diff options
Diffstat (limited to '43266.txt')
| -rw-r--r-- | 43266.txt | 6508 |
1 files changed, 0 insertions, 6508 deletions
diff --git a/43266.txt b/43266.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 2d9cf41..0000000 --- a/43266.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,6508 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook, Lost in the Wilds of Brazil, by James H. -Foster - - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - - - - -Title: Lost in the Wilds of Brazil - - -Author: James H. Foster - - - -Release Date: July 20, 2013 [eBook #43266] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) - - -***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LOST IN THE WILDS OF BRAZIL*** - - -E-text prepared by Stephen Hutcheson, Rod Crawford, Dave Morgan, Matthew -Wheaton, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net) - - - -Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this - file which includes the original illustrations. - See 43266-h.htm or 43266-h.zip: - (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/43266/43266-h/43266-h.htm) - or - (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/43266/43266-h.zip) - - - - - -[Illustration: _A large wildcat was greedily devouring the remains of -a small deer._] - - -LOST IN THE WILDS OF BRAZIL - -by - -JAMES FOSTER - - - - - - -The Saalfield Publishing Company -Akron, Ohio New York - -Copyright, MCMXXXIII -The Saalfield Publishing Company - -Printed in the United States of America - - * * * * * * - - THE EXPLORATION SERIES - BY JAMES FOSTER - LOST IN THE WILDS OF BRAZIL - CAPTURED BY THE ARABS - SECRETS OF THE ANDES - THE FOREST OF MYSTERY - - * * * * * * - - -CONTENTS - - - CHAPTER PAGE - I A Startling Discovery 1 - II Firebugs at Work 12 - III Valuable Information 19 - IV The Treacherous Crook 30 - V A Worth-while Offer 42 - VI Off for the Wilds of Brazil 49 - VII New York-And On 58 - VIII The Beginning of Trouble 62 - IX A Daring Rescue 71 - X In the Heart of the Jungle 83 - XI On the Alert 93 - XII A Fearful Sight 98 - XIII The Death Struggle 107 - XIV The Deserted Village 126 - XV Danger at Hand 122 - XVI A Thrilling Encounter 132 - XVII Terrible Peccaries 140 - XVIII A Nightmare Experience 150 - XIX The Call for Help 157 - XX Fighting Against Heavy Odds 165 - XXI Magnificent Country 174 - XXII Lost in the Wilds of Brazil 180 - XXIII Terrible Cries of Savages 188 - XXIV The Hideous Village 199 - XXV Reunion at Last 210 - XXVI The Terrible Battle 227 - XXVII Human Heads Still Dripping! 232 - XXVIII The Forced Get-away 238 - - - - -CHAPTER I - -A Startling Discovery - - -"Look here, Joe. There's something stirring. I know the signs. Our -dads wouldn't keep together constantly, studying maps and reading -books and making frequent trips to the museum, for nothing. It----" - -"You're right, Bob. They certainly must have something important in -mind. And I have an idea as to what it is." - -"Another expedition into the unknown," cut in Bob Holton, in tones -that implied certainty. - -"But where, do you suppose?" asked Joe Lewis, his brown eyes sparkling -with interest. - -"More than I know," the other youth replied. "Could be any place. But -wherever it is, I'll bet they've been there before. They just travel -from one end of this little old world to another in search of birds -and reptiles and animals, and they always find them." - -"And always will," added Joe with strong conviction. "Why," he went -on, becoming even more absorbed, "do you remember the time they went -to Africa in search of a white rhinoceros?" - -"Yes. Looked high and low for several months, and finally got one -after all hopes had been abandoned. Oh, it takes them to do it. Just -let the curator mention the things wanted, and if it's at all -possible, our dads will get them. All specimens are alike to----" - -He was interrupted by the sound of footsteps from the side of the -house and turned to see who the person might be. While he is looking -expectantly, it might be well to tell who the boys were, and what had -been their experiences up to the time this story opens. - -Bob was a big fellow, strong and muscular, and endowed with the -ability to do the right thing at the right time. He was one of the -star players on the high school football team. Everyone liked him--he -was so straightforward and sympathizing and trustworthy. - -Joe was of medium size, with almost black eyes and a naturally dark -complexion. He was lighter and less robust than his friend, but was -possessed of fierce courage and bravery. He never started a thing -without finishing it. - -Mr. Holton and Mr. Lewis, fathers of the youths, were noted -naturalists and collectors of specimens for museums and zoos. They had -been nearly everywhere and always welcomed any hint that might start -them on a new trip into the unknown. The two men had met several years -before at a convention of scientists, and took a great liking to each -other. As they both lived in Washington, D. C., they agreed to work -together in behalf of a large museum, and Mr. Lewis made an attempt to -purchase the residence next to that of his friend. He was at last -successful in acquiring it, and then began the warm friendship between -the two youths, Bob and Joe. - -The boys were together much of their time and got along excellently, -following in their fathers' footsteps as much as possible by taking -hikes into the woods to study nature. Fresh with the vigor of youth, -they were having a grand time together, but would have had a still -greater one had they been permitted to accompany the men on the -various scientific expeditions. - -"You're only freshmen," Mr. Holton had told them, about three years -before. "Wait till you're juniors or seniors, and then perhaps we will -consider taking you along." - -Now the boys were in their senior year, or would be when school opened -the coming fall, and were eagerly anticipating the future. - -"If they'd only make a trip this summer," said Joe, shortly after -school had closed. "Then we might----" - -Let us return to the boys, as they cast glances at the side of the -house. The sound of footsteps grew louder, and the next moment Bob's -father came into view. - -"Hello, Dad." - -"Hello, Mr. Holton." - -The naturalist returned the greetings and then made his way to a porch -seat. Several moments he spent in lighting a cigar. Then he turned to -the youths. - -"What's all this praise you've been giving Mr. Lewis and me for our -scientific work?" he asked, trying hard to suppress a smile. - -The young men grinned. They had not suspected this. - -"You got it right," returned Joe. "You two have done as much for the -museum as anyone else in this old U. S. And that's as straight as a -lion's tail when he's about to charge." - -Mr. Holton laughed unbelievingly. - -"I know your game," he chuckled. "You're paving the way to accompany -us on that Brazilian trip we're about to take. Right?" - -Bob and Joe jumped to their feet in wild excitement. A trip to Brazil! -Think of that! Then their supposition was correct. Something was -stirring after all. - -Mr. Holton guessed their thoughts and broke the short period of -suspense. - -"It's an expedition to the jungles of the Amazon," he explained, as -the boys seated themselves and listened with breathless interest. -"Going to get specimens of fauna for the museum. In addition, we wish -to make a study of several wild Indian tribes there. It's a trip I've -always wished to take, but, strange to say, I've never had the -opportunity. You boys probably know that this region is one of the -least-known on the face of the globe. It has the world's heaviest -forests, some of the most savage of people, and a wide variety of -birds and beasts." - -"Great!" blurted out Joe in a strange, animated tone. "How wonderful -it would be! Away out in the wildest of Brazilian wilds, seeing -strange and astonishing things--things that only a very few have the -opportunity of seeing." - -"It's my idea of adventure," declared Bob, taking up where his friend -had left off. "Why can't you arrange to take us with you?" - -The scientist eyed the young men intently with an expression of -sympathy. - -"Then you want to go that badly?" he asked, and then his eyes fell. He -had been young himself once. How often had he visualized this very -mission! How many times had he tramped through the heavy Western -woods, imagining himself in a great tropical forest, with its -mysteries, thrills, and tragedies! If those longings could only have -been satisfied when they were strongest! - -For over a minute Mr. Holton stared thoughtfully at the floor. Then, -with twinkling eyes, he glanced up at the boys. - -"What would you give to go with us?" he asked, his face brightening. - -"What!" cried Bob, with a look that combined delight with -bewilderment. "You mean that we can go?" - -"Not exactly," was the reply. "I just asked you what you'd give to -go." - -"Everything!" blurted out Joe. "Everything we've got--and then some. -Oh, do take us, Mr. Holton," he went on more pleadingly. "We're old -enough by now to take care of ourselves." - -"I'd like to have you," the naturalist said. "And so would your -father. But your mothers----" Here he stopped. It was unnecessary to -continue. The youths understood. - -"But I'm sure they'll consent," Bob said, with a certainty that he was -far from feeling. "Especially if they know you are willing to have -us." - -"Of course there's a possibility," the man assured them. "But I -wouldn't be too sure of it. You know how they are. Unwilling to have -their sons take any unnecessary risks. Well, perhaps they're right," -he went on, tapping the chair thoughtfully. "Perhaps it isn't best to -tax good fortune too much. You boys are young and have a great future -before you. What if anything should happen----" - -"But, Dad," Bob pleaded, "nothing will happen. We'd be with you and -Mr. Lewis--and anyone else who would be along. Nothing has happened to -you so far. You've always come back O.K." - -"We've had some narrow escapes, though," with a shaking of the head. -"Fever, wild beasts, savages, hurricanes--there's no limit to the -number of tragedies that may befall an expedition into the unknown. -But then," his tones became more lively, "you boys want to go with us -regardless of these dangers, and if I must say so, I believe you'd -make a good showing. I'll talk the matter over with Mr. Lewis and your -mothers and let you know later how things look." - -"Fine!" cried Bob, overwhelmed with joy. "Now tell us some more about -this mission. What section of Amazonia do you intend to explore?" - -"The lower middle," was the response. "We intend to follow the Amazon -to the Purus River, where we'll branch off and travel by native canoes -for approximately five hundred miles." - -Joe gave a long whistle. - -"Five hundred miles by canoe!" he gasped, almost unbelievingly. "Seems -almost impossible. How can you take food enough along?" - -"Does seem sort of absurd. But we'll manage it. And we expect to live -on game and fish to a certain extent. Everything will have to be timed -to a dot. We won't dare stay any longer than our food supply lasts. -When that begins to get low, back to civilization we'll go." - -"How long do you expect to be gone?" Bob asked. - -"We--ll, perhaps three or four months. We want to get as much done as -possible. You see," he explained, "as I said before, our stay is -limited to the supply of provisions we have with us. If it were -possible to carry enough, I would like to spend at least six months -there. What a wonderful opportunity to study primitive man in his -everyday life." - -"Should think it would be rather dangerous," remarked Joe. "He might -object and study you instead. Headhunters, I mean." - -"It's a chance we have to take," was the reply. "But after all, if we -treat them kindly there is little danger. Human nature is much the -same all over the globe." - -"I'll trust you to come out all right," Bob said. - -"We hope to," the scientist returned. "And we also hope to add -greatly to the world's knowledge of Brazil and its animal -inhabitants." - -"At present that isn't very much, is it?" Joe asked. - -"You can't exactly say that," Mr. Holton answered, "for a large amount -is known about different sections that have been more or less -frequented by civilized man. But when you refer to the deeper, more -inaccessible regions, then it's different. Of course there have been -numerous expeditions sent out to explore these unknown sections, but -even now there is a large and interesting field open to the -scientist." - -"Well," said Bob, after a short silence, "I only hope that Joe and I -may go with you." - -"We'll see about it," his father replied. "But I can assure you that -consent from your mothers will not come without considerable---- Well! -Look who's here. Come on the porch and sit down, Ben." He referred to -Joe's father, Mr. Lewis, who, as usual, was to be his intimate -companion during their stay in Brazil. - -Mr. Lewis was a man of medium height, with sparkling blue eyes and a -complexion that was extremely bronzed. - -"Hello, friends," he greeted, seating himself and wiping the -perspiration from his brow. "I suppose," he said to Mr. Holton, -"you've been telling the boys about our coming expedition to South -America. Right?" - -"Right!" echoed Bob. "And not only that, but Joe and I are going with -you." - -"What's that!" Mr. Lewis cried in surprise. - -"Yes," Bob's father returned, "they've put in their request to be a -part of the expedition. What do you think of it?" - -"Well--a--I hardly know. How do you think their mothers will look at -it?" - -Mr. Holton shook his head. - -"Impossible to say," he answered. "But we can all guess. Still, if we -see fit to take the boys along, we can put the matter before them. -They may consent after considerable pleading." - -"Hurrah!" cried Joe, in tones of gratitude. "And I'm sure----" - -He stopped suddenly and sniffed the air sharply. - -"There's something burning," he said quietly, and then moved around -the house. - -The next instant he was back, pale-faced and panic-stricken. - -"Our garage is on fire!" he cried. "It's all ablaze!" - - - - -CHAPTER II - -Firebugs at Work! - - -At Joe's ominous words, Mr. Lewis leaped to his feet. - -"Come on," he said in wild excitement. "We can't get there any too -quickly, for not only are the cars in danger but a satchel of valuable -papers as well." - -"Something in connection with our expedition to Brazil?" asked Bob's -father, as he took second place in the race to the garage. - -"Yes. They're very important. I should have taken them in the house at -once." - -As they turned to look at the scene, a feeling of helplessness crept -over them, for already the blaze had leaped high in the air, and the -crackling sound told that the fire had made considerable headway. - -Bob rushed into the house and telephoned the fire department. Then, -with Mrs. Lewis and Joe's sister, he moved back outside, to see that -the structure was blazing even higher. - -Meanwhile the others had unlocked the doors and were inside, doing -their best to roll out the cars. But the smoke was so thick that they -were making little headway. - -"Quick!" cried Mr. Holton. "Where are the keys, Ben?" - -"I don't know. I--I can't seem to find them. Should be in my pocket. -No, guess I left them in the house." - -The next instant he was gone, leaving his friends to survey the -situation more carefully. - -"It strikes me," remarked Bob thoughtfully, "that if we wait for him -to return with the keys it will be too late." - -"But what--how----" Mr. Holton stammered, but was interrupted by his -son. - -"The only way that I can see is to break the glass in one of the -doors. Then we can get inside to release the emergency brake. How -about it?" - -"I'd hate to do that, my boy. Yet there seems to be no other way out." - -As Bob had stated, it was evident that if they were to wait for the -keys the cars would be badly burned. There was a possibility that the -gasoline tanks might even explode, for at intervals particles of -ignited timber fell from the blazing roof and missed them only a few -inches. Rapidly the flames crept downward. Already they were halfway -down the wall and moving like lightning. There was no time to lose. -Something must be done! - -"Come on," Bob urged, entering the garage once more. "We must get -those cars out at any cost." - -He looked about for some object with which he could break a glass, but -could see nothing. - -"If there was only a board, or even----" - -"Here," came from his father, moving on up with a sharp piece of -metal, "let me do it." - -There was a crash, a splintering of glass, and the next moment Mr. -Holton was inside. It took but a second to release the parking brake, -and then the car rolled easily out of danger. - -"There," panted the naturalist, rubbing his hand over his forehead. -"Now to get to the coupe." - -Just then there came the sound of fire bells, and before they had -attended to the other car, several fire trucks pulled up in front of -the house. Their occupants were easily attracted to the scene of the -fire, and they lost no time in hurrying back. - -"Quick!" yelled Joe, almost panic-stricken. "Let's get Dad's private -car out. The enamel is already off the left front fender." - -Again Mr. Holton made use of the iron pipe, and the remaining -automobile was pushed out just in time to avoid a large section of the -roof that suddenly caved in. - -"A narrow escape!" breathed Bob, stopping only for a moment to examine -the finish that had been slightly scorched. - -"A very narrow one," returned Joe, as he thought of what would have -happened had the roof fallen on the top. - -By now two lines of hose had been attached, and firemen were working -unflinchingly to check the cruel flames which, owing to a strong north -wind, were protruding several yards beyond the roof. Occasionally a -spark would fly over to the house, and this did not in the least -simplify the efforts of the fire fighters. - -A large crowd had gathered to view the spectacle and included several -of Bob's and Joe's friends who lived near by. - -"Some blaze, eh, fellows?" was the comment made by John Peterman, a -classmate in school. - -"The biggest I've seen for an age," put in Tom Rogers, another friend. - -"How'd it start?" asked another. - -"Beyond us," answered Bob. "Do you have any idea, Joe?" - -"No. I'm sure Dad wouldn't have left a cigar stub----" - -"Impossible," his chum broke in, "for that blaze started on or near -the roof." - -Mr. Lewis had now joined the others, and his delight was beyond words -when he saw that the cars had been removed in time to avert disaster. - -"I kept thinking that I could find the key," he said. "I finally did, -but not in time to save them." - -Gradually the flames were diminishing, and if the firemen kept up the -good work it promised to be over in a short time. - -"Good thing that your garage is quite a distance over," remarked Joe -to his friend. "One is bad enough without having two on fire." - -Finally the last blaze was extinguished amid a rousing cheer from the -crowd, and, after closer examination inside, the firemen left the -scene, and the crowd gradually thinned until no one was left but Bob, -Joe, their fathers, and a few neighbors. - -"Covered by insurance, isn't it?" inquired Bob of Mr. Lewis, as they -cast a resentful look at the charred beams of the structure that had -once been a fine garage. - -"Yes, but this may delay our expedition to Brazil for a week or two -until I can look after the reconstruction of it. That is"--he glanced -at Mr. Holton--"unless your father objects." - -"Not in the least," came from that individual. "In fact," he went on, -"that is about the only way out." - -Bob and Joe walked into the burned building. All about were -ashes--ashes that had once been the roof of the structure. The -charcoal smell was strong about them. - -"Don't know where we'll keep the cars tonight," said Joe, glancing up -through the hole in the roof. - -"Guess we can find room in our garage," his friend replied. "We only -have the one car, and it doesn't take up all the room by any means." - -"Awfully good of you." - -Suddenly Bob uttered an exclamation that brought his friend hurrying -to his side. - -"What is it?" Joe asked. - -For answer the other youth pointed to a small tin box that was black -from being in the fire. It had hung on the wall behind an old radiator -hood, which had a moment before fallen to the floor. - -"What could that be?" Bob Holton asked. "Does it belong to your dad?" - -Joe reached up and took it down from its hanger. - -"Has a hole in the top. And what's that thing protruding from the -side?" - -"Beyond me. Could be a---- Great Scott! Come on. We must get it to -your father at once." - -Bewildered, Joe followed his friend to the back door, where the two -men were still conversing. - -"What does this mean?" asked Bob coolly, handing the box to Mr. Lewis. - -The latter examined it closely for a moment. Then, suddenly grasping -the meaning, he stared at the others. - -"Firebugs at work!" he exclaimed, fumbling the box nervously. "Someone -_set_ the garage on fire!" - - - - -CHAPTER III - -Valuable Information - - -At the remark Mr. Holton gasped in astonishment. - -"Who would it be?" he asked. "Has anyone got anything against you?" - -"Not that I know of," Joe's father replied. "Let me think." - -He assumed a mood of thoughtful anxiety, and Mr. Holton took the small -box for a closer examination. It was about eight inches square, with a -hole in the top out of which protruded a short iron stem. Inside, an -alarm clock was still ticking. - -"Hmm! That fire was probably set for ten o'clock," Mr. Holton -murmured, as he noticed that it was now nearly eleven. - -"How long ago do you suppose it was set?" inquired Bob. - -"Impossible to say," the response came. "It couldn't have been more -than twelve hours ago, however." - -Mr. Lewis looked up. - -"I can think of several people who could be bad enough to do this," he -said thoughtfully. "But I cannot say which one it would be. - -"First I might mention a man who wanted to buy some specimens from me, -but I declined to sell them. He had a sour disposition, and his temper -was thoroughly aroused when, after he had offered large sums of money, -I refused him. Said he'd get even some time." - -"What'd he want with them?" Joe asked. - -"Wanted to sell them to a well-known museum. You see they were very -rare birds that I got in New Zealand, and he'd have been offered a -large sum for them." - -"Could be the very man!" Mr. Holton said. "Who else might have done -it?" - -"A rival naturalist," the other returned. "Name is Davis--Thomas T. -Davis. Perhaps you remember, Howard. The fellow with the gold -eyeglasses and scarred face. Said he got it when a tiger sprang at -him. Always----" - -"Yes," Mr. Holton interrupted, his eyes bright with sudden -recollection. "The museum employed him awhile, didn't it?" - -Joe's father nodded. - -"He always had a dislike for me," he went on. "Didn't like it at all -when I headed that expedition to central Asia." - -There was a short silence. Then Mr. Lewis made a resolution. - -"I'm going to put this matter in the hands of detectives," he said. -"They may be able to figure it out." - -"That's the thing to do," Bob agreed. "Seems to me, though, that this -first man you mentioned is responsible. The one who wanted to buy the -specimens from you." - -"Could be. But I am very much in doubt as to whether he would do such -a thing." - -"Are you certain that there is no one else