"Lead me to the café and watch what happens," said Joe, making for the door. The others followed, and although not as emotional they were no less hungry. The meal tasted good, despite the fact that they were ignorant of its composition. Fekmah tried to explain one of the dishes, but the foodstuffs used in its preparation were unknown to the Americans, and they were as much in the dark after he had finished the explanation as before he had begun it. "We'll trust there isn't anything repulsive in its make-up," smiled Mr. Holton. "At any rate the taste isn't so bad," came from Bob. "I've seen stuff much worse." "Referring to the delicacies of the South American Indians, I suppose," laughed Mr. Lewis, and the boys nodded. "We were forced to eat almost anything for a while," reflected Joe. "Getting lost in the Brazilian jungle was a serious thing, and we realized it. Then when we got in with those savages, we accepted their offer of food at once, even though we weren't sure it was all right." "That was a great adventure, boys," remarked Mr. Holton, his thoughts going back to the countless days of river traveling in unknown South America. "The more I think of it the more convinced I am that we should be extremely proud of that exploit. Mr. Lewis and I have had many adventures in unknown lands while collecting specimens for the museum, but none surpasses that one." "I'd like to go there some time," said Dr. Kirshner. "But so far, my work as an archæologist has not called me into that region. When it will, if ever, I do not know." After the bountiful meal the explorers took it easy in the hotel, and Fekmah returned to his room. "Since we haven't anything in particular to do, we might as well rest up for the hunting trip tomorrow," said Mr. Lewis, as he and the others sat in the lobby of their hotel. "We've had a hard day of it and deserve to be idle for a while." The others agreed, and the remainder of the day was spent in quiet. But early the next morning the boys and their fathers were busily preparing for the hunting expedition. By seven o'clock they had their rifles and other necessities in readiness, and with a farewell to Dr. Kirshner, who wished to talk over the Sahara journey with Fekmah, they left the hotel. Mr. Lewis had earlier made arrangements for a car to take them to Arba, whence they would go on foot into the forests and desert. The automobile was parked in a small garage not far away, and they reached the place in but a few minutes. It was a low, dirty structure, with few windows. A swarthy native came out to meet them and at once recognized Mr. Lewis. He led the way through a small door and into a room that served as the garage. "Here we are," said Joe's father, as they rounded a corner. He pointed to something that at once caused Bob and Joe to burst out with laughter. CHAPTER VI Through Unknown Forests "That a car--an automobile?" asked Bob, holding back his laughter.