The others agreed with him.
“And yet,” said Professor Bigelow, “there are a number of cities that are very well developed. Take Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires, for instance. They are large, clean, and well kept. A street in Buenos Aires looks very much like a street in the United States.”
Soon the Empire was off, having unloaded a large cargo of American goods. Several passengers also took their leave here.
From then on the scientific party was restless and eager to get started into the unknown. As one nears his goal, he nearly always finds it hard to wait through the last few stretches. Bob and Joe especially were excited, for it was their first adventure. Their hearts throbbed as they eagerly anticipated the coming days.
That evening they arrived in Cayenne, the capital of French Guiana, and, as before, took a short trip about the city. It was much the same as Paramaribo, however, and they were glad to board the Empire again for the last leg of the long journey.
It was about six hundred miles to Macapá, the Empire’s destination, and the party settled back in anticipation.
Neither of the boys did anything of importance. They were too enthusiastic over the coming great adventure.
“Let’s take it easy on deck,” suggested Bob, and they arranged chairs for all of the party that cared to rest.
“There’s nothing like enjoying the spell of the ocean,” remarked Mr. Holton.
A few days later Captain Crowell announced that they were sailing up the mighty Amazon, and the explorers were thrilled to the bone. The Amazon! At last one of their strongest ambitions had been fulfilled. Bob and Joe were overjoyous, for they had had a strong desire to see this great water system.