that has anything against -you?" Mr. Holton questioned. - -"No. Not certain. But fairly sure." - -Suddenly Bob's face lightened, and he turned to Mr. Lewis. - -"Do you know where this man lives? The one who wanted to buy the -specimens from you, I mean." - -"Why--yes," Mr. Lewis faltered. "That is, I have it in my memorandum. -What do you want with it?" - -"Don't know that it'll be any good at all. But we could inquire of his -neighbors what kind of man he is." - -"Good idea. Better let me go, though." - -Bob shook his head. - -"Joe and I haven't anything else to do," he argued, "and we'll be glad -to do it." - -"All right. Come in the house and I'll put his name and address on -paper." - -In a short time Mr. Lewis was back with a folded paper, which he -handed to Bob. - -"Now use tact in getting your information," he said. "Remember, don't -let the people you inquire of in on the secret." - -"We won't," came the response, and after securing permission to use -Mr. Holton's sedan, they left for the man's address. - -What would they find? Would the people living near know anything about -this person? Would the youths find that he had moved and, owing to his -criminal record, had told no one of his new location? These questions -were in the minds of Bob and Joe as they went farther toward their -destination. - -After a twenty-minute ride they pulled up on a poor cross street near -the city limits and gazed to their left at a small house set back from -the sidewalk. Directly beside it was another house of slightly better -appearance. - -"That's the place," pronounced Bob. "Doesn't look like anyone's at -home." - -"Let's go to the house next to it," suggested Joe, getting out of the -car. "We'll trust to luck that the occupants are not related to the -man we're after." - -The boys made their way to the door and knocked. For over a minute -they waited in silence. Then, as it was evident that there was no one -at home, they turned to leave. But at that moment a small car moved up -to the curb and stopped. Two men got out and started toward the house -where the alleged crook lived. But the second they caught sight of Bob -and Joe they turned back to their car. - -"Come on," whispered Bob. "Let's follow them. I have a notion that one -of those fellows is the man we're after." - -Joe nodded in agreement. - -"Did you notice how strange they acted when they saw us?" he asked. -"Perhaps they thought we were officers that had come to arrest them." - -The youths made their way to their automobile and had the motor -started just as the other car whizzed away. - -For over ten minutes they followed cautiously, and they were satisfied -that the men had not noticed them. Then at last they turned up a -dilapidated street and stopped in front of a small, weather-beaten -house. Here they left the car and went inside, while Bob and Joe -stopped a square away. - -"Let's go up and look around," suggested Joe. - -As quietly as possible, the boys walked up to the house. - -"Come around to the back," beckoned Joe. "There might be a window." - -His supposition proved correct, for they found one before they reached -the back porch. The glass was out and the opening was boarded up -fairly tight, but there were several large cracks. - -Cautiously Bob leaned up close and peeped inside. Then he turned to -Joe. - -"Four men inside," he whispered. "Two of them are the ones we -followed. Wait! Let's hear what they're saying." - -Again he leaned over to the window, this time to listen. Joe squeezed -up close that he might hear also. - -"Where do you suppose he is?" one man was saying in a gruff voice. - -"Left town, mebbe," another answered. "Just plain slipped out on us, -an' him owin' us a lot of dough." - -"The dirty tramp!" a third said with an oath. "We'll get him, don't -you worry. No guy can put anything over on us!" - -"He's afraid of the cops, no doubt," the first said. "Maybe---- But -say! Speakin' of cops, we saw a couple of guys at the house next door -to him, and nobody lives there. Haven't for two months. They might -have been detectives." - -"He means us," whispered Joe. "We scared them off, I guess." - -The man who had been silent now spoke. - -"You may be right," he said. "It don't take them detectives long to -get on a guy's trail. If you stick around where you been keepin' -yourself they'll get you sure. That's prob'ly the reason why this guy -ain't home. Give him time. He'll settle with us." - -But the first man was impatient. - -"We want our dough now!" he bawled. "We was supposed to have it at -noon an' he didn't come. He owes us a good many bucks, and for the -spark machine too. He was supposed to pay for that, you know." - -Bob and Joe looked at each other. The spark machine! - -"That proves it!" Bob whispered, gritting his teeth. "They're the -fellows that set your dad's garage on fire, all right! We'll make -them----" - -"Shhh!" - -"But listen, Tim," one of the men was saying, "there ain't any use to -get hot-headed yet. I know this guy pretty well. I've done a lot for -him and he's done a lot for me. He's never backed out on me yet. He's -got plenty of money, even if he is tryin' hard to get more. - -"Here's what let's do. Let's give him till tomorrow night, and then if -he don't pay us we can go after him." - -"All right." And the agreement was made. - -Bob and Joe looked at each other. What were they to do now? They had -secured evidence that these men were the guilty ones. Now would it be -best to report the matter to the police at once, or had they better -wait longer for any further information that the crooks might -unknowingly give them? - -"Let's wait a few more minutes," suggested Joe. "They might leave the -house just as we made for our car, and then it would be too bad." - -Bob thought this good advice, and he leaned against the house to wait. -Joe remained at the window. - -For a minute there was silence inside. Then the man called Tim got up -from his chair and started for the door. - -"Where you goin'?" he was asked. - -"Over to see if I can't collect that dough," he growled. "Anybody want -ter go with me?" - -"What's the use?" one fellow asked. "We was there not more than an -hour ago." - -"All right. Leave it to me." - -He walked on toward the door. - -"Come on," muttered Joe. "Let's get to our car before he gets away." - -As hastily, yet as quietly, as possible the youths ran around the -back of the house and through the alley for a distance of about a -square. Then they turned out to the street and to their car. - -Joe had the motor started just as the crook left the curb. - -"Let's head him off," suggested Bob. "We can easily get there before -he does if we cut across and not take the through street." - -"Good idea," and the car was turned up a narrow cross street. - -Before long the boys were in the neighborhood of the house occupied by -that man who had indirectly set Mr. Lewis's garage on fire by hiring -criminals experienced in that line to do it. - -"Be careful and don't get too close," warned Joe, as they neared the -structure. - -"O. K. Let's go around the alley. We can park there for a few minutes -and nobody will know anything about it." - -The car was turned into the alley and parked almost directly behind -the house. Then the youths got out to stretch their legs and decide on -a plan of action. - -"How will we work it?" asked Joe, glancing around to see if anyone -happened to be watching them. - -For a moment there was no answer. Then Bob had an idea. - -"Let's walk up to the back door," he said. "There are a lot of trees -and shrubbery close and we can hide behind them until we are sure that -everything is all right." - -Joe agreed, and they made their way as quietly as possible. - -When close enough, they saw that the door was shut and the blinds were -drawn. It was evident that no one was at home. - -Suddenly there came a noise from the front of the house and both boys -concealed themselves behind a large clump of bushes. - -"Someone's coming around to the back door," breathed Bob. - -"Probably that's Tim who came back here to collect the money owed him. -The fellow we headed off, I mean. Yes, it's he," Joe observed, peeking -down the side of the house. - -The sound of footsteps grew louder, and the next minute the man -stepped around the corner, fists clinched and face scowling. - -"Come on," said Bob, and leaving his place of hiding he launched -himself with full force on the back of the crook. - - - - -CHAPTER IV - -The Treacherous Crook - - -With an oath the man shook Bob off and turned to deal with him. - -"You?" he growled in surprise. "You, little more than a kid, would -dare to fight Tim Donnahan? Why, I'll----" - -The sentence remained unfinished, for at that moment Bob's fist shot -out with lightning rapidity and caught the man squarely between the -eyes. Without an outcry he went sprawling to the ground and rolled -over. - -For a second he remained dazed. Then he recovered himself and regained -his feet. - -Summoning all his power he lunged forward, mouth foaming and eyes -glaring with rage. - -It was easy to see that Bob was dealing with no weakling. His heaving -chest was in itself a symbol of strength, as were also the powerful -arms and heavy body. But then neither was Bob a weakling, as he had -displayed so many times before. True he did not delight in fighting, -but when called upon he was able to give a good account of himself. If -the truth be known, he had not only won cups and letters in high -school football and basketball, but in boxing as well. Joe was lighter -and less robust, although by no means easy to knock out. - -Now, as the young men faced this crook, there was a strong desire to -win in their minds. Here was a chance--perhaps the only one they would -have--to bring these men to justice for their cruel, underhanded way -of getting even with Mr. Lewis for a trivial matter. - -They possessed two fears. What if this fellow had a gun with him and -thought nothing of using it? And what if the arch-crook would emerge -from the house? - -"If he only stays away," thought Bob, as he cleverly ducked the large -fist that came with all force. - -For nearly five minutes the fight kept up, neither of the participants -gaining anything. - -Then suddenly the man swung around in an unguarded moment and sent his -fist crashing into Bob's jaw. Taken unawares, the youth went to the -ground, almost unconscious. - -Grinning in triumph, the crook was reaching for a revolver when Joe -leaped forward and threw him on his side. The impact hurled the gun -several feet away, and both made for it. - -But Bob was there first! He had struggled to his senses while Joe did -his part to prevent calamity. - -"Get back!" Bob commanded, flashing the automatic in the man's face. -"It's all over now!" - -For a moment the fellow could not believe that the tide had turned. He -stared first at Bob and then at Joe, muttering to himself. Once he -started forward, but, as the gun was pressed in his face, he shrank -back, apparently giving himself over to any fate. - -"Get goin'," Joe commanded, advancing a step or two. - -The order was obeyed, and they marched out to the alley, where Mr. -Holton's car remained, unmolested. - -"Now," said Bob, handing the key to Joe, "I'll get in the back seat -and guard this man, and you get in front and drive us to the police -station." - -No conversation was carried on during the trip, for the boys resolved -to take no chances. - -"At any minute he might attempt a get-away," thought Joe, as he -increased the speed as much as was consistent with safety. - -Through streets and side streets they went, until at last they found -themselves near the city's business district. It was thought best not -to travel on the busy thoroughfares for fear of attracting attention. - -After rounding a sharp corner, Joe found it necessary to stop quickly -at a traffic signal. - -Directly to the right was a horde of people, gathered to witness a -ceremony of the Salvation Army. There were fully thirty in the crowd, -and shrill notes of a trumpet attracted more spectators constantly. - -Suddenly Bob and Joe were taken in total surprise. Their captive -leaned out of the car window and, hailing the crowd of people, cried, -"Help! A hold-up! Help!" - -Immediately the people's attention was attracted, and with wonder and -curiosity they rushed toward the screaming man. - -The two youths, because of the suddenness of the unexpected -happening, could not immediately master the situation. - -The crowd enfolded the car and rushed toward Bob and Joe, against whom -the criminal had directed them. - -"Well, of all the rotten experiences!" muttered Bob Holton, as a tall -man grasped him by the arm none too gently. And upon glancing behind -he saw that Joe, too, had been taken a mistaken prisoner. - -So their captive had won out after all! Thus it seemed to the boys, -but they clinched their fists, and Bob especially was determined not -to be beaten so easily. - -True they might wait and explain matters to the police, and if they -did not believe, perhaps the judge would. But there was too much -chance of losing, even though there was a possibility of winning. - -The next instant they saw that it would be impossible to settle later, -for the crook, deciding it best to take advantage of the situation, -opened the door of the car, and with the words, "Arrest these -fellows," he ran down the street, leaving the crowd to stare in -surprise and wonder. - -Thinking it useless to explain to the people in time to recapture the -man, Bob suddenly sent his fist crashing into the man who still had -hold of his arm with such force that he went down in a dazed -condition. - -For a second the youth was free and, gathering courage, he broke -through the mass of people and dashed down the street in pursuit of -the escaped criminal, who could be seen some two blocks ahead. - -"I ought to catch him after awhile," the youth thought, as he noted -that the man was rapidly losing ground. - -Several more minutes brought pursuer and pursued to the Potomac River, -and Bob feared that the man might attempt to swim across but was -mistaken. - -The youth was now close upon him, and when they came to a small clump -of shrubbery, Bob resolved to end the chase. - -"Here goes," he thought, and, exerting himself to the utmost, he -caught up and aimed his foot in the man's path. - -With an exclamation of rage the fellow went down head first in a clump -of bushes. - -Immediately he was up, and with a hoarse bellow he aimed a blow at his -young enemy's chin. But Bob dodged and with expert quickness sent his -fist smashing into the man's nose. - -Stunned, dazed, bewildered at this youth's daring, he again took -flight, Bob at his heels. - -Had the revolver not been taken from him by the crowd of people, Bob -would have been tempted to open fire. - -Suddenly a man appeared not far away, and Bob called to him for -assistance. The stranger finally grasped the meaning, and not -questioning the cause of the chase, started after the criminal from -another direction. - -"We've got him," panted Bob, as he came within an arm's reach. "It's -all over now." - -And so it was. With a terrific crack to the chin the youth sent his -enemy to the ground unconscious. - -"But what does this all mean?" demanded the stranger who had helped in -the capture. - -"He's a criminal," Bob answered. "Set a garage on fire. Tell you later -if you'll give me your name and address. Mine's Bob Holton. I live -at----Wait, here's one of Dad's cards." - -The stranger accepted the card and in turn gave his name and address, -but it was evident that he was very much puzzled about the whole -affair. - -The criminal's eyes were opening, and he squirmed about uneasily. At -last he seemed fully revived and sat up. - -"Where's an officer?" Bob asked, looking about. - -"Here," came a shout, and the next moment a policeman stepped up, -looked at the downed captive and then at Bob. - -"Take this man to the police station," the youth directed. - -"You're certain you've got the goods on him?" - -"Yes. I'll come along with you." - -Tim Donnahan slowly responded to the officer's command to "rise an' -get goin'," and they started to a police telephone, where a call for a -patrol wagon was to be made. - -Meanwhile Joe, who was left behind in the car when Bob made his -escape, had resolved to free himself if it were at all possible. He -saw that it would be impossible to break away as his friend had done, -for the crowd was all the more determined to bring him to justice as a -"hold-up man," which they didn't doubt that he was. So the only thing -left was to do his best to make them believe what he told them. - -"I tell you it's a mistake," he pleaded. "This first fellow that got -away is the guilty person. We caught him after he had set fire to my -father's garage. We were taking him to the police station when he -pulled his gag about being held up. You noticed he lost no time in -getting away, didn't you? Would a man who wasn't guilty have done such -a thing?" - -His tones were so much in earnest that many of the people were -inclined to believe him. - -"He's telling the truth, all right," declared one man, nodding. - -Several policemen now came up on motorcycles, and Joe again told his -story. - -"My friend is still after the crook down the street," he said, as -finishing words. - -"All right," one of the officers replied, as if he believed. "Suppose -we go down the street and investigate. I'll get in the car with you." - -Joe, glad of the chance to prove that he had told the truth, did as -directed. - -A little farther down they pulled up beside the crowd that had -gathered at the spot where Bob had caught the criminal. - -"There they are," pointed out Joe, as he saw his friend, a policeman, -and Tim Donnahan making their way to a telephone. - -"Bob did get him," observed Joe, overwhelmed with joy. - -The car was stopped beside them, and a short discussion was held. - -Bob was asked to tell his story, and the policemen noted that it -exactly coincided with that told by the other boy. - -"Looks like a clear case on you," one of the officers said to Tim -Donnahan, but the man remained silent. - -"I'll go with you fellows to the garage that burned," the other -officer said to Bob and Joe. "And meanwhile," he went on, "we'll send -police out to get those other crooks you were talking about." - -Bob took the wheel, and in less than fifteen minutes they pulled up in -front of Joe's house and got out. - -Mr. Lewis and Mr. Holton came out to meet them. - -"What's it all about?" the latter asked, as he noted the policeman. - -"We've caught the fellows that set fire to Dad's garage," Joe -answered, and then proceeded to tell of their experiences. - -When he had finished, the men looked at their sons with intense -admiration and praise. It was evident that the youths had gone beyond -their expectations. - -"It was a brave deed!" commended Joe's father, patting them on the -back. - -But Bob protested. - -"We didn't do much. Catching that fellow wasn't so hard." - -"You got the whole gang indirectly," corrected Mr. Lewis. "Now," he -continued, "you fellows are entitled to a reward. What would you like -to have?" - -"Nothing," returned Bob. "It wasn't worth much. We came out all right -and had a lot of fun at that." - -"I won't have it that way," rejected Mr. Lewis. "You boys must have a -reward for your services, and I'm going to see that you get it. What -would you like?" - -There was a short silence. Then Joe's eyes twinkled, and he resolved -to venture a bold question. - -"Let us go with you on that trip you're about to take to the wilds of -Brazil," he said quietly. - - - - -CHAPTER V - -A Worth-while Offer - - -Both Mr. Lewis and Mr. Holton smiled. It was evident that they had not -expected this. - -"That's the only thing that'll satisfy you?" the former asked, his -mind working rapidly. - -The young men nodded. - -"We'll be careful and do all we can for the good of the expedition," -said Bob anxiously. "Please arrange to take us along." - -There was a period of suspense. Then the men looked at each other. - -"What will we say?" Joe's father asked, totally undecided. - -Mr. Holton had been mentally debating the subject. Now he was ready -for an answer. - -"Let's let them go," he said. "They're as big and strong as we and are -usually equal to any crisis. You see what they did to this gang of -men. Shows they are resourceful, and that's what you have to be in a -strange land where danger lurks at every step. In my opinion they'd be -a valuable asset to the expedition." - -The youths looked at Mr. Holton gratefully. They felt that the battle -was nearly half won. - -For nearly a minute Mr. Lewis was silent. Then he spoke with decision. - -"I think you're right, Howard," he said. "We'll have a talk with their -mothers this afternoon, and I am of the opinion that they'll give -their consent if we go at them right." - -"Fine!" cried Bob joyously. "Do your best to win them over. I think -they'll agree to let us go, especially since they have so much faith -in you. But say! You haven't told us who all intend to make up the -expedition. There isn't to be a large number, is there?" - -"No," Mr. Holton answered. "We only intended to have three, Mr. Lewis, -an anthropologist, and myself, but if you boys accompany us the number -will, of course, be raised to five. And perhaps," he went on, "that -would be better than to have so few. You see it isn't like an -expedition into Africa, where there are plenty of native carriers to -bear your provisions. We'll have to rely more on our own resources -and be extremely careful that we don't get lost. Several million -square miles of jungle is a wide area to cut into, especially when so -much of it is unexplored." - -"Should think it would be great fun," commented Joe, mentally -picturing the many thrills that promised to make the trip interesting. - -"It will be," Mr. Holton returned. "But it will also have its dangers. -These are mainly of human character. Why, it is said that there are -tribes of Indians so uncivilized that they think nothing of----" - -"Ahem!" Mr. Lewis cut in purposefully. - -"What were you going to say?" Joe asked. - -"Perhaps I'll tell you some other time," came the reply. "Right now I -think I'll have a look at my firearms. In all probability they need -oiling." - -He left for the house, and the others remained for several minutes -longer. Then Mr. Lewis departed also, leaving the youths to -themselves. - -"What do you suppose Dad was going to say--about the savages, I mean?" -Bob asked, glancing around to make sure that the men were gone. - -"Something that shouldn't go into our young ears," smiled Joe and then -turned to the house. - -As he did so he happened to glance out at the street, to see that two -men were making their way up to the house. Each carried a small hand -satchel. That they were strangers Joe guessed at once, although they -might not be to his father and Mr. Holton. - -Joe waited until the men were close and then turned to meet them. - -"Naturalists by the names of Lewis and Holton," one man said. "Can we -find them here?" - -"Yes," Joe replied, wondering what was meant. "Come in the house and -I'll call them." - -The strangers did as directed, and Joe went around to find his father -and Mr. Holton. - -Bob took a chair on the porch. - -Joe found the men cleaning their rifles. Neither could explain who the -strangers were. - -"Perhaps they're from the museum," said Bob's father, as he and Mr. -Lewis left for the living room of the Lewis home. - -During the discussion Bob and Joe remained on the