However, “at once” was a bit too hastily, for there were dangerous rapids that had to be portaged, totally unknown animals that diverted the naturalists’ attention, and a hundred and one reasons for making slow progress, even downstream. But at last they sighted the Purús in the distance.
“Now to hunt up Senhor del Pereo, the man who fitted us out with our boats and crew,” said Mr. Holton.
They found that individual in his house at the edge of the little town that rested between the two rivers.
He was more than glad to see the explorers back after such a long, perilous journey, and insisted that they remain at his house overnight, or until a boat could be found that would take them to the Amazon. The explorers accepted the invitation at once, glad of the chance to partake of the comforts of civilization after those long weeks into the unknown.
The next day they were fortunate in getting passage on a boat bound for Manáos. It was a small steamer, scheduled to reach its destination in less than five days.
At Manáos the explorers had another streak of good luck, finding a large liner that would take them straight to New York.
Down the mighty Amazon they steamed, at last coming into the port at Pará for a short stay.
After a walk about town, the Americans again boarded the vessel for the trip to New York.
It was an ideal evening as they steamed majestically out of the busy harbor and turned toward the United States.