“But are they eaten raw?”
“No; they are usually boiled with a small amount of salt, and sweetened afterwards.”
“What is the salt put in for?”
“To destroy the acid in them; and that is done with most vegetables, and for the same reason.”
CHAPTER XII
THE PURSUIT INTERCEPTED BY FIGHT BETWEEN TRIBES
The situation was a most exasperating one to John and the boys. They were actually prevented from ascertaining which of the tribes had the Professor, and their way to the south was blocked.
In desperation John suggested that come whatever might, they would ascertain where he was held, even though they had to enter the camps. Muro was consulted and John’s determined attitude was sufficient to enlist his services and co-operation.
During the night the two carefully approached the scene of the battlefield, and secured the various headdresses of the slain and wounded, the object being to effect their entrance to the rival camps by means of the disguises.
The Berees were to their right, and not far from what appeared to be the West River. The Osagas were to the left, and encamped on a small stream which flowed into the West. Beyond the position of the latter stream, and less than three miles distant, was the elevation which John had pointed out as the destination of the team.
Morning came before the headdresses could be obtained, and it was therefore impossible to invade the Berees’ camp that night.