porch, not wishing -to intrude on the naturalists' private affairs. They were not there -long, however, till Mr. Holton called them in with the others. - -"Boys, this is Mr. Weslowe, and this, Mr. Duncan, both of the Neuman -Film Corporation. The young man on my left is Joe Lewis; on my right, -Bob Holton, my son." - -After a few casual remarks, Mr. Holton proceeded to tell why the -representatives from the film corporation were there. - -"You see, they learned of our proposed expedition into the wilds of -Brazil," he explained, "and they have come to make a business -proposition. Suppose one of you continues," he ended, looking at the -men, "for if these young men are to be a part of the expedition they -should know about this." - -"As you know, we are with the Neuman Film Corporation," Mr. Weslowe -explained. "Now this house is always on the lookout for an opportunity -to take motion pictures of little-known places, and here is certainly -an opportunity. Unexplored Brazil! Ah! What a chance! - -"The minute Neuman learned of this expedition they lost no time in -sending us out here to make an offer--one that we sincerely trust you -will take up." - -He stopped to open his satchel and get out a folded paper. Then he -continued: - -"We want you to take motion pictures of Brazil for our company. Will -you do it?" - -For a few seconds no one answered. Then Mr. Lewis leaned forward. - -"Won't it be difficult?" he asked. - -"On the contrary," Mr. Duncan returned. "Very simple. Hardly anything -to it. We'll give you complete instructions and will not hold you -strictly responsible for any lost film. In fact it nearly always -happens that at least several score feet of film are lost on such an -expedition, where wet and damp have so much to do with the success of -the pictures taken." - -"Of course," said Mr. Weslowe, "we realize that yours will be an -expedition for the good of science, not to take moving pictures. It is -for this reason that we will willingly place the responsibility, which -isn't very much, in the hands of these young men here--your sons. - -"Now this will not mean," he assured them, "that they must put in all -their time for this cause. We only wish several scenes along the -journey. For instance, you might start by taking a movie of Para, or -whatever other city you first reach. Then several hundred feet may be -used along the mainstream of the Amazon, showing the gradual progress -of the expedition. When you turn onto a less-known river, that's when -we want the real show to start. The country you'll pass through will -be wilder, and the pictures will be more interesting. But once again -let me assure you that the apparatus we'll furnish will be of the -simplest design, and you need not worry about not meeting with success -as far as that goes. And we'll pay you well for your trouble. Here's -the contract. Read it over. See what you think of it." - -He passed the paper to Mr. Holton, who shared the reading with Bob, -Joe, and Mr. Lewis. - - - - -CHAPTER VI - -Off for the Wilds of Brazil - - -"Well?" - -It was Mr. Weslowe's voice after the scientists and their sons had -finished reading the contract. - -Mr. Holton nodded. - -"It's all right," he declared. "Contains nothing whatever that would -be objectionable." - -Mr. Lewis agreed. - -"We'll leave the matter to the boys," he said. "They'll be the ones -who will have charge of taking the pictures. And let me say that you -can rely on them." - -"You haven't said that we can go yet," remarked Bob. "How about our -mothers? Will they consent?" - -"Yes," Mr. Lewis answered. "They finally agreed. We were planning to -make it a surprise later." - -"What!" cried Bob, while Joe gasped in astonishment. - -"Fine!" blurted out Joe, after he had regained his breath. "We don't -know how to thank you enough. And I'll be more than glad to accept -this offer to take the movies. Bob will, too, I'm sure." - -"All right," Mr. Weslowe said. "Here's a pen. You men, as the ones in -charge of the expedition, must sign here." - -They did as directed, and then the representatives prepared to depart. - -"The film, machine, and other equipment will be here inside of a -week," Mr. Duncan said. "And you'll find it as simple as we -explained." - -Then they took their leave. - -"A chance to make some money," said Mr. Lewis to the youths, as they -seated themselves on the porch awaiting the evening meal. - -"Yes," said Bob. "And I know we'll find it interesting." - -"What kind of a camera do you suppose they'll furnish?" Joe asked. - -"Probably the small, simple kind that requires no tripod. All you do -is press a button and the film is automatically exposed. But you'll -have to follow the instructions closely or the whole thing will be a -total failure. And to a certain extent, Mr. Holton and I will be held -responsible." - -Practically all of the next day was spent in the business district -purchasing various articles to be used on the coming great adventure. -In the evening when they returned home they were satisfied with -everything they had bought. Bob and Joe were especially delighted with -the new rifles that their fathers presented them, for they were of the -very latest design. - -"I suppose they'll bring down anything," said Bob, in reference to the -guns. - -"Anything but elephants, rhinos, and the like that have extremely -tough hides," his father answered. "You needn't fear them, though, for -we won't come across them in South America." - -"What is considered the most dangerous game of that continent?" asked -Joe. - -"The jaguar, generally," was the response. "He sometimes attains a -length of nearly six feet and is extremely powerful. He has been known -to attack a mustang, swim with it across a river, and place it in the -thick bushes. Again he has been seen to open fish and heavy turtles -with his powerful claws." - -"Poisonous snakes are also dangerous," said Mr. Lewis, "although they -seldom attack a man without first being disturbed." - -"There's a remedy for every such bite, isn't there?" inquired Joe. - -"Yes. That is, for nearly every one. The strange part of it is that -one antidote may be totally ineffective against one kind of poison, -while it has effect on another. You see there are several types or -classes of venomous reptiles, and each has a different type of poison. -Hence several antidotes have to be carried so as to take no chances." - -"Anacondas are not poisonous, are they?" asked Joe. - -"No," replied Mr. Holton. "They are constrictors, that kill their -victims by crushing them to death. Another name for them is 'water -boa,' because they are found near a stream or mud hole. You boys -probably know that they are among the world's largest snakes, often -being thirty feet in length and thicker than a man's leg. They are -capable of crushing an ox to death, and often tear up small trees by -the roots." - -Joe shuddered. - -"I don't think I'd care to meet one of them," he said. "Especially -since I'm not an excellent shot like you and Dad." - -"And Bob," added Mr. Lewis. Really Bob was not far behind the -naturalists in marksmanship. - -After the preparations for the trip were fully completed, the youths -and their fathers rested, for the coming venture was to be a tiresome -one, and it was wholly unwise to use too much of their energy that was -to be so much needed later. - -Meanwhile reconstruction work was being done on Mr. Lewis's garage, -and the workmen promised to have the task completed in three days. - -"Won't have to worry about that," Bob assured his chum's father. "You -can just take it easy until the time comes to leave for Brazil." - -Mr. Lewis nodded but found out later, as did Mr. Holton, that to rest -was impossible, much as they would have liked to. Frequent trips to -the museum had to be made, visits to various libraries were necessary, -and they found at last that a journey to Baltimore was inevitable. As -might be expected, they were greatly fatigued when, although every -matter was settled, only two days remained before the long mission -into the unknown. - -That afternoon Professor Bigelow, a noted anthropologist who was to -be a part of the expedition, arrived at Mr. Holton's home, where he -was to remain until the expedition would leave. He was a rather small -man, with heavy gray hair and a swarthy complexion that the boys -rightly guessed was due to his many missions into strange lands to -study primitive people. He at once took a great liking to the youths, -and together they discussed many strange happenings, which the -professor related in breath-taking tales. He told of adventures in -darkest Africa, where many little-known clans of natives were studied. -He thrilled his listeners with stories of narrow escapes from the -Dyaks of Borneo, of journeys into Ecuador to investigate the savage -head-shrinkers, into India, Mongolia, Venezuela, islands of the South -Seas, and many other strange places. Yes, it was a great life--that -pursued by an anthropologist. - -"Two more things I'd like to know," said Bob, the next afternoon. -"First, what food will we take along?" - -"That is all arranged," his father replied. "A company in New York -packed our provisions in light tin containers that are airtight and -will float on water. You don't need to worry about our having enough, -for we took into consideration the possibility of a long, unexpected -delay. What's your other question?" - -"This: Where do we sail from, New York? And on what ship?" - -Mr. Holton gasped in astonishment. - -"What!" he cried. "You don't know that yet? I thought we discussed -that matter several days ago." - -"If you did, I wasn't there," Bob returned, grinning. "We've been so -busy with preparations that I haven't given it a thought." - -"All right, I'll tell you. We sail from New York on the steamer -_Empire_, a vessel of ten thousand tons. It is scheduled to arrive in -Macapa, which is several miles inland on the Amazon, in twelve days. -Fairly good time, considering a stop at the West Indies." - -At frequent intervals Mrs. Holton and Mrs. Lewis expressed the desire -for their sons to give up the thought of accompanying the expedition, -but the boys did their best to convince their mothers that, while -there were dangers attached, they were not as numerous as one might -think. - -"Come to think of it, you can't blame them, though," said Joe. "We're -rather inexperienced in the art of exploring." - -"We'll come through all right," Bob assured him. "Oh! How I wish the -time would pass quicker!" - -Despite Bob's desire, the great day of leaving took its time in -coming. But when it did arrive, everyone was in readiness. - -"Weather's cool and the sky's clear," observed Joe, as he and Bob -lugged their belongings out to the front porch of Bob's home, where -the members of both households were to gather before the party would -leave. - -"Just the right temperature," declared Mr. Holton, who had moved up in -time to hear his son's chum. - -The train was to leave for New York at ten o'clock and the party -barely had time to get breakfast and prepare themselves and their -possessions, which, by the way, included the motion-picture cameras -and several thousand feet of film, sent ahead by the Neuman Film -Corporation. - -Bob and Joe--and the others to a less degree--had studied the -instructions on how to take motion pictures and felt that it would be -an easy matter to carry them out. - -Shortly after breakfast Mrs. Holton and Mrs. Lewis drove the family -cars out in front, and the others carried out their belongings and got -inside. - -"The last we'll see of good old Washington for several months to -come," sighed Joe, as he cast a final look at the homes they were -leaving behind. - -There were tears in the eyes of Mrs. Lewis and Mrs. Holton as they -gave the youths and their fathers a warm farewell. Professor Bigelow -also took part in the leave-taking, for he was well liked by all. -Bob's smaller brother and Joe's sister gave tender good-byes, and with -one last adieu the adventurers made their way down the platform and to -the New York Limited. - - - - -CHAPTER VII - -New York--And On - - -The trip to New York, while interesting, was without incident, and -they were glad to stretch their legs in the Pennsylvania Terminal, -where hundreds of people from all parts of the country were assembled. - -"Now what?" asked Joe, after a bountiful lunch. - -"Better get to a hotel," replied Mr. Holton, picking up his bags. - -The party walked outside and hailed a taxi, the driver of which agreed -to take them to a comfortable hotel near the waterfront. - -"An outside room," observed Bob, as he glanced at his ticket and -followed the others to an elevator. - -Their sleeping quarters were on the seventeenth floor, where a -wonderful view of lower Manhattan and the waterfront could be had. - -"Fairly high, but could be a lot higher," observed Joe, as he gazed -out at the scores of other tall buildings that were grouped about -them. - -"The trend is upward," remarked Mr. Lewis. "Imagine how old New York -will look fifty years from now, when there may be buildings two -hundred stories high!" - -"Suppose we go down and see how things look from the street," -suggested Mr. Holton. "Been a long time since we've been here." - -The remainder of that day was spent exploring Manhattan Island. They -turned in early in the evening, for they were very tired. - -"Tomorrow," said Bob, as he threw himself on the bed, "we'll see -sights for sore eyes." - -And they did. The scene at the dock was one of absorbing interest to -all, even as much as the men had witnessed it. Ships from all -countries were anchored in dense rows, their crewmen busy loading and -unloading cargoes. Boxes and bales were being piled in great stacks, -awaiting transfer by motor truck. Passengers and spectators crowded -closely around the sections where passenger liners were anchored. - -"Here we are," said Mr. Holton, pointing to a medium-sized ship -between two other smaller boats. "The _Empire_. Looks staunch enough." - -The others agreed and then made their way up the gangplank. A -white-clad officer came out to meet them and upon receipt of their -tickets directed them to their staterooms. - -"Large and comfortable," commented Bob, as he set down his baggage and -looked about. - -"All you could ask for," said Joe, who was to share the room with his -chum. - -The youths spent several more minutes in examining the articles -furnished them for the voyage. Then Bob turned toward the door. - -"Let's go out on deck," he suggested. "It won't be long until the ship -lifts anchor." - -On deck they found everything in readiness for the voyage, and the -scene of action below was interesting to the extreme. Crewmen hurried -back and forth with ropes, boxes, bales, and other objects, intent -upon a purpose. Visitors scurried off the ship and stood by to witness -the leaving. - -"Everyone probably wishes he were going with us," said Bob, as the -crowd grudgingly stepped back for the gangplank to be pulled in. - -The next instant the long-drawn, deep whistle of the boat sounded, -and with the ringing of gongs the engines started. A streak of foam -arose between the hull and the dock, and the ship started moving. - -"Good-bye, America!" shouted Joe, leaning far out over the rail. - -"Yes," affirmed Mr. Holton. "It's the last we'll see of good old New -York for many weeks to come." - -Mr. Holton, Mr. Lewis, and Professor Bigelow turned and walked to the -other end of the deck. Bob and Joe remained where they were. - -Neither of the youths said anything, for they were busy with their -thoughts. - -Who knew what perils might befall them before they would again see -that land they so dearly loved? - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - -The Beginning of Trouble - - -Bob and Joe found the ocean voyage very interesting, for it was -something new to them. The waves, sea gulls, flying fish, an -occasional shark, the painted horizon, and the ship itself all held -their undivided attention and made them thrill at the fact that they -were living through an experience that only a comparative few had the -opportunity of enjoying. - -They spent much of their time on deck, enjoying the never-ending charm -of the ocean. Thus far the weather had remained peaceable enough, and -both boys expressed a desire for it to continue thus. They had never -witnessed a hurricane, but had heard from their fathers of how -destructive a tropical ocean storm could really be. - -"The ship looks strong enough to come through safely," remarked Joe, -as he cast eyes about the deck. - -"Yes," his friend replied. "She's built on the stoutest possible -lines." - -Section by section the youths explored the _Empire_ and were much -impressed by everything they saw. They visited the various passenger -quarters, the bridge, the enormous kitchens, the hold, and last and -most interesting, the engine rooms, where mammoth turbines turned -harmoniously and kept the ship at a smooth, even gait. The vessel -interested them greatly, and while not built on the enormous -proportions of the huge liners that sailed between American and -European ports, it was large enough to keep the youths wondering. - -"One of the many man-made wonders," said Bob, as he thought of how -complex the engines were. - -One of the things that impressed the boys most was the large supply of -provisions that were taken along. There were literally tons of food, -water, novelties, and other goods stored in great rooms, and every bit -was to be used on this one voyage. Artificial refrigeration kept -perishable food fresh and wholesome. - -Early the next day Bob and Joe showed their first signs of -seasickness. They had been standing at the rail watching the rolling -of the waves and were growing rather tired when Joe turned about, his -face pale and of a yellowish color. - -"I think I'll go to my berth," he said, his voice unsteady. - -"What's the matter? You----" - -"It came at last," smiled Mr. Lewis, who had moved up to the youths. -"I seldom knew it to fail. Seasickness is almost sure to be felt on -the first voyage one takes. Bob, I'm betting that before two hours -will have passed you'll be as bad off as Joe. Of course," he went on -in a tone that he tried to keep serious, "let's hope you'll have -better luck, but the chances are against you." - -Mr. Lewis's prophecy proved correct. In fact it was less than one hour -later that big Bob, after heroically postponing the dreaded -seasickness as long as he possibly could, turned and went to his berth -to join his stricken comrade. - -"Too bad," remarked Mr. Holton, closing the door of the stateroom -after cautiously peeping in. "Perhaps their next voyage--if they take -any more--will be free from unpleasantness." - -Throughout the remainder of that day the boys' condition remained -unchanged. If anything, they were worse off than before, and neither -would look at a bite of food of any kind. - -"This is terrible," moaned Joe to his father, the professor, and Mr. -Holton, who went in to see how the youths were. - -"Cheer up," Mr. Holton said in lively tones. "You can surely stand a -couple of more days." - -He was right. It was two days later when the boys began to show signs -of recovery. Then only very slowly did they resume their natural -cheerfulness. - -"Too bad we had to miss so much," mourned Bob. "But I'll admit there -wasn't much to see." - -"Nothing but water," said Joe and then turned to go into the cabin. As -he did so he happened to glance down at the stern and pointed for Bob -to follow his gaze. - -Leaning against the rail were the boys' fathers conversing with an -elderly bearded man, with a uniform that distinguished him as the -ship's captain. He seemed good-natured and humorous, for occasionally -he would cause the men to laugh so hard that they would have to grip -the rail to maintain their balance. - -"Come over, boys," Mr. Holton said, glancing up. - -They did so. - -"This," he continued, "is Captain Crowell, chief officer of the -_Empire_. Captain, this is Joe Lewis, and this, Bob Holton, the young -men we were telling you about. What do you think of them?" - -The old officer spent nearly a minute in looking the boys over. Then -he turned to the naturalists. - -"Spirited-looking chaps," he grinned. "Look as if they'd like to -deprive Brazil of every bit of animal life in it. Better not let them -have a rifle. The jaguars will all make for cover." - -"Roasting us, are you?" retorted Bob. - -"No. What creature, no matter how fierce, wouldn't be afraid of two -mates who captured a gang of desperate criminals all by themselves? -You don't need to worry about these fellows," he said to their -fathers. "They'll take care of themselves and you, too, perhaps." - -Bob and Joe took a liking to the old seaman and intended to discuss -many problems with him in the future. - -"Maybe he can suggest something to do to while the time away," said -Bob the next day, when Captain Crowell was again referred to. - -"That reminds me," the other youth blurted out. "There's a swimming -pool in the second deck. Let's go up." - -Bob readily agreed, and they were soon floating calmly about. - -"We'd better get as much out of this as we can," remarked Joe. "There -won't be a chance to enjoy this sport in Brazilian waters." - -"No," put in Bob. "The alligators and piranhas and other dangerous -forms won't give us a chance to even wade." - -The youths were not the only ones to invade the swimming pool, -however. As they neared the tropics, and the temperature steadily went -up, people from all over the ship enjoyed its cool retreat, the pool -becoming almost crowded. It was great fun. Nothing to do but just -splash about. - -Games also held the boys' attention. Shuffleboard, quoits, deck -tennis, horseshoes, and other activities played an important part in -the daily life, and in times when they desired more quiet -entertainment, the library, with its scores of books of all types, -afforded interesting occupation. - -Many leisure hours were spent conversing with Captain Crowell, who -always had a humorous tale to tell. On one occasion, when they had -been at sea nearly a week, Bob and Joe happened upon him standing at -the rail, gazing up at the sky, on his face a worried expression. - -"Big storm coming," he said, after the salutation. - -"A storm!" cried Joe and then looked upward. - -Sure enough, clouds were banking heavily, and the sun was nowhere in -sight. A stiff breeze had arisen, and with this came the smell of -rain. - -An officer came up and handed a slip of paper to the captain. He read -it, and then, with a parting word for Bob and Joe, he turned and went -toward the bridge. - -The boys looked at each other. Were things going to turn out for the -worse? Surely something serious was wrong, or the captain would never -have acted in such manner. - -"Getting darker," Bob said, as he noted that the clouds were joining. - -"Won't be long before it'll rain," prophesied Joe, and he was correct, -for it was less than ten minutes later that a heavy drizzle fell, -forcing the chums into the cabin. - -There they turned and looked out at the sea, which was rapidly getting -higher. The wind was blowing fiercely, its velocity increasing with -each minute. - -"Well, boys, what do you think of it?" - -It was Mr. Holton's voice. He and his two companions had moved up to -the glass, as had a number of other people. - -"Suppose you answer that question," replied Bob. "You're in a better -position to know than we are." - -"I believe we're in for a bad one," was the opinion voiced by -Professor Bigelow. "But how long it will last