Chapter 28 Summary

Only Charlie realizes the significance of the name Guampu. The gasoline from the Miskitos is bad and constantly fouls the outboard's valves. Finally, in a fit of rage Father throws the motor overboard. The family uses long poles to propel the boat up the river, against a current that is gentle this close to the source. They pass several inviting clearings for settlements, and Mother suggests they make their home at one. The others impassively agree. Only Charlie urges the family to press on to Guampu.

Five days from the Thurtles's village, the family hears a plane high overhead. Father denies it is an airplane, insisting it is just loud crosswinds. From the bow, Charlie sees a can of Diet Pepsi and an empty green bottle floating downstream. Later that day, Mother hears church music coming from the trees. Father insists it is...