"Why's that, uncle?" asked Burt in surprise. "Lots of fresh water, ain't there?"
"Lots," smiled his uncle, "and lots o' guinea worms, fever germs, poisons and other things in it. Better add a four-quart canteen, glass stoppers, to your personal list. Can't take any cork or the roaches'll eat it. Two blankets for each person, and six towels. I guess that's all we need put down now, boys."
"Hold on there!" cried practical Critch abruptly. "How 'bout eatin' utensils and fryin' pans, medicine, can openers and all them things?"
"All arranged for," laughed Mr. Wallace. "The cooking part of it will be up to John Quincy Adams Washington."
"John—who?" stammered Burt. "Say it again, please!"
For answer Mr. Wallace pressed a button and a footman appeared.
"Send the manager here at once, please." The man bowed and withdrew and while the boys were still staring at the explorer in wonder a dapper little man appeared bowing.
"Mr. Wallace? Glad to see you looking so well, sir! What can I do for you?"
"I want that fellow Washington," smiled the explorer. "Can you let me have him for say three months? I'm going down to Africa and he'll have to go along."
"Certainly! I'll send him right up, sir." The manager vanished with another bow and Mr. Wallace turned to the boys.