is hard to say." - -Mr. Lewis nodded. "Tropical hurricanes are very uncertain," he said. -"Sometimes they last only a few hours, while at other times they keep -up for two and three days." - -The boat was now rocking violently, and many people had difficulty in -keeping their footing. Bob and Joe took chairs that were fastened -securely to the floor. They intended to remain awake all night if the -storm did not subside. - -But exhaustion was stronger than their intentions, and finally they -stumbled to their stateroom, ready for a night's rest. - -"Storm or no storm, I'm going to turn in," Bob said, and then lost his -footing and went sprawling to the floor, with Joe on top of him. The -ship had suddenly tilted as she struck a mountainous wave. - -"Wow!" cried Joe, gripping a water pipe and righting himself. "Better -hold tight from now on or we're likely to get a bad spill." - -By almost a miracle the youths undressed. Then they tumbled into their -berths, to go to sleep at once. - -About midnight they were awakened by a shrill, long-drawn whistle, and -all the sleep knocked out of them, they were on their feet in an -instant wondering what was meant by that unusual sound in the dark of -the night. - - - - -CHAPTER IX - -A Daring Rescue - - -"What is it?" asked Joe, as he hurriedly slipped on his clothing. - -"Beyond me," Bob answered. "Come on. Let's go out on deck. We may be -able to find out." - -The ship was rocking terribly, and the boys found it difficult to keep -their footing. But they finally managed to catch hold of a rail, and -from then on it was easier. - -Several other passengers were up also, intent upon investigating the -strange whistle. - -"Maybe the boat's sinking," suggested Joe. - -Bob shook his head. - -"Probably isn't that. At least let's hope not." - -With beating hearts the youths came up to the glass and turned to look -out at the angry sea. Then their expression changed. - -A short distance from the _Empire_ was a small fishing schooner, its -prow out of sight in the water. On the stern stood a score or more -men, waving their arms frantically. It was evident that they were -panic-stricken, for several of them occasionally shouted for help. The -little boat tossed about violently on the crest of the mountainous -waves, her front deck gradually fading from view. Every minute it -seemed that the end would come. - -"It's sinking fast!" cried Joe. "Why don't some of our crew do -something?" - -"They are. Look." - -Farther up on the _Empire's_ deck fifteen or twenty men, under the -direction of officers, were busy lowering lifeboats, although it -looked out of reason to let them down on that sea. - -Suddenly Bob turned and started toward his berth. - -"Where you going?" Joe asked. - -"To get the motion-picture camera. Here'll be a good chance to take -some pictures. There's plenty of light around here." - -The next moment he was gone, and Joe turned to the deck. - -The roar of the storm was deafening, and the wind howled ruefully -through the funnels and masts. It was as though the end of the world -were coming. - -In less than five minutes two lifeboats were lowered, four or five men -in each one. Then slowly they made their way toward the doomed -schooner. - -Bob now returned with the movie camera and cranked away, delighted to -get an opportunity to film such an unusual happening. - -The boys, however, were not the only ones to watch the daring attempt -at rescue. In fact the glass was now crowded with people, and Mr. -Holton, Mr. Lewis, and Professor Bigelow came up and wormed their way -to their companions. - -"Most thrilling thing I ever saw!" exclaimed Mr. Holton, as he -breathlessly directed his gaze at the puny boats, which wallowed -heavily and threatened to be swamped at every moment. - -On and on went the rescue boats, their occupants bailing furiously. -Now and then they threatened to capsize but always righted themselves. - -In what seemed to be a long period of suspense to the spectators, the -_Empire's_ crew reached the fishing schooner, which was now far under -water. - -One by one the fishermen climbed into the lifeboats, although it was -necessary to give sharp commands to prevent disorder. - -When the last of the men from the doomed boat stepped into the -lifeboats, the officer in charge gave the word, and they started back -to the _Empire_. - -The return trip threatened to be more perilous, for the boats were -very low in the water with the added load. Hurriedly the oarsmen set -to work, so that they might be a good distance from the schooner when -it sank, for a whirlpool would be created, meaning certain disaster to -all around it. - -Once a giant wave passed over the little boats and they disappeared -from view, amid gasps from the spectators. But the danger was soon -over, and the lifeboats emerged unharmed, the crewmen bailing rapidly. - -They were barely at the _Empire's_ side when the schooner sank. With a -last look at the scene of disaster, the fishermen boarded the ship. -They were water-soaked and shivering with cold, but were too glad that -they had been saved from the hungry depths of the sea to make any -complaints. - -"They're Portuguese," observed Professor Bigelow, as the fishermen -came nearer. - -The men muttered several words of thanks to the _Empire's_ crew, but -it was clear that few understood them. Professor Bigelow, however, -picked up the meaning at once and translated to his companions. Mr. -Holton and Mr. Lewis had a slight knowledge of that language, but -could not keep up with the excited men. - -"The captain says it's too bad they had to lose the schooner," -Professor Bigelow said. "He said they did their best to save it from -going down, but had to give up. They did not intend to be this far at -sea, but the storm gave them no chance of turning back." - -In a short time the excitement was over, and most of the passengers -again retired, for the next morning they were to sight the West -Indies. - -Bob was overjoyed at the success he had had in taking the movies of -the rescue and knew they would be a hit with the Neuman Film -Corporation. They were the first of any importance that had been taken -on the ship, and, as Joe said, a little action now and then does a lot -to liven up a thing. - -The next morning the storm had completely subsided, and true to -schedule the _Empire_ sighted Porto Rico. There was a scramble of -passengers who had reached their destination. - -"Probably think they'll be carried on," smiled Bob, as a rather -nervous man fled down the stairs. - -At first the shoreline was so dim as to be hardly distinguishable from -the low clouds, but it gradually grew more plain. At last trees and -houses could be made out, and then the skyline of San Juan loomed up -in the distance. - -"Looks like a city," remarked Joe. - -"It is," his father replied. "Has over eighty-five thousand -inhabitants." - -"Will we have time to go ashore?" asked Bob. - -"Yes. The ship remains in port for about three hours," Mr. Holton -answered. - -As the _Empire_ approached the city, she backed her engines and moved -slowly into port, where a small crowd of people were massed to give -greeting. - -Several other boats, large and small, were anchored at the busy docks, -and the _Empire_ steamed in between two freighters, one of which was -being loaded with sugar. - -"Sugar is one of the principal exports," explained Professor Bigelow, -as the exploration party prepared to leave the ship on a tour of the -city. - -As soon as they were in port, the gangplank was lowered. The -adventurers made their way down, among a score of other passengers, -many of whom were to leave the ship here. - -Bob and Joe were at once impressed by the native residents, for there -was a great variety of races. Spaniards were the most numerous, but -there were also Negroes, mulattoes, French, Americans, and a small -sprinkling of Indians. - -"Quite a variety," commented Joe. "Though it is possible to see this -very thing in parts of New York." - -The explorers found that it would be comparatively easy to walk to -various places of interest, and, after passing the former -governor-general's palace, they resolved to take in as much of the -city as they could in two hours. - -They found that the city was built on Morro Island, although the -mainland could be easily reached by the numerous bridges. The streets -were regularly laid out, and in the white quarters the residences were -rather attractive. - -"Doesn't look much like America, though," said Joe. - -The exploration party reached the _Empire_ with thirty minutes to -spare, and they took chairs on deck to watch the busy dock below. - -All too soon the whistle of leaving blew, and visitors scrambled down -the gangplank. Then, with one long blast the ship slowly steamed out -to sea, leaving Porto Rico behind. - -At last they were on the final stretch. There would be no more stops -till they reached South America. Then only short stays at Paramaribo -and Cayenne, which were important seaport cities about two hundred -miles apart. - -"How long will it be until we again see land?" asked Bob, as he and -the others sat on deck. - -"Two days," replied his father. "No doubt that they'll seem like a -long time, too." - -And they did. Bob and Joe were no more vexed than the others, however, -for the men were also anxious to get started into the unknown. But -when at last they did sight South America they forgot the past and -looked into the future. - -The boys, with their cameras in hand, were the first to reach the -prow. They were closely followed by their fathers and the professor, -who also crowded in for a first view. - -At first, land was only a speck far out on the horizon. Then only -gradually did it take on form and color. - -"We're nearing Paramaribo," pronounced Mr. Holton, as he made out the -outline of the city. - -"What country is it in?" asked Joe. - -"Dutch Guiana," the professor answered. "One of the smallest nations -in South America." - -The _Empire_ steamed into a port nearly as busy as that of San Juan, -although most of the boats were small. - -For a second time the gangplank was lowered, and as the explorers had -a half-hour to spare, they started on a short walking trip of the -city. - -"Quite a bit different from San Juan," said Bob, as he noted that many -of the people were native Indians. - -The others nodded. None of them had been here before, and they -naturally took a great interest in these unusual surroundings. In fact -Professor Bigelow was the only one who had ever seen South America -before, but this did not lessen his enthusiasm. - -The streets were, for the most part, narrow and straight, cutting one -another at right angles. The party was surprised to find the houses -extremely low, hardly any of them exceeding two stories. Some were -built of brick, but most were of cane plastered with mud. - -Several minutes were spent in rambling over the various quarters of -the city. Then they went back to the ship, which was now nearly ready -to sail. - -"South America is all right to visit," remarked Joe, "but I don't -think I'd care to live here." - -The others agreed with him. - -"And yet," said Professor Bigelow, "there are a number of cities that -are very well developed. Take Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires, for -instance. They are large, clean, and well kept. A street in Buenos -Aires looks very much like a street in the United States." - -Soon the _Empire_ was off, having unloaded a large cargo of American -goods. Several passengers also took their leave here. - -From then on the scientific party was restless and eager to get -started into the unknown. As one nears his goal, he nearly always -finds it hard to wait through the last few stretches. Bob and Joe -especially were excited, for it was their first adventure. Their -hearts throbbed as they eagerly anticipated the coming days. - -That evening they arrived in Cayenne, the capital of French Guiana, -and, as before, took a short trip about the city. It was much the same -as Paramaribo, however, and they were glad to board the _Empire_ again -for the last leg of the long journey. - -It was about six hundred miles to Macapa, the _Empire's_ destination, -and the party settled back in anticipation. - -Neither of the boys did anything of importance. They were too -enthusiastic over the coming great adventure. - -"Let's take it easy on deck," suggested Bob, and they arranged chairs -for all of the party that cared to rest. - -"There's nothing like enjoying the spell of the ocean," remarked Mr. -Holton. - -A few days later Captain Crowell announced that they were sailing up -the mighty Amazon, and the explorers were thrilled to the bone. The -Amazon! At last one of their strongest ambitions had been fulfilled. -Bob and Joe were overjoyous, for they had had a strong desire to see -this great water system. - -"Doesn't look like a river to me," said Joe as he tried in vain to see -the shore. - -"Over a hundred miles wide at the delta," said Bob. "It's the greatest -river system in the world." - -For several hours they steamed on up the great river, past small -settlements, plantations, and green islands. Occasionally they would -get a glimpse of beautiful wild vegetation, and their hearts would -beat fast. Then, almost without knowing it, they came to Macapa. - -There was a fairly good port, and the vessel took her place between -two small river steamers. The long ocean voyage had come to an end. - - - - -CHAPTER X - -In the Heart of the Jungle - - -"Now what?" asked Joe, as the party passed on down the gangplank. - -"Better get our belongings together first," said Mr. Lewis. "Then we -can make inquiries about the leaving of a boat that'll take us to our -destination." - -"But what about finding a place to stay overnight?" asked the -professor. - -"You needn't worry about that." - -All looked around, to see that Captain Crowell had moved up behind -them. - -"I heard what you said," he remarked. "And let me say that you are -welcome to your berths on the _Empire_ until we leave for New York. -That may be tomorrow, or it may be the next day. Go on up and make -yourselves at home." - -The party accepted the invitation with warm thanks. Then they moved on -up to the boat. - -"Pretty soft," smiled Bob, as they sat on deck. "We might have hunted -for hours before finding rooms." - -It was late that night when the party retired, but all slept well and -awoke the next morning ready for any plans that might be made. - -After breakfast Mr. Lewis and Mr. Holton left for the dock, where they -would make inquiries about the leaving of a boat for farther upstream. -Bob and Joe followed a road out of town to see the country. - -They hiked for perhaps two miles, looking sharply about. Then, as -there was not much new to see, they turned and went back to town, -desirous of finding out what information, if any, their fathers had -gained about the leaving of a boat. - -By luck the boys met their fathers in the main street, and there were -smiles on the men's faces. - -"Pat us on the back," smiled Mr. Holton, so overjoyed that he could -hardly keep his composure. - -"What!" cried Bob. "You've found a boat so soon?" - -The naturalists nodded. - -"By chance we met the captain of a small freight vessel that happens -to be going up the Purus to Acre, on the Bolivian frontier," said Mr. -Holton. "Sheer luck, I calls it. Any other time it would have been -necessary to wait three or four weeks before finding such an -opportunity. Of course we wouldn't have waited that long, though. We -would have found it necessary to take two boats, one to Manaos, and -one on up the Purus. But the way things are now--" he smiled -broadly--"we're all set for a pleasant voyage, with no stops till we -reach our destination." - -"When does the boat leave?" inquired Joe. - -"In less than three hours," his father answered. "That means we'll -have to hurry and get packed." - -They walked on down the dock to the _Empire_ and found Professor -Bigelow in the library. He looked up smilingly and placed his book -back on the shelf. - -"What did you find?" he asked. - -Mr. Holton told of obtaining passage on the boat to the Purus, and the -anthropologist was delighted beyond words. The delay was maddening to -him, even though he was able to keep his time occupied. - -It did not take the party long to get their possessions together, and -after locating Captain Crowell and thanking him for the use of the -berths, they left for the newly chartered boat, which was anchored -farther down the pier. - -"Small but staunch-looking," commented Bob, as they came to it. - -"Built on rather speedy lines, too," added Mr. Lewis. - -They lugged their baggage up on deck, to be met by the burly captain, -who in his rough attire was a strange contrast to Captain Crowell. He -was good-natured, however, and readily showed the explorers to their -sleeping quarters. - -"Hope you have a jolly voyage," he boomed, leaving for the cabin. - -"I told you boys wrong when I said we don't stop till we get to our -destination," Mr. Holton corrected himself, as the party started out -to the rail. "The boat stops at Manaos, but only for a couple of -hours. We'll have time to go about the city." - -A little later the boat's whistle sounded, and then came the faint -chugging of the engines. - -"We're off!" cried Joe excitedly. "Off on the last stretch of our -journey." - -Soon the waterfront of Macapa was left behind, and the _Selvas_, for -that was the vessel's name, steamed out to the middle of the mighty -Amazon. - -The explorers did not move from deck until one of the crew announced -that the noon meal was ready. - -"Wonder what we'll have to eat?" asked Joe, as they went into the -dining room. - -"Probably salt pork and a few other dishes of cured food," returned -Mr. Lewis, and he was right. - -"It's all right for a change, anyway," said Bob. - -The boys spent the remainder of that day in exploring the boat and -were impressed by everything they saw. Aside from the fact that it was -rather old, it was worthy of the great river on which it steamed. - -"Let's hear something about Manaos," Bob said to his father that -night. "If we are to see it soon, I'd like to know what to expect." - -"It's a wonderful city," Mr. Holton replied. "Large stores, office -buildings, hotels. If what I've heard is correct, we will be -astonished." - -And they _were_ astonished. In fact, when they pulled into the busy -port, the boys' eyes almost popped from their heads. Even after -hearing about Manaos from their fathers, they could not believe that -they would find anything like this away out in the heart of the vast -wilderness. - -"Has a rather impressive skyline," observed Joe, gazing ahead at the -outlines of the hotels and office buildings. - -"Many of the structures are new," put in Professor Bigelow. "The -city's growth has been rather rapid. But now," he went on, "suppose we -get off the boat and take a short trip about town." - -The adventurers easily procured a map of the city. Then they boarded a -street car for a ride down the principal business street. - -"Modern is right," commented Bob, gazing out at the large buildings, -hotels, theaters, and stores. - -They passed many points of interest, including the Theatre of Manaos, -the many parks and gardens, schools and colleges, and monuments and -statues. And to cap all this, they spent several minutes in one of the -most complete museums they had ever been in. - -"Truly a great city in the heart of the forest," said Mr. Holton, as -they prepared to board the boat for the continuation of the journey. - -They got to the _Selvas_ with barely five minutes to spare. Already -the crew were making ready for the long voyage that was to follow. - -Shortly later they were again in the midst of the forest, after having -left Manaos behind. - -"I see we're not the only passengers on the boat," said Professor -Bigelow, glancing across at two men who sat near the stern. - -"Probably they're rubber gatherers who have a plantation farther -down," was the opinion voiced by Mr. Lewis, and his guess was right, -as they later found out when an acquaintance sprang up between the -Brazilians and the Americans. - -That acquaintance was delightful and tended to relieve the monotony of -the trip. The men, Acmio and Piemo by name, took a liking to the -explorers and told of many strange sights of the jungle. They knew -nothing, however, of the region the expedition was going to penetrate. - -"I bet we won't find anything, either," said Joe. "No one seems to -have been far in the interior." - -At last the _Selvas_ came to the Purus River, and down this it -steamed. - -"Considerably narrower than the Amazon," observed Bob. "But at that -it's a good many rods across." - -"The Purus is noted for its crooked course," remarked Professor -Bigelow. "The sand bars occur with such regularity that the natives -reckon distances by counting the number of them." - -At this time of year the water was rather high, for the rainy season -was barely over. - -They steamed on for the greater part of that day before coming to a -settlement, and this was small and crude. They did not stop, although -several men came out to greet them. - -As they steamed farther, the river became more crooked. In fact it was -often impossible to see more than three hundred feet ahead. And as -they penetrated deeper into the jungle, vegetation became more dense. -Great clusters of bright-colored flowers lined the banks, tall trees -showed themselves above the other growth, parasitic vines wound -themselves around forest giants. Ferns, high grass, small bushes, -oddly shaped stalks--all these caught the eyes of the explorers. - -After a long journey they reached the mouth of the Tapaua, and at a -small town between the two rivers the boat stopped. Here the -adventurers got off. - -It seemed strange to set foot on ground out here away from -civilization. Why, it was almost like another world! For some time Bob -and Joe could not realize that they were now in the very heart of the -great Amazon jungle. - -The captain of the _Selvas_ had given the party a letter of -recommendation to a Brazilian who would be able to fit them out with -boats and Indian crew. He lived at the edge of the town, and to that -place they went, led by Mr. Holton. - -They found the man sitting idly in his thatched house. He was very -tall and slender, but looked to be possessed of great strength. - -"You are Senhor del Pereo?" asked Mr. Holton in the native tongue. - -"_Si_," the man replied. - -Bob's father took out the letter and handed it to him. - -He read carefully for several moments. Then his face lighted. - -Sure he would help them. Anyone who was a friend of the captain was a -friend of his. It would be easy to get a boat--or boats, for that -matter--and he knew of several trustworthy Indians who would readily -act as guides. But he knew nothing about the distant country. Few -people did. It was a land of mystery. - -Mr. Holton translated to Bob and Joe. Then he again turned to the -Brazilian. - -"You will lead us to the boats and guides now?" - -"Yes." - -They started out, the Brazilian in the van. - -He led them around the village to a large native hut, in front of -which sat several semi-naked Indians. They were on their feet in an -instant when they caught sight of Senhor del Pereo, and with friendly -greetings listened to what he had to say. - -For several minutes he conversed with them in their native tongue, and -in the end they nodded in acceptance. - -"They will go," he said to the explorers. "They will be your guides in -an unknown