"Just the thing. In addition we must have a dryer of some kind. I suggest that we distil some of the rosin, or the sap from the pitch pine trees, for that purpose."
"What kind of product shall we obtain from that?"
"Turpentine."
Thus day after day passed in preparation, each hour, almost, suggesting some new addition to their stock, which would contribute to protection, comfort, or necessity. Among other things suggested, in order to relieve them as much as possible from carrying such a large burden in the way of provisions, was the making of synthetic foods.
George had this in mind for some days before he broached the subject to the Professor. "I understood you to say that if we had synthetic foods we could carry several weeks' rations about our persons, and the load would not be a heavy or perceptible one at that? If such is the case, why can't we prepare some of the food in that way as a matter of precaution? What is the meaning of the word 'synthetic,' and how is such food made?"
"The word is the direct opposite of 'analyses.' In analyzing, the elements composing any substance are separated from each other. In synthesis the different elements are put together to form the substance. Thus, take water as an illustration: Its component parts are two parts of hydrogen and one of oxygen. Knowing this to be the case, the chemist takes that many parts of oxygen and hydrogen, and by uniting them water is formed which is just as much a true water as though it fell from the heavens or was taken from a well or spring."
We should not go far out of the way in stating that the Professor was putting in some time in this direction, while the other work was going on, and this was confirmed later on when he requested Harry to furnish a number of small tubes like those used for the powder, and it was noticed that a quantity of bamboo was taken to the laboratory and cut up into short sections.
The guns and ammunition were now ready, a supply of food had been prepared, and George insisted on baking a quantity of barley bread, which was carefully wrapped up, so that it would not be dried out or be liable to get wet. The wagon was admirably adapted for the purpose. The wheels were not extraordinarily large, but they had wide treads, and the body was high at the sides so as to serve as a fortress in case of trouble. An extra yoke was taken, a supply of sugar and also of honey put in the vessels which the cave supplied, and only a small store of vegetables, as they depended on finding these en route.
The start was agreed upon for the following morning. Observation Hill was visited, and a new inscription affixed to the pole, so that any passing ship might know their plight, and be able to direct its course to the west. The value of the chart made by the Professor was now appreciated, as that was also tacked up in its proper place.
Jack and Jill were the yaks selected for the journey, as they were tried and true, and had now grown to be strong and well domesticated. Freedom was given to the cattle, and all the buildings closed up. This was done to secure the interiors from intrusion on the part of animals. An inscription was also placed on the door of the house.