The second reason for the decision to enter the Amazon by way of Para was that the great waterway of South America is treacherous. In the language of the native Brazilian Indians, Amazon means “boat destroyer.” There are monster tidal waves at the mouth, and the wash from above so reduces the depth that vessels are frequently stranded on bars of sand. In addition to these difficulties, there are numerous islands in the river, which is fully fifty miles in width at a distance of a hundred miles from the coast, and it requires the service of an experienced pilot to keep the direct course.
The route to the foothills of the Andes is considerably longer by way of Para, but the boys were in no hurry to bring their pleasant excursion to a close, and the above reasons were considered sufficient for the choice they made. Besides, there would be an opportunity to view the lower Amazon on the way down.
When the lights of Para came into view that night, the boys decided to anchor a short distance above the city and remain there through the following day, purchasing the needed supplies. Then, on the second morning, they could proceed westward, passing through the estuaries and streams which connect the Para river with the Amazon, and so on to the mountains. The point of junction with the Amazon is to the west of Marajo island, a body of land larger than some of the New England states.
The Rambler, therefore, came to anchor in a slip well to the west of the city, and, after partaking of supper, the boys set out to see the sights of the first foreign town they had ever set eyes on—that is, the first foreign town of importance which they had seen at close range. Case was left on board, and when the shore party returned he sat on the prow of the boat, watchful and alert.
“What did you see in the city?” he asked, as the boys began letting down the bunks.
“Same old story,” yawned Jule. “Nothing but houses! I can find just as queer places in Chicago as I saw there.”
“Good old Chicago!” exclaimed Alex, a flood of memories brought up by the mention of the name.
“Homesick?” asked Case, with a provoking smile.
“Not a bit of it! I guess I can like a city, and think of her, and the good times I’ve had there without wanting to go straight back to her! This is good enough for me right now.”
“Did you try your Spanish on anyone?” laughed Case, presently. “If you did, you probably had to take to our heels in order to keep out of jail,” he continued.