country." - - - - -CHAPTER XI - -On the Alert - - -"Now the next thing is to get boats," said Mr. Holton. - -Senhor del Pereo announced that it would be possible to get them at -once, without having to have them constructed, and the explorers were -delighted. - -He led them down to the river bank, where two large canoes were -aground. Each was about thirty-five feet long and capable of carrying -a ton and a half of cargo with ease. Mr. Holton and Mr. Lewis were -amazed. - -"They are not native canoes," Mr. Lewis said, as he noted the deep, -full lines and high freeboard. - -The Brazilian explained that they had been used by a party of British -hunters on the Purus River, and were purchased when the men were -through with them for a small sum. - -"Got it all over Indian boats," remarked Bob, glancing farther down at -several that were moored. - -The Indians had accompanied them to the boats, and now Senhor del -Pereo introduced the ones who were to be a part of the expedition. -There were six of them--three to attend to each boat. All were large, -strong fellows, capable of any kind of work required by the venture, -and the Brazilian assured the explorers that they could be relied -upon. - -After attending to a few more matters with Senhor del Pereo, the party -set about loading their provisions and supplies in one of the boats; -the other was to be used as a storeplace for the specimens they would -collect. - -Bob and Joe did a good share of the work. Then occasionally they would -take motion pictures. - -When the last box was lifted up, Mr. Holton gave the sign, and, with -parting words with the Brazilian who had done so much for them, they -got in the foremost canoe and were paddled upstream by the crew. At -last they were off for the unknown. - -"Now for the fun," smiled Joe, as he cranked the movie camera and -looked expectantly into the green depths of the bordering jungle. - -"I suppose you're referring to hunting," said Mr. Lewis. "Well, we'll -do plenty of that a little later. But first we want to penetrate a -large distance from any outposts of civilization." - -At the start, the river was rather wide, but it promised to narrow -later. - -They glided swiftly on for perhaps three hours. Then Mr. Lewis -suggested that they stop for the noon meal. Meanwhile, the crew could -be resting. - -The boats were brought to a stop at a large sand bank, and all climbed -out to stretch their legs after such a long journey in more or less -one position. Bob and Joe felt like running and shouting. - -"Like to go in for a swim," said Bob, wiping the perspiration from his -streaming brow. - -"So would everyone else," returned Mr. Lewis. "But with the alligators -and piranhas and other dangerous aquatic forms it's absurd even to -think of such a thing." - -"Are they this close to the Purus?" asked Joe. "I thought they were -found deeper in the jungle." - -Mr. Holton shook his head. - -"Piranhas and alligators are very common all through this region," he -said. - -Mr. Holton and Mr. Lewis got out a ration of food, while Bob and Joe -attended to minor tasks. Professor Bigelow looked after the plates and -utensils. - -In a short time the meal was prepared, and all ate in quiet -contentment. The food tasted good after those three long hours of -constant traveling. - -Bob and Joe glanced at the frowning jungle, which was but a short -distance away. It seemed to challenge the explorers to penetrate its -leafy depths, although in many places this was almost impossible. - -"Quite a variety of trees," observed Bob, his eye scanning the edge. -"I suppose there are hundreds of different kinds." - -"There are," answered Professor Bigelow. "All different kinds, from -mahogany to bacaba palms. Much of the wood is worthlessly soft and -useless, but mahogany and a few others are shipped to all parts of the -world. There would be a much greater amount sent out, though, if it -were all buoyant. The fact that many of the logs are not prevents them -from being floated downstream." - -The explorers spent several minutes in the shade of a large tree, -talking and chatting merrily. Then the professor suggested that they -move on, and the others were more than glad to do so. - -"You're right," Mr. Lewis told the professor. "We want to cover as -much ground as possible today." - -The provisions were packed in the boat. They then boarded, to be -paddled upstream by the Indians. - -There was plenty of room to move about, and the youths shifted their -positions frequently. Not because they grew tired of the scenery, -however, for at every yard there was something new to see. -Bright-colored flowers lined the banks, red-leafed bushes were common, -tall palms, grotesque vines, ferns, plants of all kinds that baffled -the boys. Occasionally they would pass dead branches covered with -living orchids. Then again there were trees that themselves had -flowers. Once they came to a tree over fifty feet high with wide, -spreading branches that were covered with yellow blossoms. - -Often the river would bend sharply, making necessary utmost caution by -the crew. On one such occasion the explorers were engaged in -conversation when suddenly a loud splash from ahead made them look up. -Then, as they rounded the bend, they saw something that made them jump -to their feet and grasp their rifles. - - - - -CHAPTER XII - -A Fearful Sight - - -On the bank not far away were at least fifteen large alligators, their -hideous jaws partly open as they basked in the hot sun. Frequently one -would plunge into the water to cool itself, and then there would be a -terrific splashing about. - -As soon as possible, the Indians stopped the boats, and the explorers -viewed the creatures with a terrible awe. Here was their first -encounter with the wild life of Brazil. Here, not far away, were some -of the most terrible reptiles of South America. - -For some time the alligators did not seem to notice the human -invaders. Then they one by one crawled off the bank and sank a few -inches beneath the water. - -"Evidently don't care for our company," said Joe in a low tone. He had -brought the movie camera to his shoulder and was taking in the -unusual sight. - -It was thought best not shoot any of the reptiles for fear of causing -an undue commotion. Then, too, it would prove difficult to get the -victims in the boat with so many others around. - -In a short time no traces of the creatures were left, and the Indians -again turned to the paddles. - -"Is it safe to go on?" asked Joe. - -"Yes," the professor replied. "They probably won't attack the boats. -And if they should they could do little or no damage to the stout -hulls." - -For a few seconds he conversed with the Indians. Then the party -resumed the journey, keeping a close watch about. - -No more was seen of the alligators, and the explorers again were -quiet. But now they were more anxious than ever before, for the past -experience had stirred their sporting blood and made them long for a -jaunt in the forest. Even Professor Bigelow was affected, and he sat -fingering his rifle as if awaiting another such incident. - -"Alligators and crocodiles are very much alike," said Mr. Lewis, -wishing to break the silence. "The only difference is in the canine -teeth. In the alligator they fit into pits in the upper jaw; in the -crocodile they fit into notches. Otherwise they look alike." - -"Which is the most ferocious?" inquired Joe, thoroughly interested. - -"Scarcely any difference," his father returned. "Both are bad enough -when they're after you." - -For a time the adventurers paddled near the center of the river, in -order to avoid heavy piles of brush that lay near the shore's edge. -They did not feel like talking. The mid-afternoon sun beat down upon -them until they were dripping with perspiration. Why, even summer -Florida weather was nothing to this! - -The water glistened like silver. It was almost impossible even to cast -eyes upon it, for the reflection of the sun was extremely blinding. - -For entertainment and amusement the boys' fathers and Professor -Bigelow related some of their experiences, which Bob and Joe never -grew tired of hearing. The naturalists told of encounters with wild -animals; the professor, of savage people. Bob and Joe sat in silence, -marveling that before long they could tell of happenings probably as -much or more breath-taking. - -Suddenly, as they neared a patch of bright red bushes, Mr. Holton -called to the Indians to stop the boat. - -"What is it?" asked Bob, and then his gaze followed that of his -father. - -Not far away on a low branch was a large oriole, almost the size of a -crow, with a red and white bill, and yellow, green, and brown plumage. -It uttered not a word, although no one doubted that it could. - -"We must have that bird," whispered Mr. Holton. "It is rather rare, -and few of them are in museums. Keep quiet now, while I get a small -gun." - -The others obeyed. The naturalist found a suitable shotgun. He raised -it to his shoulder, took careful aim, and pulled the trigger. - -The next moment there was a terrible screeching and wailing. The bird -fluttered about for a brief second, then fell into the water. - -"You got him," said Bob joyously. "You----Well, of all things!" - -The reason for his exclamation was not far to seek. No sooner had the -bird struck the water than a rather small fish darted to the surface, -caught the bird by the breast, and bit it in two. It evidently did -not like the taste, however, for the remains of the bird's body were -left to float on the water. - -"Stung!" exclaimed Mr. Holton, regaining his breath. "The piranhas -spoiled the chance of getting that specimen." - -"So that fish was a piranha?" asked Joe, looking to see if he could -locate it in the dark water. - -"Yes," Mr. Lewis returned. "They're mean creatures, all right. Got a -temper like a bull. They'll attack anything from jaguars to people, -and they usually do the job right. I once heard of a man devoured by -them in a very short time." - -"It wasn't very large," said Bob. "Looked about like a pickerel to -me." - -"It isn't their size," his father returned. "It's their ferocity--and -strong, sharp teeth." - -"Let's don't worry about the bird," consoled the professor. "We'll -probably see more of them later on." - -The naturalists resolved to follow the professor's advice and regard -the matter as one of the many discouragements that could be expected -at almost any time. - -"After all, we didn't lose much," said Mr. Lewis. "But then--but -then----" - -As they paddled on, signs of life became more frequent. Once there was -a small flock of bright red birds, and the naturalists had more luck -in bringing them in as specimens. None was shot near the river; only -those on shore were aimed at. A little later they saw the first -monkeys since they had turned down this river. They had often heard -the little creatures in the depths of the jungle, but had never been -successful in getting a glimpse of them. - -Along toward evening Mr. Lewis suggested that they go ashore and pitch -camp for the night. His friends agreed, and after making sure that the -Indians were willing, he gave the word and the boats were turned into -a little cove, where they were tied to a stout tree. - -"Plenty of room around here," observed Bob, as he got out and -stretched his legs. "No trees within a radius of several score feet. -Ought to be fairly good protection against night marauders." - -The tents and poles were untied, and after locating a suitable site -the stakes were driven to the ground, the poles hoisted, and the -hammocks hung. - -Then a bountiful supper was prepared, and the party ate hungrily. Bob -and Joe especially partook of large quantities, for their appetites -were those of youth. - -After the meal the explorers sat in a group, chatting merrily. Even -the Indians took part in the conversation, answering many of the -whites' questions about the jungles they were passing through. Bob and -Joe had trouble in understanding them, but their fathers translated -whenever there was any difficulty. - -A little later, darkness fell suddenly, and with it came the chill of -night. - -"Seems strange that the nights should be so cool when the days are so -hot," remarked Bob, going into the tent for a coat. - -"Does at that," said Mr. Lewis. "But it's true of all tropical -places." - -Soon the sky became dotted with countless numbers of twinkling stars. -Soon afterwards the moon came out in full splendor, flooding the -boundless expanse with enchanting light, and casting a reflection on -the water beautiful beyond description. - -The explorers were filled with awe as they sat staring into the vast -jungle, thrilled that they were the only inhabitants on this wild -shore. - -For some time no one spoke. Then Mr. Holton rose and looked at his -watch. - -"Getting late," he said, walking over to a box of supplies. - -"Yes," agreed Professor Bigelow. "I suggest that we turn in." - -The others agreed, and they attended to last-minute tasks. - -"Ordinarily it is the Indians' duty to stand guard," said Mr. Lewis, -glancing at the brawny crew, several of whom had fallen asleep. "But -since they've worked hard and unflinchingly, and are nearly worn out, -I suggest that we whites take turn about on this first night. We've -had it comparatively easy all day. Then, too, it will increase their -respect and liking for us. What do you think?" - -"I'm all for it," declared Professor Bigelow. "Now who is to have the -first watch?" - -It was decided to draw straws, the person getting the shortest to be -the first guard. - -By chance the short piece fell to Bob, and he took his place just -outside the tents, sitting on one of the boxes, a rifle in ready -grasp. The others retired to their hammocks. - -For over a half-hour Bob stared quietly into space, glancing -occasionally at the sparkling river. Then he decided to change his -position. - -But at that moment there came a crashing sound on the far side of a -group of palm trees. - -The youth was on his feet at the instant, wondering what the noise -meant. Then he decided to find out. - -"It's only a short distance from camp," he thought. "There's no harm -in going over there." - -Grasping his rifle, he stole quietly in the direction of the strange -commotion. - -It did not take him long to reach the patch of trees. Then he wormed -his way through the tall grass for a distance of perhaps twenty feet. - -The next instant he shrank back, for the sight that met his eyes was -fearful and repulsive. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII - -The Death Struggle - - -Beside a patch of bushes was a large wildcat, greedily devouring the -remains of a small deer. Most of the deer's body has been torn to -pieces, so that only the head remained intact. There was a terrible -stare from the wide eyes that caused Bob to shudder in disgust. - -The tiger-cat was evidently very hungry, for it would scarcely bite -out one section when it would tear into another, crunching horribly. -Occasionally it would shift its position and sample various parts of -the body. It finally crouched at the stomach, and in no time stripped -the flesh from the bone. - -The sight was not wholly to Bob's liking, but he could not tear -himself away. After all, the occasion was not one so terrible. All -wild creatures must eat, and this is the only way they know. - -Bob lifted his eyes from the feast to the great cat, and for the -first time saw how beautifully marked it was. Why had he not noticed -that before? Probably because he was much more impressed by the meal. -The wildcat's fur was of a light brown, spotted and barred with black -and darker brown. Its abdomen was pure white, and seemed spotlessly -clean. It looked about four feet long, exclusive of the tail. - -"Doesn't look very ferocious," Bob thought, but he knew what would -probably happen if the creature were to discover him in its domain. - -For several minutes the feast continued, the animal's hunger seeming -to increase rather than lessen. - -Suddenly there came a rustling sound from behind a low shrub. - -Instantly the cat was on its feet, tail erect, eyes staring. - -The rustling sound continued, and a moment later another cat of the -same type leaped out into the clearing, took in its surroundings -carefully, and then made for the body of the deer. - -But it did not get far. A moment later the first tiger-cat crouched -itself and sprang at the invader's throat. Then a terrific combat took -place, the memory of which was to remain with Bob for many years to -come. - -The creatures thrashed constantly about, each trying to inflict a -death wound. They growled horribly, and occasionally one would cry out -in pain. Sometimes they reared up on hind legs, biting and tearing -fearfully. Then again they would be on top of each other, stamping and -tearing to the height of their ability. For nearly five minutes the -fight continued, and by now it was evident that the invader was -getting the worst of it. Instead of being on the offensive it slunk -back, trying in vain to ward off the assaults of its enemy. Suddenly -it fell back, as a vital part was pierced. The first tiger-cat had -won. - -A few more minutes were spent in awaiting any further movements from -the defeated, but as none came the victor resumed its feast. - -"All over," Bob muttered to himself. "A swell fight, too. I wouldn't -have missed it for anything. But say! This fellow would be a fine -specimen for Dad and Mr. Lewis. I wonder if I can plug him. Don't -think the dead one will be of much use to them, it's so badly mauled." - -The moon was still shining down brightly, and it was nearly as light -as day. This was both an advantage and a disadvantage. True, it would -be much easier to get a good aim at the animal, but the light would -make Bob much more easily seen. Still he resolved to chance it. - -Gripping his rifle firmly, he parted the bushes and rose to his feet. -But the slight commotion caused the tiger-cat to turn about, and rage -came into its eyes as they lighted on the youth. What was this new -type of creature that had come to interrupt the feast? - -Bob raised his rifle to his shoulder and awaited a chance to fire an -effective shot. But none came. The great cat crouched to spring. - -"I've got to get him," said Bob, gritting his teeth. - -Then, as the animal launched itself into the air, the youth took rapid -but careful aim and fired. - -The bullet sped true, entering the open mouth. - -The tiger-cat fell at the boy's feet, twitched about for a moment, and -then lay still. - -"Hurrah!" Bob cried, exulted beyond words. "I got him. And what a fine -specimen." - -The rifle shot had aroused the rest of the expedition, and they came -running out, wondering what was meant. - -"What's up?" demanded Mr. Holton, as he first caught sight of his son. - -"Plenty," Bob replied and led them to the bodies of the wildcats. - -Everyone cried out in surprise and amazement at sight of the beasts. - -"Ocelots," pronounced Mr. Lewis. "I didn't know that they were this -common. How did you happen to come across them?" - -Bob was obliged to relate the entire experience. He told of how he had -come across one of the creatures at the body of the deer, of the -thrilling combat that took place when the other ocelot arrived, and of -shooting the survivor. The party listened with breathless interest, -and even the Indians demanded a translation. - -"An unusual happening," said Professor Bigelow, looking at Bob in -admiration and wishing that he had been present. - -"Takes old Bob to do it," smiled Joe. "And that required some nerve, -too. The first wild animal he's ever met." - -"It's a case where the first is one of the most savage," remarked Mr. -Lewis, directing a glance at the creature's sharp canine teeth. "The -ocelot is next only to the jaguar in ferocity and daring." - -"Not much left of the deer he was feasting on," observed Joe. "I -suppose he would have left little more than the skeleton if Bob hadn't -so rudely interrupted him." - -Mr. Holton and Mr. Lewis procured knives and began the task of -skinning the creatures. It was believed that both could be used, as -the one that had been previously killed was not as badly mauled as Bob -had thought. - -In a short time the skinning was completed, and they again retired for -the night, Bob remaining throughout the remainder of his watch. -Nothing more happened that night, however, and they awoke the next -morning to witness a beautiful sunrise. Breakfast was soon over, and -then began the task of breaking camp. - -"Let's hurry," urged Professor Bigelow. "We want to cover twenty miles -today, if possible." - -"And we will if rapids don't bar our way," said Mr. Lewis. - -Soon the belongings were packed in the boats, and they started on up -the river. Meanwhile Bob and Joe were taking motion pictures quite -often and were always on the lookout for new sights. Many times did -they regret that they had been unable to film Bob's experience of the -night before. - -The men kept their time occupied in writing notes and collecting -specimens, which were growing in number hourly. Already there was an -abundance of game. Monkeys quite often were crowded in the trees, -birds of brilliant plumage were more numerous, various small animals -darted out, and once Joe caught a glimpse of a wild pig running -through the underbrush. - -"When are we going ashore?" asked Bob. "Looks like here is a good -chance to get some specimens." - -"It undoubtedly is," Mr. Holton returned. "And we would try our luck -now if Professor Bigelow were not anxious to find a strange tribe of -Indians that's reputed to be somewhere in this region. When we locate -it we can stop and stay at one spot as long as the professor chooses, -for game will probably be abundant, and we will have the chance to get -scores of specimens." - -That day they made nearly twenty-five miles, and all were delighted -that no rapids loomed up to hinder them. - -"There's nothing that puts you at more inconvenience than rapids," -said Professor Bigelow, as they sought out a place to camp for the -night. - -They found the spot they wanted beside a rocky knoll, not far from the -river. There was a small open space a short distance away, and to this -the party made. Again preparations were made for the night, and then -the evening meal was prepared. - -"Let's turn in early," suggested Mr. Holton, after they had finished -eating. "The three Indians in the back boat complained that one of the -clamps for an oar is loose, and it may take quite a while to repair -it. For that reason we must be up early in the morning." - -The clamp, they discovered later, had been split through, making it -necessary to carve out a new one. To do this was not easy, for -suitable wood had to be cut and measurements taken. All told, there -was a delay of over three hours. - -"Now let's go," urged Professor Bigelow, his patience almost -exhausted. - -Day after day the miles were laid behind them in both a pleasant and -disagreeable manner. In times when treacherous rapids offered a -hindrance, they struggled unflinchingly, often knee deep in the water -or mud. But there were chances for relaxation, when there was nothing -to do but take it easy in the high seats of the boats. Bob and Joe -could not fully realize that they were not in a dream but that this -was the real thing--a wild, untamed land in the very heart of vast -Amazonia. - -"It's great, Joe, old boy," said Bob, when over a week had passed. -"I've often visualized this expedition, but my expectations are far -surpassed." - -One morning when they were