The native children presented the two visiting girls with beautiful bouquets of colorful jungle blooms. Sandy, her eyes dancing, made a warm speech of thanks in her high-school Spanish. The Mayas applauded loudly.
“You next!” Tom said teasingly, turning to Phyl.
Dark-haired and laughing as usual, Phyllis Newton shook her head. “Have to beg off, I’m afraid. As you know, I’m studying French, but Dad insists that I take Spanish next year.”
Bud, in high spirits, was chatting and joking with Sandy when Wilson Hutchcraft pushed his way forward. “May I be introduced?” the Bostonian asked suavely, a bland smile on his face.
Bud gave the man a dark look, but performed the introductions. Then, before Hutchcraft could intrude further, Bud seized Sandy’s arm. “Come on. I’ll show you the Grand Hotel they built for us!” he announced.
Soon the aroma of native cookery filled the air as Chow and the Mayan women prepared an elaborate feast. Again tables were laid in the open air in the village plaza. All took their places.
“O-oh, good grief!” Sandy giggled as heaping platters of food were brought out. “We’ll have to go on a diet, Phyl, as soon as we get home.”
“Who cares!” Phyl retorted, sampling the
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stewed chicken and mo!6 sauce. “Chow, this is simply delicious!”
“Jest a little dish I whipped up.” Chow beamed.
Suddenly there was a loud commotion and the sound of angry cries. To Tom’s surprise, he saw Magnificent Max pushing his way among the feast-ers, looking wild-eyed and upset.