In Search of an Unknown Race — page 35: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

VAN. 29 pointed to the mighty Amazon, calling it by name. At this Tom’s eye brightened and he nodded understand- ingly as tracing along with his forefinger Van indicated successively the southern branches—the Tocantins, Xingu, Tapajos and Madeira. ‘“Me know ’em all,” said Tom, eagerly, ‘‘and here ” —nearly obliterating the Uraria-—‘‘little branch wid big ribber dat comes from way off ’mong de big snow mountains, where they say big city full peoples what nebber dies, an’ hab housefuls ob gol’ and dimuns and sech like.” ‘Why hasn't any one ever tried to find this wonder- ful city? ” asked Van with affected carelessness, though _considerably exercised at hearing this rather exaggerated corroboration of what he already knew. ‘‘Nebber can cross dem mountains,” replied the negro. ‘‘Dey make big chain right roun’ de city like dis—” and Tom described an irregular circle with his finger. Further questioning showed that Tom had heard the story of Itambez, the treasure city, from a dozen differ- ent sources since he began piloting on the Amazon and its tributaries, and curiously enough it was religiously believed by all who had ever mentioned it in his hearing. Forgetful of heat, hunger, Jecdondarer and even for the time of the tragedy of the night, Van, returning the letter to his belt, sat buried in deep thought. He had a bill of exchange for a thousand dollars in his possession. Tom was ariver pilot equal in strength and endurance to two ordinary men. Why could he not engage Tom to accompany him, EOmMicdoOo cS (G(0) im