The boys examined the ant hill with a great deal of curiosity. It seemed almost incredible that ants could construct such a huge piece of architecture. Why, it must have required the efforts of tens of thousands of the little creatures!
But although greatly interested, Bob and Joe did not spend too much time here, for they desired to explore a bit longer before returning to the safari.
Everywhere they went they saw brilliantly colored birds, which often fluttered so near that the youths could almost touch them. Luxuriant flowers were also in abundance.
The chums trekked on for a distance of perhaps a half mile, then turned back toward the expedition. When they reached the clearing, they found Mr. Lewis and Mr. Holton ready to continue the journey.
“See anything of interest, boys?” inquired the latter, signaling to Noko to lead the way.
“Plenty,” returned Joe. “An ant hill, for one thing. And was it a whopper! Must have been thirty feet if an inch.”
“That was only a taste,” grinned Mr. Lewis, with a wink at Bob’s father. “Howard and I have often seen them forty feet or more.”
As they penetrated deeper into the jungle, the vegetation became denser and consequently more difficult to pass through. Often the sun was entirely hidden from view by the thick canopy of foliage above, and the explorers found themselves in a sort of twilight. At other times they would emerge from the leafy depths and make their way over wide plains under the fierce tropical sun.
But despite many difficulties of the trail, the expedition made good time and by night had covered a good many miles. They camped beside a narrow, winding stream, which looked as if it were several yards deep.