paddling swiftly along, Professor Bigelow -uttered a cry of delight and pointed to the bank. - -"Indians!" he cried excitedly. "At last we've found a band of -Indians!" - - - - -CHAPTER XIV - -The Deserted Village - - -Professor Bigelow was right. On the shore not far away were a dozen or -more native huts, grouped in a cluster about one that was larger and -more carefully built. All about on the ground were various objects of -daily life, such as wooden machetes, pots and kettles of clay, pieces -of wood, and hides and skins of animals. But, strain their eyes as -they did, the explorers could see no Indians. - -The explorers were uncertain as to whether it would be safe to go -ashore, but finally Professor Bigelow resolved to take the chance. He -was as excited as a boy, and seemed not able to wait until the boats -could be turned to the river bank. - -The crew, however, were a bit dubious about the venture into an -unknown village. They had heard stories of how explorers had been -massacred by savage Indians, and as they had never been far as this -upstream, they were at a loss to know how the strange tribe would -treat them. - -Still if the strange scientist was bound to hazard it they would go, -although they would be ready for instant flight if necessary. - -The boats were brought up alongside the bank and made secure to small -trees. Then the explorers climbed out and looked about. - -"An ideal site for a village," said Joe, glancing about. - -"Trust the natives to pick out the best spots," said Bob. - -Slowly and cautiously they walked toward the village, gripping their -rifles tightly. When within a short distance from the foremost hut -they stopped, and the professor, who had studied the languages spoken -in this region, called out loudly in the native tongue--or rather what -he thought to be the native tongue. - -There was no answer, and the explorers proceeded on into the -habitation. - -"No signs of life anywhere," said Professor Bigelow. - -"Perhaps another tribe invaded and killed the inhabitants," suggested -Mr. Lewis, glancing about. - -"No," disagreed the professor. "There is evidence that the place has -been recently inhabited. For instance, look at those ashes over -there," pointing to a place where a fire had been built. "They are not -very old. I know the signs. We can look for the tribe at almost any -time now." - -"Seems strange that the women and children went away too," said Mr. -Holton, almost unbelievingly. - -"They often do it," answered the professor. "The women, you see, do -almost as much as the men. In many cases they do much more. They many -times go along on excursions into the forest to carry the weapons and -the trophies of the hunt. And as this is a rather small settlement, we -can take that for granted." - -"When do you think they'll return?" asked Bob. - -"That is hard to say," was the reply. "It is all according to how long -they have been out. They may be back in a few hours, or it may be a -week. But," he added, "I am all for waiting. The chances are we'll be -all right." - -They explored the huts and found them to be very substantially built. -There were few pieces of furniture in them, but the largest hut, -which was undoubtedly the chief's, contained several articles of -interest to the visitors. There were brightly decorated pots and -kettles, carved sticks, jaguar hides, spears and clubs, bows and -arrows and blowguns. - -"Quite an elaborate display of implements," remarked Joe, examining a -blowgun with interest. This weapon was about ten feet long, round and -tapering, and covered with a glossy substance resembling glue. At each -end it was bound with heavy cord made from vines. A quiver of arrows -was attached to it, and, with utmost care lest they be poisoned, he -took one out. It was about three feet long and sharp as a needle. - -There were many other objects of domestic use lying and hanging about, -and they were examined especially by Professor Bigelow, who had found -himself in an anthropologist's paradise. Baskets, closely woven from a -strange type of straw, were filled with farina; bone tubes for -snuffing were strewn about, and many kinds of ornaments hung on wooden -pegs. - -Bob's attention was attracted to a kind of necklace, which was strung -with the teeth of some wild animal--unless, but this was hardly -probable, they were human teeth. - -"Not human," smiled Mr. Holton. "Can't you tell a monkey's molars when -you see them?" - -"Sorry, but I'm not as much of a naturalist and zoologist as you are," -laughed Bob. - -Meanwhile Joe was cranking the movie camera, filming the entire -village. As a matter of fact he had been engaged in doing this since -they first sighted the village. - -"These ought to be interesting scenes," he confided to Bob, as the two -walked toward the river bank. - -"They will be," was the reply. "Tend to break the monotony of the -constant river-traveling." - -At the shore they found several native canoes tethered to trees. They -were mere dugouts, but they looked staunch and strong enough to stem -almost any current. - -The youths spent several more minutes at the bank; then they made -their way back to the others. - -"What'd you find?" asked Mr. Lewis. - -"Only native canoes," Bob answered. "Only----" - -He stopped and listened. What was that he had heard? - -Again it came to his ears, this time louder and nearer. - -"Sounds like someone's shouting," said Joe. "Sounds like----" - -"Indians!" cried Professor Bigelow. "The Indians are returning!" - - - - -CHAPTER XV - -Danger at Hand - - -"Quick! Let's get to the boats at once!" cried Mr. Holton. "It won't -do for them to find us here in the village." - -The explorers hastened to the river bank with all the speed they could -put into their legs. Not until they were safe in the boats did they -draw a breath. Then they cast glances about the shore. - -The shouting grew louder, and the next moment twenty-five or thirty -semi-naked Indians burst into the clearing and made for the huts. But -one that was evidently the chief called them back and pointed to the -river, where the explorers' canoes were moored. - -"Now's the time to act," muttered Professor Bigelow, getting out of -the boat. - -He strode up to within fifty feet of the Indians, throwing his hands -apart in a gesture of friendliness. Then he called out something that -the other whites did not understand. - -Immediately there was a turmoil of excited chattering, in which the -chief took the biggest part. Then the latter called back to the -professor, who listened eagerly. In the end there was a smile on his -face. - -"It's all right," he said to the explorers, beckoning them to come -ashore. - -"Sure there's no danger?" asked Mr. Lewis. - -"It will be safe. The chief welcomed us into the village." - -Mr. Holton was the first one out of the boat, followed by Joe, Mr. -Lewis, and Bob. The crew trailed. - -They did not think it wise to bring their rifles, for the Indians -might suspect them. But each had a revolver in his holster, and it was -Mr. Lewis who warned them to be on the lookout for any treachery. - -Professor Bigelow waited for them to come nearer. Then he led the way -into the village. - -For several minutes he carried on conversation with the chief and -seemed to have little or no trouble in understanding him. The Indian -regarded him soberly most of the time, but at several of the -professor's remarks he smiled broadly. - -"The professor's building up a feeling of good will," grinned Bob, a -new glow of respect for the scientist coming over him. - -"He'll manage those savages all right," said Mr. Holton, as he -recalled some of the encounters with savage people that had been told -of Professor Bigelow. - -The conversation ended with an introduction of the other whites to the -Indians, and after a few more casual remarks Professor Bigelow -resolved to tell why they were there. - -While the remainder of his party waited in ignorance of what was being -said, he related the details of the expedition: why it had been -organized, what its purposes were, and where it intended to explore. -All this he put in the simple language of the natives, and although it -was difficult to convey many ideas correctly, he succeeded admirably. - -The chief's answer was that he and his people would furnish -information about their daily life, and, if the whites so desired, -they would also help in getting specimens. The big Indian stressed -the point that these were the first white people he had ever seen, -although several of the older members of the tribe had met a party of -them many years ago. - -Professor Bigelow translated what had been said, and the naturalists -were joyous. They could gain many things by remaining here with these -simple people. - -As soon as the novelty had worn off, the chief, whose name was Otari, -escorted the party to one big hut, where they were to remain at night -during their stay at the village. - -"Plenty of room here," observed Joe, glancing about the thatched -walls. - -"Yes," Bob agreed. "Not a bit crowded. It's one of the best dwellings -in the settlement." - -Much room as there was, however, there were only a few pieces of -native furniture and implements. A large box-like table, assembled -with wooden pegs, stood in the middle of the room. Beneath it were -five or six clay pots and containers, each washed clean. In one corner -were two bows and arrows and a blow gun. - -"They sure use poor taste in furnishing a house," grinned Bob. "But I -suppose for them it's sufficient." - -Professor Bigelow thought it wise to bring in their belongings from -the boats, but the others were a bit dubious about the safety of them. - -"We can leave the crew to guard them when we are away," he said. "I -don't think even that will be necessary, for I have a light, portable -safe that I take on all expeditions such as this." - -He opened a large box and took out several flat pieces of metal. To -his friends' astonishment they were easily lifted, although they -looked to weigh seventy pounds each. - -"They are magnalium," he explained. "About the lightest and strongest -metal there is." - -There were lock clamps at the edges of each piece, and these were -fitted into each other. In a short time a large safe stood before -their eyes. - -Bob gasped in astonishment. - -"That's a new one on me," he confessed. "Never heard of anything like -it." - -"It's also new to me," said Mr. Lewis. "I knew there were such safes, -but heretofore I have never seen one." - -"But," hesitated Mr. Holton, "what kind of an explanation will we -give the Indians? It occurs to me that they would take this as a kind -of insult. Might get it in their heads that we thought they would -steal something." - -"Restrain yourself from worrying about that," the professor consoled -him. "I've used this before many times. As an explanation, we'll -simply say that the safe is a place to store the belongings where we -can have them easily at hand. Then, too, it will prevent any of the -children from curiously straying into our hut to meddle with things. -I've never yet had any trouble." - -The safe was large enough to hold the professor's typewriter, paper, a -few books, and various other essential objects. In addition, there was -room for rifles, ammunition, knives and preparations used in skinning, -and several other articles that it was best to lock up. - -"It's just the thing," remarked Joe. "Now we can be sure that valuable -possessions will always be here when we get back from a hunting trip." - -"I will probably spend most of my time in here writing and conversing -with the natives," Professor Bigelow said. "So when you are out you -can be doubly sure that things will be all right." - -It was now about meal time, and the chief wanted to bring the -explorers dishes of native food, but they thanked him, saying that -they would use their own provisions. - -"For my part I don't care for any of their delicacies," grinned Joe. -"You can never tell what you're getting." - -"True enough," laughed Mr. Holton. "For that reason we'll stick to our -own grub." - -After lunching bountifully, the explorers rested on the straw beds and -felt much better for it. When an hour had passed, Mr. Holton rose and -walked over to the supplies. - -"Let's go out specimen-collecting," he suggested, getting out a rifle -and small shotgun. - -Bob and Joe were on their feet in an instant, their faces radiant with -delight. At last had come a chance to explore the jungle, with its -many thrills, wonders, and tragedies. How they had longed for it! - -"Can't get there any too soon for me," said Bob, grasping his rifle. - -Mr. Lewis also agreed, and they started out toward the back of the -village, Bob and Joe in the lead. - -There was a fairly well blazed trail at the edge of the last hut, and -the hunters resolved to follow it. - -"Probably won't be much large game along this path, but there will -undoubtedly be others branching off from it," remarked Mr. Holton, as -he took the lead and plunged into the jungle. - -That jungle interested the youths immensely, for the variety of -tropical vegetation was wide. Trees of all types grew one beside -another, their leaves coming in contact with each other. Many of the -trunks were encircled with parasitic vines, which, in many cases, -caused the trees to be stunted. All about on the ground were shrubs -and bushes and tall grass that hindered walking. - -"Have to be careful here," warned Mr. Lewis, carefully avoiding a low -shrub studded with sharp-pointed thorns. - -"Right," agreed Bob's father. "Keep a ready hand on your rifles, for -there are countless creatures that may be dangerous." - -Although the jungle seemed thick at the start, it was nothing to what -they found it later on. Vegetation was certainly dense. Large clusters -of ferns barred the way, their enormous leaves suggesting forests of -prehistoric times. Gay flowers loomed up here and there, tempting the -hunters to stop and marvel at their beauty. Oddly shaped plants were -numerous, among them being a stalk that grew straight up for a -distance of perhaps ten feet, then spliced and fell to the ground in -several places. - -Bob and Joe had expected much, but this was beyond any of their -anticipations. Nature was certainly bountiful in displaying her art in -these little-known places. - -After a fifteen-minute hike they reached a region of thick bushes, -many of which bore sharp-pointed thorns that were far from pleasant to -encounter. Even with their heavy clothing, they emerged with torn -garments and with bruises that stung and pained severely. But the -unpleasantness was lost before the many tropical wonders that -presented themselves. - -Suddenly a flock of white birds flew overhead, and Mr. Lewis and Bob -fired their shotguns together. At once four fell to the ground, amid -the terrible screeching of the others. - -"Egrets," said Mr. Holton, upon examining the birds. - -As the hunters moved on they added many other birds and small animals -to the collection. One of the most remarkable of the latter was a -large ant-bear, with a long, slender head that terminated into a -toothless mouth. The creature was about four feet long, with a bushy -tail protruding another two feet. - -Bob and Joe did their part in the specimen-collecting, and they at -once won the recognition of their elders for their accurate shooting. -Bob was especially praised, for he was not far behind the men in -marksmanship. - -The hunters had been out several hours when Mr. Lewis suggested that -they get back to the village. - -"Professor Bigelow and the others may worry about us," he said. "In my -opinion we have been out long enough for the first time." - -The others agreed, and they were about to retrace their footsteps when -Joe caught sight of something that turned his blood cold. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI - -A Thrilling Encounter - - -Protruding from a tree bough not ten feet away was a long, sinister -snake, its evil eyes glistening in what little sunlight penetrated the -dense jungle. Whether it was poisonous Joe did not know, but he knew -that even though it were not it would be dangerous to the extreme. - -As cautiously as possible he nudged his companions, and then the -naturalists held their rifles tighter. Here, only a short distance -away, was a jararaca, one of the most poisonous of Brazilian -reptiles--a snake that often was known to take the aggressive. - -For a moment there was silence--an ominous silence that ended in a -blood-curdling hiss. - -Mr. Holton and Mr. Lewis raised their rifles and took long and careful -aim. Bob followed suit, although he was not sure that his aim would be -true. - -Then, just as the snake prepared to strike, the men fired -simultaneously, and Bob pulled the trigger a second later. - -In such a crisis it was necessary that their bullets take effect, and -they did. - -The reptile's head was shattered into a horrible pulp that was all but -sickening, and the great body lashed about in pain. For several -minutes the movements continued; then, as life faded out, the snake -became less active, finally stretching out into one last mass. - -"Whew!" breathed Bob, relaxing for the first time. "That was some -encounter." - -Mr. Holton nodded in affirmation. - -"If we had been stung by those terrible fangs it would have been the -last of us," he said, casting a resentful look in that direction. - -"The venom is extremely powerful," remarked Mr. Lewis, wiping the -perspiration from his brow. "It is yellow in color, and takes effect -almost immediately. The nervous system becomes paralyzed in a very -short time." - -"A pleasant way to die--I don't think," muttered Joe, shrugging his -shoulders. - -They made a wide circle about the reptile's body and started on the -return journey. - -"I'd like to have it as a specimen," remarked Mr. Lewis, referring to -the jararaca. "But in its shattered condition it would not be worth -the taking." - -The hunters rested awhile under the shade of a large hardwood tree, -whose branches extended out over a great distance. Then Mr. Holton -took up his belongings, and the others did the same. - -Gradually the jungle became less dense, and at last they came to the -village, where they were given a hearty greeting by the Indians, who -were glad to see the hunters back in the village. They found Professor -Bigelow in the hut, his hands flying over the keys of the typewriter. - -At first he did not notice them, thinking they were Indians, but -finally he lifted his gaze. - -"What kind of luck did you have?" he inquired absently. - -The others hesitated a moment at the professor's almost unconscious -question. It was evident that the anthropologist was becoming deeply -absorbed in this work of observing the daily life of the little-known -Indians. Then, with a wink at the others, Mr. Holton decided on a -preposterous answer to see how the professor would take it. - -"We brought down two tigers and an elephant," he said, in as sober -tones as he could summon. - -"Hmm. Well, that's fine"--the typewriter still clicked rapidly. "I -suppose you'll have them skinned at once?" - -Bob and Joe could not help breaking out in laughter, and the -naturalists joined them. Professor Bigelow looked up in surprise. - -"I must confess I wish I could see something humorous," he said, -stopping his writing for a moment and looking at his companions in -wonder. - -The others were laughing all the harder now, and poor Professor -Bigelow was bewildered beyond words. Only an explanation would satisfy -him. - -As soon as Mr. Holton could regain his breath he hastened to assure -the professor that it was nothing about his person that caused the -laugh, but only his intense scientific enthusiasm. He joined in the -merriment also when the joke was told. - -"That's one on me," he said mirthfully. "I guess I was too deeply -engrossed in this manuscript." - -The remainder of that day was spent rather idly, for, hot as it had -previously been, it seemed to grow all the more stifling. Bob -remarked that he did not feel like doing anything but loafing, and the -others were none different. - -The next day Bob, Joe, and their fathers again started out on a -collecting trip and added many new specimens to the already large -assemblage. They brought in gorgeously colored macaws, screamers, -woodpeckers, trumpeters, finfoots, waxbills, and many other birds. -They shot many small animals, including a type of opossum, a large -lizard, and an armadillo. It was indeed a large number of specimens -that the naturalists prepared that night. - -"So far, everything is working out fine," smiled Mr. Lewis, as he put -the fauna up for exhibition. - -Meanwhile the chief, Otari, was helping Professor Bigelow as best he -could and gave him several articles of daily use as a present, in -return for which the professor gave the Indian beads and mirrors and -other objects dear to all primitive people. - -"I have enough material now to write several books," the professor -said joyfully. "The museum certainly will welcome this information. -And these articles that the chief gave me--well, they will tickle the -museum heads greatly." - -Time tended to increase rather than lessen the number of daily -interests to the explorers, and they found themselves living as in a -dream. The great tropical forest about them added an enchantment to -the work, and the simple, primitive people that they were living with -caused them to imagine themselves living in prehistoric times. - -"It's great, Joe, old boy," said Bob, deeply stirred. "Who would have -ever thought that away out here in the wilderness it would be possible -to come across things so interesting?" - -"Yet," said Joe, "I suppose they wouldn't be interesting to everyone." - -One day, when the party had been at the Indian village nearly a week, -Bob and Joe asked permission to go into the forest and try their luck -at getting specimens. - -"All right," Mr. Holton replied. "But don't get too far away." - -Bob picked out a rifle and Joe a small shotgun, and after parting -words with their elders they made for the jungle. - -The trail was one that they had never taken, and it was consequently -necessary to be doubly careful to pick the right branch. But they had -little difficulty, as the main path was much wider than the branches. - -In no time they were engulfed by the jungle, which was here even -thicker than they had previously found it. Monkeys were more numerous -in the tree boughs, and they peered doubtfully at the white hunters -who had invaded their land. - -Joe raised his shotgun and brought several down, intent upon leaving -them at the spot until they would return to the village. - -"So far, so good," remarked Bob. "Wonder what else we'll come across?" - -"Time will tell," Joe replied. - -On and on they trekked, keeping a sharp lookout on all sides. Once Bob -lost his footing and went sprawling on the ground. - -"Better be more careful," warned Joe. - -Suddenly there came a loud snort, and the youths were on the alert at -the instant. - -Gripping their guns tightly, they stopped and waited. - -Again it came, and the next minute they caught sight of a wild pig, or -peccary, rustling the tall grass not far away. - -"Keep still," whispered Bob, raising his rifle. "Maybe I can get him. -Then we can have meat--and his hide as a specimen." - -Several moments Bob spent in taking careful aim. Then he pulled the -trigger. - -Bang! Oink! Oink! Silence. - -"Hurrah!" cried Joe. "Killed him dead as a doornail. Now to get -his----" - -He stopped suddenly as he caught sight of something that froze him -with horror. Not fifty feet down the path rushed a drove of peccaries -numbering at least twenty. