“We’re off!” cried Joe excitedly. “Off on the last stretch of our journey.”
Soon the waterfront of Macapá was left behind, and the Selvas, for that was the vessel’s name, steamed out to the middle of the mighty Amazon.
The explorers did not move from deck until one of the crew announced that the noon meal was ready.
“Wonder what we’ll have to eat?” asked Joe, as they went into the dining room.
“Probably salt pork and a few other dishes of cured food,” returned Mr. Lewis, and he was right.
“It’s all right for a change, anyway,” said Bob.
The boys spent the remainder of that day in exploring the boat and were impressed by everything they saw. Aside from the fact that it was rather old, it was worthy of the great river on which it steamed.
“Let’s hear something about Manáos,” Bob said to his father that night. “If we are to see it soon, I’d like to know what to expect.”
“It’s a wonderful city,” Mr. Holton replied. “Large stores, office buildings, hotels. If what I’ve heard is correct, we will be astonished.”