The yaks were prepared, as usual, and it was a merry party which started off on that bright morning for the forest. They did not, you may be sure, forget the spears and the guns, and before leaving home Harry thought it would be a good idea to provide a small two-wheeled truck, which could be used as a trailer, for the pole.
On the way down, Harry said: "How large a pole shall we get?"
George had his opinions, as usual: "Let us get a pole at least 50 feet long. We must have something which will match the flag."
"A pole that length will be a difficult matter to raise; have you thought of that?" was the Professor's observation.
"Can't we rig up something to raise it with?"
"Yes; and for a pole a hundred feet long, if necessary."
The Professor made no further objections. Reaching the South River the yaks were tethered, and taking advantage of the raft which they had used on the first trip, they were soon on the way into the forest. On this occasion they took a course to the right of their former exploits, the desire being to acquaint themselves, as much as possible, with the topography of the country toward the falls. Soon they came within sight of game, squirrels, woodchucks; and many familiar varieties of birds were seen on all sides.
What interested the boys most was an animal about three and a half feet long, and almost three feet high, which they saw at a distance.
"What is that, Professor?"
"It is a giant ant-eater, found in many parts of South America."