"Yes, it tastes like chicken," the guide informed them. "But few white persons can bring themselves to eat it."
"I'd rather have the fruits," said Mr. Alcando. The boys had eaten two of the jungle variety. One was the mamaei, which was about as large as a peach, and the other the sapodilla, fruit of the color of a plum. The seeds are in a jelly-like mass.
"You eat them and don't have to be afraid of appendicitis," said the Spaniard with a laugh.
Several views were taken in the jungle "village," as Joe called it, and then they went farther on into the deep woods.
"Whew! It's hot!" exclaimed Joe, as they stopped to pitch a camp for dinner. "I'm going to have a swim." They were near a good-sized stream.
"I'm with you," said Blake, and the boys were soon splashing away in the water, which was cool and pleasant.
"Aren't you coming in?" called Blake to Mr. Alcando, who was on shore.
"Yes, I think I will join you," he replied. He had begun to undress, when Blake, who had swum half-way across the stream, gave a sudden cry.
"Joe! Joe!" he shouted. "I'm taken with a cramp, and there is an alligator after me. Help!"