don't suppose there are any regular steamers running to the Congo."
"No, indeed, Tom. I have written to a shipping firm in New York for information, and they will probably send word by morning," was the answer.
It can well be imagined that the boys slept but little that night. In the morning they telegraphed to Putnam Hall for their trunks, and also let Captain Putnam and their chums know how matters stood. Then began preparations for such a tour as none of them had ever before anticipated.
Word came from New York in the early afternoon mail, and the information sent was highly satisfactory to Randolph Rover. The French steamer Republique was in port, loading for Boma and other African ports, and would set sail on the coming Saturday. The firm had taken upon itself the responsibility to speak of passage for Mr. Rover and one or two others.
"Hurrah!" cried Tom. "Uncle Randolph, you had better telegraph to them at once for passage for the four of us."
"I will," answered, Mr. Rover, and the telegram was sent within the hour.
The next day was a busy one. As but little in the way of outfits could be procured in Oak Run or the adjoining villages, it was decided that they should go down to New York on Thursday afternoon and spend all of Friday in purchasing in the metropolis whatever was needed.