"Is this little projecting part a nut?"
"Yes; and this evening we can try some of them; but they must be roasted. The fruit can be eaten as it is, but it is like the persimmon; it must be fully ripe, or it will be too astringent. It is a fine medicine, and the sap of the tree produces a product like gum arabic, and is known in commerce as acajou."
Fig. 31. Acajou.
The elevation which Harry was anxious to gain was before them, less than a mile, and as it was not more than four in the afternoon, the team was driven forward and the slight ascent begun. In a half hour the summit was reached. It was not at a great elevation, but the incline was a gradual one, and it was hoped that from the elevated portion a better glimpse could be obtained than the tree afforded.
It was too late when they reached the camping place to attempt any observations that night, but in the morning an investigation was made to find a tree of sufficient size to afford a good view. When it was finally found the hoop was again brought out and Harry slowly made his way upwardly, and those below waited in suspense for news.
He made a deliberate survey, and called down: "I can see the West River, and directly to the southwest are white objects, but so far away that I cannot tell what they are. They may be tents or huts, or something of that kind. I couldn't say positively."