After a long journey they reached the mouth of the Tapauá, and at a small town between the two rivers the boat stopped. Here the adventurers got off.
It seemed strange to set foot on ground out here away from civilization. Why, it was almost like another world! For some time Bob and Joe could not realize that they were now in the very heart of the great Amazon jungle.
The captain of the Selvas had given the party a letter of recommendation to a Brazilian who would be able to fit them out with boats and Indian crew. He lived at the edge of the town, and to that place they went, led by Mr. Holton.
They found the man sitting idly in his thatched house. He was very tall and slender, but looked to be possessed of great strength.
“You are Senhor del Pereo?” asked Mr. Holton in the native tongue.
“Sí,” the man replied.
Bob’s father took out the letter and handed it to him.
He read carefully for several moments. Then his face lighted.
Sure he would help them. Anyone who was a friend of the captain was a friend of his. It would be easy to get a boat—or boats, for that matter—and he knew of several trustworthy Indians who would readily act as guides. But he knew nothing about the distant country. Few people did. It was a land of mystery.
Mr. Holton translated to Bob and Joe. Then he again turned to the Brazilian.