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII - -Terrible Peccaries - - -"Run!" cried Bob in tones of mortal terror. - -He tore down the path at full speed, closely followed by Joe, who was -panting furiously. - -The youths had a start of less than fifty feet, but how long they -could keep in the lead they well knew, for hardly any creature, large -or small, could elude the tireless chase of peccaries. - -They dared not glance back for fear of stumbling, but feared that the -wild pigs were gaining rapidly. - -What would the boys do? How could they ever escape that furious drove? - -Suddenly Joe's foot slipped and he went down, his face as pale as -death. He looked appealingly to Bob. - -Bob wheeled about and brought his rifle to his shoulder. The nearest -peccary was not more than ten feet away. The youth took hasty aim, -then pulled the trigger. - -At the report of the gun the animal fell, gasping and writhing about. - -Bob worked the bolt on his rifle. He took a second aim at the next -peccary and killed it. - -For a moment, at least, the jungle was cleared, and by now Joe had -arisen to his feet, although the pain in his ankle was terrific. - -"Come on," beckoned Bob. "We must get away at once. The rest of them -will be here in a moment. Can you make it?" - -"I--I guess so. My ankle hurts terribly, though." - -Not far away there was a large hollow, the place where the roots of a -tree had been before a hurricane had uprooted them. To this the boys -made with all speed. If they could only reach it in time there might -be a chance of escape, for the peccaries would find it hard to climb -the steep bank. - -The youths scrambled down the edge and tumbled to the bottom. Then -they began the task of climbing the opposite side. They reached the -top just as the drove started down, and for the first time felt that -they had a good chance of escaping. - -"Make for the trail," panted Joe. "Then we might get back to the -village." - -They kept up the fast pace for a distance of several hundred yards, -and then, panting and gasping, they slowed down to a trot. - -"Guess we've thrown them off the track," breathed Joe, hobbling along -almost on one foot. - -"Let's hope so," Bob answered, glancing around for a brief moment. - -At last they parted the foliage and burst into the village, their -faces red with fatigue, their bodies dripping with perspiration. - -Mr. Lewis came out to meet them, and he glanced up in some surprise. - -"What happened?" he asked, sensing that the youths had met with some -misfortune. - -"Peccaries!" returned Bob. "A drove of peccaries! Doesn't that mean -something?" - -"Ah!" the naturalist exclaimed. "Well, it's no wonder you're so worn -out. Let's hear about it." - -Mr. Holton and Professor Bigelow now came running out, along with a -few Indians. - -Bob related their narrow escape from the wild pigs, and Mr. Holton -shook his head gravely. - -"You don't want any more such encounters," he said. "Good luck like -that couldn't happen twice." - -"At that, we would have got away sooner if Joe hadn't sprained his -ankle," said Bob. - -"A sprained ankle is a bad thing to have when in a wild land," said -Professor Bigelow, with a grim smile. "It often proves one's own -undoing. But now," he added, "I'm off to converse with the chief. I'm -getting a wealth of information about these strange people." - -But though he was meeting with success, the professor was destined not -to be satisfied in prolonging his stay in this village. It happened in -this way. The explorers were seated about the campfire one evening -when the chief happened casually to mention a strange Indian tribe -that lived in the remote beyond. At once the anthropologist was on the -alert, ready to hear anything that Otari might say. - -"Tell me something about them," urged the scientist in the native -tongue. - -The chief explained that little was known about the tribe, except that -the members were extremely warlike and did not hesitate to kill anyone -that looked to be an enemy. Often they were cannibalistic, boiling -their victims in huge clay kettles. Asked how he knew about them, -Otari replied that one of his tribe, a born rover and adventurer, -happened to come across them when on an exploring expedition in the -upper reaches of the river. At first he was taken prisoner but was -later released and allowed to return down the river. - -For nearly five minutes after Otari had finished, Professor Bigelow -was thoughtfully silent, absorbed in picturing the journey into the -unknown. How wonderful it would be to visit this strange tribe! What -an opportunity to win recognition from eminent men of his profession! - -"How far away is this place?" he asked at last. - -How far? A journey of many, many days through wild, heavily forested -country. It would not be safe to attempt the journey. - -The professor then asked the chief how he thought the unknown tribe -would treat the explorers, and the big Indian shook his head -doubtfully. - -"_Otanima turutee nevark_ [take big chance]," he said vaguely, and -then proceeded to point out the many dangers that would accompany the -venture. - -But despite the Indian's warning, Professor Bigelow was determined to -investigate this unknown tribe. It was more than likely that Otari -was influenced by native superstition and that the dangers that he -feared were largely imaginative. After all he (Professor Bigelow) had -looked up many other strange people in various parts of the world and -had had little difficulty in winning their good will. Even the wildest -of savages, if well treated and presented with gifts, were more or -less easily won over. Surely this tribe would not be worse than others -he had visited. - -Professor Bigelow sought out his companions and put the facts before -them, not hesitating to tell them that the venture would probably be -dangerous and fraught with displeasures. But he pointed out much -stronger that there would be a wonderful opportunity to study the most -primitive of men, in addition to finding many strange, or perhaps -unknown, animals. - -The others listened intently, and in the end they were very -thoughtful. - -Bob and Joe remained silent. Here was a time when they thought it best -not to voice an opinion, for they had had no experience in the work of -exploring. - -"If it were not for the fact that the boys are with us I would answer -'yes' at once," said Mr. Lewis. "But since they are, I hardly know -what to say." - -"It would be terrible if anything should happen to them," put in Mr. -Holton. "But they have proven that they are able to take care of -themselves in almost any predicament, and we wouldn't need to worry -about them. Still, that wouldn't prevent anything from happening to -the whole party. Yet Professor Bigelow has shown that he has an -enormous amount of ability to handle savage people, and I'd be willing -to bet that in the end we'd come out all right. What do you think of -it, Ben?" - -"I'm willing to go if you are," Mr. Lewis replied. "As you said, we'll -probably have little or no trouble." - -"Then you'll go?" the professor asked. - -The others nodded. - -"Fine! I assure you that I will do all in my power to bring about -friendly relations. And I might add that Otari has consented to give -me a list of words of the strange tribe's language. He got them from -the fellow that wandered into their domain. - -"Now the next thing," he continued, "is to get our belongings together -and pack them in the boats. You can start doing that now, while I look -up Otari. I'll be back in a very short time." - -The next minute he was gone, and the naturalists and their sons began -the task of packing their provisions in the boats. For some time no -one spoke. Then Mr. Lewis put down a box he was carrying and turned to -the others. - -"We don't want to have any bloodshed if we can possibly prevent it," -he said gravely. "But there may be a time when we'll find it necessary -to use our rifles in order to protect our lives. In that case, every -man must be depended upon to be wide awake and do his part in the -shooting. Let's hope that nothing like that happens, but as there is a -possibility, it is best to be on the safe side. I think it might be -wise to construct sides and a top on the boats, so as to ward off -spears and poisoned arrows--if any should come our way. We can get the -Indians to help us, and Otari will point out the best wood to use. -What do you say?" - -"I'm all for it," replied Bob. "It might mean the difference between -life and death." - -Professor Bigelow and Otari now came in, and the plan was explained -to them. At once the professor gave his approval, and translated to -the chief, who in the end sent men into the forest to pick out the -best wood to be used in building the enclosure. Then the work of -carrying the expedition's belongings to the boats was resumed. - -In a short time the Indians were back with a good supply of a light -but tough wood, and the adventurers at once set to work at building -the sides and top on the boats. - -First the sides were built up to a height of about three feet; then a -top was placed over about half of the length and fastened on securely. -The material was so light that no difference in the standing of the -boat was noticed. Yet Otari said that the tough wood would withstand a -blow from any kind of native weapon. To prove this, he ordered one of -his men to shoot an arrow at close range, and the sharp-pointed -missile merely glanced off the wood and fell into the river. - -The explorers were well pleased with this floating fort, and stood for -some time admiring its staunch construction. - -"Now to get to the other boat," said Mr. Lewis, picking up a hammer -and nails. - -In less than an hour the second enclosure was built on the other -canoe, and it appealed also to the explorers. - -"Let's get started at once," said Professor Bigelow. - -The last of their belongings was packed into the compartments, and -then, with a sincere farewell to Otari and his tribe, the crew paddled -them upstream on another stretch of the great river journey. - -What new adventures and thrills awaited them? - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII - -A Nightmare Experience - - -It did not take the explorers long to pass a group of islands not far -upstream, one of the landmarks that Otari had told them about, and as -the islands were a number of miles from the village, they felt that -they were making a rapid start. - -The country was gradually becoming wilder and more beautiful, but with -this came an increase in the number of dangerous obstacles that had to -be avoided. On the shore the jungle was denser than they had ever seen -it before. In many places, to attempt to penetrate its depths would be -difficult and perilous, and disaster would come upon anyone who would -not blaze a trail. - -The variety of fauna was still greater, and many new specimens did the -naturalists add to their already large collection. Birds and beasts -and reptiles all fell at the report of the explorers' rifles. - -Finally they came to a wide tributary, which forged off from the main -stream, making the two rivers form a perfect V. This was the second of -Otari's landmarks, and the explorers felt that another important -distance had been covered. - -"The current's rather rough," said Bob, his eyes following the course -of the tributary. - -The explorers passed the stream by, not thinking it wise to chance an -exploration of it. - -The next day their adventurous spirits proved their own undoing. They -had been paddling constantly after the morning meal when suddenly they -came upon another tributary, this time branching out at right angles -from the main stream. There was something about that river that made -the explorers want to follow its rough course. - -"Probably doesn't continue far," was the opinion given by Mr. Holton. -"Let's turn the boats up for a considerable distance. We may come -across something totally different." - -The others agreed, for there was a possibility of finding almost -anything in this out-of-the-way tributary. - -"But we must not stray too far from the Tapaua," warned Professor -Bigelow, as the crew turned the boats in that direction. - -For the first hour the country remained much the same. Then they -reached a region where rocky crags protruded out from the shore, -making it necessary for the crew to be doubly careful in guiding the -boats. And with this danger came the possibility of another, for the -current was growing stronger. A terrific rapids could be only a short -distance downstream. At last, much to the surprise of all, they came -to another river, running at right angles to the one they were on. - -A thought struck Bob. - -"Do you remember that tributary we passed yesterday that formed a V -with the Tapaua?" he asked. "Well, I'll bet this is it. It runs almost -parallel with the Tapaua, and we've come upon it by taking this course -that runs at right angles." - -"By George, you may be right," agreed Mr. Lewis, suddenly grasping the -meaning. "What say we turn down it and see if Bob isn't right? If he -is we'll gradually fork over to the Tapaua and be where we were -yesterday afternoon." - -The others did not object, for they were curious to know whether or -not Bob was right. - -The current gradually grew stronger, carrying the boats ahead at a -much swifter pace. Although this afforded the crew a chance to rest, -it worried the explorers, for it was plain that a rapids was somewhere -ahead. - -They paddled on, however, confident that they were not near enough to -be in danger. - -"We'll continue for a while," said Mr. Holton. "Then we may be able to -find out what is ahead of us." - -The words had scarcely left his mouth when the boats rounded a corner, -not two hundred feet above a seething, boiling rapids, its waters -rushing madly past protruding rocks. - -There was no time to lose. Something must be done at once! - -"Stop the boats!" cried Mr. Lewis in Portuguese to the crew. - -The Indians heard, and struggled with all their might against the -rapidly increasing current, but their efforts were in vain. The boats -had gained too much momentum. - -The cruel water carried them on at terrific speed, which was increased -several fold when they went into the rapids. Then they realized that -there was little use trying to stop. The forces of man were puny -indeed compared to that terrific onslaught of foam. - -"Make for the middle of the stream!" commanded Mr. Holton. "Even then -it will tax our efforts to the utmost." - -The whites grabbed poles and what other objects they could find and -did their part in keeping the foremost boat at as near the middle of -the river as they could. But even with the added help it was extremely -difficult to guide straight. - -The crew had the paddles, and they were doing their best to steer the -boats away from the banks. They succeeded fairly well, for the river -was still several score feet wide. - -But grave misfortune awaited them. - -Not far away was a small island, stretching several hundred feet along -the course of the river. The distance between the river bank and the -island shore was little more than twenty feet, hardly room enough for -the boats to get through. And to make matters worse, there were -several large boulders protruding near the bank. Disaster seemed -almost certain! - -In the face of this grave danger the explorers remained calm, -determining to save themselves and the boats if it were at all -possible. But how? - -With sinking hearts they saw the boats head directly for the rocks, -where they would immediately be dashed to pieces. - -"We must--we've got to do something!" cried Professor Bigelow, rapidly -losing his nerve. - -Bob and Joe were nearest the bank, and anything that could be done was -up to them. - -Summoning all his power, Joe thrust a sturdy pole into the roots of a -large tree that grew almost in the water. He little expected anything -to come of the act, but it was a last resort. - -Much to the surprise and relief of all, the sudden impact forced the -boat back into midstream, although Joe was nearly thrown overboard by -the clash. - -Bob drew a sigh of relief. A narrow escape! Perhaps the closest they -would ever be to death and yet evade it. - -But what of the other boat? The whites were so intent upon guiding the -one they were in that they completely forgot about the one that -trailed. - -They quickly glanced around, to see that it had escaped also, and was -dashing along behind. How the good luck was brought about they never -knew. - -"That was a wonderful act on your part," praised Mr. Holton, turning a -moment to Joe. - -The latter shook his head. - -"Don't know how I happened to think of it," he said modestly. "I -didn't expect any good from it, though." - -The others also took part in the commendation, and Joe was glad to -turn the conversation to their present predicament. - -"Looks like we have a fair chance now," he remarked, glancing far -ahead. - -Then suddenly they struck a seething whirlpool and were spun around -broadside to the terrific current. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX - -The Call for Help - - -"Quick!" yelled Mr. Holton to anyone who might hear. "Turn the head -around or we'll be swamped at once." - -The Indian who was steering heard and was doing his best to swerve the -craft about, but he was having little luck. The terrible rapids was -reluctant to yield to the puny efforts of a mere human being. - -Water was now dashing into the boat, and if this were to continue -there could be but one outcome--tragedy! - -This time it was Bob who came to the rescue. - -Pushing the Indian aside, he jumped into the seat and caught hold of -the paddle, at the same time giving the rudder a swift turn about. - -There was a roar and a swish, and the next moment the boat had swerved -around and was facing the current head first, leaving the treacherous -whirlpool far behind. - -"Great work, son!" panted Mr. Holton. "You saved the day that time." - -It was now evident that the worst was over, for the current was -gradually losing its terrible force. Slowly but surely they were -pulling away from the perilous rapids, and if their good fortune -continued, they would soon be in calm waters. - -"Unless," said Joe soberly, "we strike another whirlpool." - -But no other whirlpool barred their way, and soon they were safely -riding the calm ripples farther downstream. - -For the first time they were given a chance to relax. Their faces were -red from exertion; their bodies were dripping with perspiration. In -short, they were greatly fatigued. - -"The most thrilling adventure we've had since we started," remarked -Bob, rubbing his forehead. - -"It was a terribly narrow escape," affirmed Professor Bigelow, not -bearing to think of the tragedy that was so closely averted. - -"We owe our lives to you boys," praised Mr. Lewis. "It was your -thought and action that prevented the boat from being dashed to -pieces. First Joe came across with a plan that kept us from striking -the rocks. Then Bob swerved the boat around out of the whirlpool. If -it hadn't been for you----" - -"Forget it!" Bob dismissed the subject as best he could, and then -asked his friends' opinion of where they now were. - -"Probably halfway to the junction with the mainstream," replied Mr. -Holton. "That rapids carried us along at a terrific speed." - -His opinion proved correct, for they reached the Tapaua early the next -morning and turned the boats to retrace the distance covered the day -before. - -"Might as well consider that much time wasted," said Joe. "For about a -day the journey will be a repetition of what it was two days ago." - -They did not mind the delay, however. That is, all but Professor -Bigelow, who was anxious to find the strange tribe that Otari had -spoken about. Every mile that went behind them lagged, to him, till it -seemed that he was almost in a nightmare. Even after they had made up -for the lost time and were paddling several score miles farther -upstream, he was irritated. It was clearly evident that his impatient -scientific enthusiasm was getting the better of him. - -As they traveled on, his anxiety increased rather than lessened, for -they were getting nearer the region occupied by the savages. - -"The old boy's so excited he can hardly wait," smiled Joe, aside to -his chum. - -"He's anxious to test his wits against the cannibals," returned Bob. -"Wants to stay for dinner, maybe." - -They camped that night on a wide sand bank, at the base of a rocky -knoll. After the evening meal, they sat in a group about the -firelight, chatting merrily, despite the fact that they were near, or -perhaps in, the cannibal country. - -They turned in early, and the night passed without incident. - -"Well," smiled Mr. Holton the next morning as he went about preparing -breakfast, "nothing happened to disturb our deep slumber." - -"Perhaps we are not quite near enough the dangerous territory," -replied Professor Bigelow. "But according to Otari, we shouldn't have -to travel much farther." - -That morning, for the first time, two of the crew began to show signs -of uneasiness. It was Bob who first noticed them talking in muffled -tones, and upon listening, he found that they did not like the idea of -going into this unknown country that was the abode of wild savages. -But as they appeared to come to no conclusion, Bob turned to help -prepare the meal. - -After breakfast they paddled on upstream in search of a suitable -hunting area, for the naturalists wished to go ashore and add to their -collection. - -At every point of the compass the scenery was beautiful beyond -description. There were steep, jagged cliffs, densely overgrown with -the brilliant green of tropical vegetation; tall forest giants, -towering a hundred feet into the sky; gorgeously colored flowers that -sent their sweet fragrance far afield. - -Mr. Holton broke the enchanted silence. "Here we are," he said, -singling out a stopping place. - -The boats were turned into a little cove, behind which was a stretch -of smooth country. - -The naturalists and their sons picked out guns and prepared to leave -on a hunting trip, but Professor Bigelow announced that he would -remain at the boats to read. - -"Don't see how he can read on a morning like this," murmured Joe. -"This cool air gets under my skin and cries 'action, _action_!'" - -They decided to take all but two of the crew with them to help carry -in specimens, and strangely enough the two Indians who remained behind -were the ones Bob had heard talking about not liking the prospect of -penetrating into this unknown country. - -Bob wondered if it would be safe to leave things as they were. For a -moment he thought of appealing to the others to change the situation, -but thought better of it and followed on into the forest. After all, -nothing would probably come of the happening. - -"We want to get a jaguar today if it's at all possible," said Mr. -Lewis, his keen eyes scanning the surrounding trees, as if he expected -to find one of the big cats lurking there. - -"A jaguar!" repeated Joe. "Fine. We'll get one if there's any around." - -They tramped on for about five minutes before seeing any game but -monkeys and bright-colored birds. Then Mr. Lewis caught sight of a -long, lithe body gliding over the tangled underbrush. - -The others saw, too, and they raised their rifles and fired. - -The snake was immediately made into pulp, and the hunters ran up to -examine it. - -"Coral