The others followed, and although not as emotional they were no less hungry.
The meal tasted good, despite the fact that they were ignorant of its composition. Fekmah tried to explain one of the dishes, but the foodstuffs used in its preparation were unknown to the Americans, and they were as much in the dark after he had finished the explanation as before he had begun it.
“We’ll trust there isn’t anything repulsive in its make-up,” smiled Mr. Holton.
“At any rate the taste isn’t so bad,” came from Bob. “I’ve seen stuff much worse.”
“Referring to the delicacies of the South American Indians, I suppose,” laughed Mr. Lewis, and the boys nodded.
“We were forced to eat almost anything for a while,” reflected Joe. “Getting lost in the Brazilian jungle was a serious thing, and we realized it. Then when we got in with those savages, we accepted their offer of food at once, even though we weren’t sure it was all right.”
“That was a great adventure, boys,” remarked Mr. Holton, his thoughts going back to the countless days of river traveling in unknown South America. “The more I think of it the more convinced I am that we should be extremely proud of that exploit. Mr. Lewis and I have had many adventures in unknown lands while collecting specimens for the museum, but none surpasses that one.”
“I’d like to go there some time,” said Dr. Kirshner. “But so far, my work as an archæologist has not called me into that region. When it will, if ever, I do not know.”
After the bountiful meal the explorers took it easy in the hotel, and Fekmah returned to his room.