snake," said Mr. Holton, recognizing the striped body. "Whether -it's poisonous I don't know. Here is one reptile that cannot easily be -distinguished as to whether it is of the harmless or poisonous -variety." - -The reptile was no good as a specimen, and they passed it by. - -Suddenly Mr. Holton stopped still in his tracks and pointed to a low -tree bough not far away. The others looked and then shrank back in -awe. - -There, resting peacefully in the shaded depths of a limb, was a huge, -powerful jaguar, its spotted coat showing in strange contrast to the -surrounding jungle. - -"Back," whispered Mr. Holton, slowly raising his rifle. - -Carefully the naturalist took aim, while the others stood by with -ready rifles. - -Bang! The bullet sped true. - -There was a terrific pawing and clutching at the bough, but to no -avail. A second later the great cat fell to the ground, moved -convulsively for a moment, and then lay still. - -"Hurrah!" cried Bob. "Our first jaguar." - -"The biggest and most dangerous animal of South America," chimed in -Mr. Lewis. - -At once the skin was ripped off and then placed in a bag carried by -the crew. - -A little later Bob was several score feet behind the others, examining -a peculiar plant that had small blue flowers. As he started to pluck -one he suddenly heard a faint cry that seemed to come from the -direction of the river. - -At first he thought it was some strange bird, but when he heard it -again he was immediately on the alert. That a bird? Absurd. But what -could it be? - -Then a thought struck him, and he almost turned pale. It was Professor -Bigelow! - -He called to the others to follow and then turned and ran with all -speed to the boats. - - - - -CHAPTER XX - -Fighting Against Heavy Odds - - -Bob had often run in track races at high school, but never had he -equaled the pace that was now taking him to the boats. It was as -though wings had suddenly lifted him through space at an alarming rate -of speed. - -The youth had all he could do to prevent coming in contact with thorns -and fringed plants, but he did his best. But what of thorns when -Professor Bigelow needed help? - -On and on he went, swinging his rifle over shrubs and bushes. At times -it was necessary to hold his arms high above his head to prevent -striking limbs and other projections. - -At last, after what seemed a terribly long time, he parted the foliage -and gazed ahead to see what was happening. Then a look of rage came on -his face. - -On the river bank a terrific struggle was taking place between -Professor Bigelow and the two Indians who had been left behind. The -men had the professor down, and the latter's face was ghastly white as -strong arms and hands tried to choke him into unconsciousness. -Occasionally he would manage to call out a muffled cry for assistance. - -For a moment Bob took in the situation carefully. Then he rushed at -the men with rage and fury and landed on the back of the one nearest, -bearing him to the ground with a thud. The Indians glanced up in -surprise at this abrupt interruption, and they turned to deal with -this new enemy. - -One of the men gained his feet and launched himself with all force at -Bob's side, the impact hurling the youth from the back of the first -man. But Bob shook the fellow off and threw an arm around his neck -with the strength of one in desperation. There was a terrific -struggle, and the two thrashed about, neither able to gain the upper -hand. Bob gripped the Indian's neck with all his strength, and the -man's face began to turn purple from the terrific strain. It was -clearly evident that he would soon be put out of the fight. - -But the other Indian was not motionless. In fact if it had not been -for him, the youth would have had the better of the first fellow, for -he was slowly giving out. But suddenly Bob felt a heavy body landing -on his back and had to release his hold on the first man. - -This again gave the Indians the advantage, and they were quick to -sense their chance. - -Bob soon saw that he could gain nothing as things were. He must resort -to some other means. - -Professor Bigelow was now beginning to show signs of life, but he was -so badly battered that what little he did to help amounted to nothing, -for he was soon sent sprawling to the ground. - -Suddenly Bob gained his feet, intent upon resorting to boxing, a -method that the Indians probably knew little about. - -A quick glance around showed that his friends had arrived and were -making for the boats as fast as they could. But it was only a glance, -for the Indians were rushing at him with redoubled force. - -Bob caught the first man squarely between the eyes and sent him -sprawling to the ground in a dazed condition. The other Indian saw -that it would be useless to continue the fight, for the other whites -were returning fast. - -He turned and made for the boat, Bob at his heels. The youth suspected -that the man was going after a gun, and he was right. But he hardly -had the revolver in his hand when Bob pounced upon him and wrenched -the weapon from his grip. One hard blow put him out of the fight. - -Then, for the first time, Bob drew a long breath. He was panting and -gasping from exertion, but he hurried over to Professor Bigelow. - -"Are you all right?" he asked. - -"Yes," the professor replied, getting to his feet. And then: "That was -a wonderful fight you put up, Bob. If you had come much later, the -Indians would have escaped with the boat and our provisions." - -"So that was their game!" said Mr. Lewis angrily, glancing at the -still limp Indian on shore. "They wanted to put you out and then -escape with the boats, leaving us here to starve!" - -He drew his fist, and for a moment it looked as if another fight were -going to take place. - -"Just for that we should desert them," gritted Joe. - -"Can hardly do that," said Mr. Holton. "It would amount to the same as -murder for robbery, and such punishment is unjust. Now if they had -killed one of our party it might be different. Even then I'd hesitate -to do it." - -"But they've got to have some kind of punishment," persisted Joe. "Who -knows but that they'll attempt the same thing later?" - -"We'll have to keep a close lookout," returned the professor. "If we -see any more treachery we won't dare take any more chances." - -The other members of the crew could not understand the actions of the -two would-be deserters, and at once cast them aside as traitors, -calling them names which, had they been translated into English, would -have been extremely shocking to civilized persons. - -In a short time the two Indians emerged into consciousness, and they -sat awaiting any fate that might be thrust upon them. The explorers -were at a loss to know what to do with the men, but they finally -decided to give them hard jobs in full view of all, so that they could -neither escape again with the boats nor get the others of the crew to -thinking their way. - -"Probably won't have any more trouble," remarked Mr. Lewis, as they -prepared to start up the river again. "We'll keep a sharp lookout, -and if we see any more dishonesty we'll act accordingly." - -The specimens were prepared, and they resumed the journey up the -river, hoping that few more days would pass before they found the -unknown Indians. The whites were anxious and yet rather fearful to -come in contact with them, fortified as the boats were. Professor -Bigelow, however, took the matter lightly, and often when his friends -thought of his numerous visits to strange tribes, many of them -hostile, they were inclined to cast aside their worries and leave the -future happenings to him. For surely, with his wide experience, he -could see to any predicament. - -"We want to make good time today," said Mr. Holton. "Twenty-five -miles, at least." - -"We will," Joe's father assured him. "Unless," he added, "more rapids -hold us back." - -"I don't think--I hardly believe they will," Professor Bigelow said, -but this was a statement of hope rather than of conviction. - -Bob and Joe constantly took motion pictures of the country they were -passing through, and often they took the cameras with them on hunting -trips, to photograph not only wild life but any adventures that they -might have. The number of feet of exposed film had grown to nearly a -thousand, and they intended to make it several more before they -"closed" the picture. They were allowed four thousand feet and fully -expected to use all of it. - -The next day after the fracas with the traitorous Indians, they were -paddling swiftly along when suddenly there was a jar and a crash, and -the foremost boat was sent aside and heading in the opposite -direction. At once the explorers were on their feet and had their -rifles in ready grasp. They cautiously peered over the side into the -river, half expecting to see a dozen or more savages leap out and make -for the boat. - -But no savages came. Instead there arose a large black body, nearly -ten feet long, shaped like a seal, with the faintest suggestion of -fins protruding from its side. For a moment it glanced about, then -swam on up the river. - -"A manatee," said Mr. Holton. "Or sea-cow, if you prefer that name." - -"Sure is a whopper," observed Joe. "Looks like it might be dangerous. -Is it?" - -"No," his father replied. "One of the most harmless animals of South -America." - -Mr. Lewis raised his rifle to bring the creature down as a specimen, -but just as he prepared to pull the trigger it darted below the water -and swam off at a rapid pace, leaving a thin streak of ripples behind. -Then the naturalists saw that shooting would mean only a waste of -bullets. - -A few miles on they came upon another rapids and saw that it would be -necessary to lay a portage of logs along the river bank in order to -get the boats through. Anxious to make time, they worked untiringly -and had the task completed in a short time. - -"Now to get the boats through," said Mr. Holton, beginning to unload -their contents. - -The canoes were heavy, even with the provisions removed, and it -required all the combined strength of the whites and the Indian crew -to get them beyond the rough stretch. But the undertaking was finally -finished. - -Next the provisions were carried around, placed in the boats, and the -latter were moved into the river. At last the strenuous task was -completed. - -"Ready to go again?" asked Joe. - -"It's about noon," said Professor Bigelow. "I suggest that we get a -lunch." - -The others agreed, and an ample repast was prepared. - -Then Mr. Lewis advised that they take it easy under low palm trees. -The others, with the exception of Bob and Joe, were glad of a chance -to repose. The boys, however, were restless and eager to explore the -surrounding territory. Unlike their elders, their tireless limbs cried -out for action, even after hard labor. - -"We'll be careful and not take any chances," Joe assured the men. - -But had they realized what dangerous country they were in, they would -never have started out. - - - - -Chapter XXI - -Magnificent Country - - -There was a rocky hill not far away, and it was Joe who expressed a -desire to go over and climb to the top. - -"Fairly high," he remarked. "Ought to be able to get a good view of -the surrounding territory." - -"Yes," Bob agreed. "Maybe we can catch sight of an Indian village in -the distance. The unknown tribe! Be fine if we could be the ones to -locate it, wouldn't it?" - -"Sure would. Professor Bigelow would be delighted beyond words. Think -of the rumpus he'd kick up if we announced that we'd found the savages -he's been hunting." - -It was a distance of less than a half-mile to the foot of the knoll, -and the youths made it in a very few minutes. Then they began the task -of climbing the jagged side. There was little vegetation to hinder -their progress, although twisted vines and shrubs were rather numerous -on the ground. - -"The undergrowth offers footholds that we could not otherwise find," -said Bob. "Here's a place where it comes in handy, even though most of -the time it's merely something to avoid." - -At last, panting and perspiring, the youths reached the top of the -hill and then turned to glance down below. Jungle, jungle, jungle! -Nothing but heavily wooded country stretched before them. As far as -the eye could see the great tropical forest loomed up--in green, -brown, red. It was as though all the world were covered with dense -vegetation. The boys turned about. - -On the other side was the river, winding through gulches and hills and -stretching out of sight in the distance. Opposite the hill were the -boats, and under trees not far away were the explorers resting -peacefully in the shade. - -It was a spectacular view, and Bob and Joe spent several minutes in -silently gazing down. - -"No evidence of human habitation anywhere around," remarked Bob, -trying to single out a settlement somewhere in the distance. - -In the vast, silent jungle sound travels far, and realizing this, the -youths shouted to the others, to let them know of their commanding -position. - -"Now let's get down from here and tramp on through the forest," said -Joe, finding a foothold in the heavy soil. - -It was necessary to exercise more care in descending, for the rocks -were pointed and dangerous to step on. A safe place had to be felt out -cautiously. - -The youths reached the bottom in a very short time, however, and -followed a narrow trail that wound out of sight. - -"Be impossible to cut through this jungle if there were no trails of -any kind," said Bob, his keen eyes unable to penetrate the tangled -mass of vegetation on either side of them. - -"Not without a machete, anyway," nodded Joe. "Even then it would be a -hard job." - -The youths hiked on until they came to a small stream that emptied -into the river. They sat down on the bank to take in their -surroundings. - -On the other side of the stream was a break in the ground that -indicated the presence of a gully--how steep, they did not know. They -resolved to find out as soon as they had rested. - -"Unless," said Joe, "we can't get across the creek. Never can tell how -many alligators and piranhas have migrated here from the river." - -He picked up a stone and threw it with all his strength into the muddy -water, hoping to arouse any life that might be lurking sluggishly out -of sight. Once he thought he detected a slight ripple other than that -caused by the stone but was not sure. - -"Don't believe I care to wade it," backed out Bob. "Wouldn't feel -funny to have a toe nipped off by a piranha, or worse yet, to be -carried into an alligator's lair. Suppose we throw a log across for -safety." - -They spent several more minutes sitting on the bank in idleness. At -last Joe got up and looked about the near-by jungle. - -"No logs around here," he called to Bob, who had wandered along the -bank. - -Further search was not in vain. A small tree that had been uprooted by -a hurricane lay in a patch of bushes not far away, and it was carried -to the stream and thrown across. Then the youths began carefully -walking along its narrow surface. - -Bob reached the other side first, and he warned his friend to be -careful. Joe was, and in a few moments also had crossed the log. - -"Now let's see what's beyond that ravine," he said. - -They walked over to the edge and then halted abruptly, awe-stricken -and spellbound at the wonderful panorama that stretched out before -them. They were standing at the brink of a two-hundred-foot canyon, -which sloped down and back up to form a perfect U. At the very bottom -was a large grove of huge red flowers, which added not a little to the -beauty of the scene. - -"Some view," breathed Joe, gazing far ahead at the distant jungle. - -Bob nodded. "Bet we can see twenty miles or more," he said. "And -nothing but dense jungle." - -The youths spent several more minutes in looking off into space. They -could not tear themselves away from the wonderful view. It seemed -almost impossible to come suddenly upon such a gulch in a land that -seemed fairly level. - -At last Bob shouldered his rifle as a signal to move on. - -"Can't spend too much time here if we expect to do any more -exploring," he said, looking at his watch. "They'll expect us back in -another hour." - -"Where'll we go next?" - -"No difference to me. How about down the hill?" - -They hiked down the gradual slope of the canyon, although the jungle -was in places impenetrable. - -When about halfway down, Joe stopped suddenly, his face an ashen gray, -his limbs trembling. Bob's eyes opened wide, and he clutched his rifle -tightly. - -The next moment there came a horrid hiss, and the thirty-foot anaconda -lunged forward. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII - -Lost in the Wilds of Brazil - - -The largest snake of Brazil was about to strike and enfold the youths -in its terrible coils. And that could mean but one thing--death in an -awful form. - -Slowly Bob and Joe raised their rifles and took careful aim at the -horrible head. They must not miss. Here, if ever, was a need for -accurate shooting. - -There came another hiss, and the reptile glided still closer, its -wicked eyes gleaming in the sunlight. It was moving stealthily, as if -wondering which of the boys to make for. - -"Now!" whispered Bob and a second later pulled the trigger. - -Bang! Bang! Two rifles spoke, but only one found the mark. It would -have been a difficult task for even an expert marksman to strike that -small swaying head. And Bob and Joe were not expert marksmen, -although the former was much better than the average. - -But the bullet had only glanced the top of the head and had done no -real damage. The reptile was only more enraged. - -"Run!" cried Joe, as he saw that the anaconda was preparing to strike. - -"One more shot," whispered back Bob, again raising his rifle. "I'm -afraid we couldn't get far if we ran." - -Again the rifles spoke, and this time, thanks to the young hunters' -courage, both bullets smashed into the head and shattered it. The -great snake thrashed about in its death struggle, the coils describing -circles and curves. At last it quieted down and lay still. For the -first time it had been defeated. - -Bob and Joe waited several minutes for any other signs of life, but -none came. They moved up to examine the great body, which lay -stretched out over a radius of fifteen feet. - -"Thicker than a man's leg," observed Joe, who was still unsteady from -the terrible encounter. - -"An unusually large specimen," commented Bob. "Think of the excitement -our dads would stir up if they could see it." - -"They might take it back to the States," said Joe. "Only--I doubt if -it would be much good to them with the head shattered as it is." - -The boys spent several more minutes in examining the anaconda. Then, -unwilling to lose precious time, they started on down the decline. -They intended at least to reach the other side before turning back. - -"Steep along here," said Joe, as they came to a rocky edge. - -"Couldn't fall far," his friend remarked. "The heavy vegetation would -catch you before you'd fallen ten feet. But even then I wouldn't care -to lose my balance and come up against a tree." - -The young explorers stumbled on to the bottom and then began the -ascent of the opposite side. - -Suddenly they heard a vicious snarl and looked back to see that a -large, powerful jaguar was poised ready to spring. Its wicked eyes -shone like beads as it bared its sharp teeth. - -Slowly the youths raised their rifles and took steady aim. Joe was the -first to pull the trigger, and a moment later Bob followed. - -A part snarl, part whine came from the beast, and it weaved as if -going to fall. But it righted itself and then again prepared to -spring. - -"It's up to you, Bob," murmured Joe in a tone that he tried to keep -steady. "My rifle's empty. Can't get it loaded in time." - -Bob frowned. - -A second later he raised his gun to fire, but it caught on a sharp -protruding branch and was wrenched from his grasp. With a frightened -glance at the huge cat he turned to run, and Joe was at his heels. - -The boys well knew that they had little chance of escape in that dense -jungle, but they resolved to retreat as fast as their legs would carry -them. And the fact that the jaguar was severely wounded gave them -courage to run with all the strength they could muster. - -"Good thing you got him in the leg," panted Joe, as they made for a -faintly outlined path not far away. "We wouldn't have had a chance in -the world otherwise." - -As Joe said, the boys would have proved no match for the animal's -agility had it not been wounded. Even as it was, they knew that the -great cat was gaining rapidly. In no time it would be upon them. - -A few yards down, the path branched into several directions. They -chose the one to the right, for no reason at all. It offered no better -chance of escape than did the others. - -"Oh!" groaned Joe, imagining that he could feel the hot breath of the -beast. "We can't keep this up much longer." - -The youths refused to lose heart, however, and continued as rapidly as -they could. At several other places the trail branched, and they -followed the widest and most clearly defined. They had no notion of -where they were going. In fact they did not care, as long as they were -outdistancing their terrible enemy. - -At last they found it impossible to continue the flight. Their breath -gone completely; their hearts were beating like triphammers. - -With a sudden movement Bob wheeled about and brought out his hunting -knife, just as the jaguar prepared to spring. The great cat lunged -forward, bearing the youth to the ground. As he fell, Bob summoned all -his strength and plunged the sharp blade of the knife deep into the -animal's side at a point where he judged it would find the heart. His -aim was true. With one last cough the beast rolled over and lay still. -The knife plus Bob's courage had proven too much for even its brute -strength. - -For a time the youth could not speak. At last he managed to blurt out -a few almost unintelligible words to Joe, who had been helpless to -render aid during the death struggle. - -Joe sighed and shook his head. "Another narrow escape!" he breathed, -picturing what would have happened had not Bob made use of his hunting -knife. - -The boys spent only a short time in examining the great cat, for they -were anxious to get back to the boats at once. - -"Let's hurry back to camp," moved Bob, looking at his watch. "We've -been gone several hours. Doesn't seem possible, does it?" - -But little did the young hunters dream that they were miles from the -boats and their elders--that they had unknowingly penetrated deeper -and deeper into this dense jungle. - -After one last look at the great jaguar, the chums started back down -the trail, heading for the boats. They wondered what kind of a -reception their fathers would give them after being gone so long. - -Ten minutes of constant hiking brought them to a spot where the trail -branched into four or five other paths, each winding in a slightly -different direction from the others. Which branch should they take to -get back to camp? - -"Strange," mused Joe. "I thought sure we could pick out the right -branch. But you know we didn't have much time for thought when that -jaguar was chasing us." - -The youths spent fully ten minutes in trying to decide on which trail -they had turned out, but in the end they were no more enlightened than -they were at the start. They tried to remember some landmark that -might be suggestive but could not. The heavy Amazonian jungle had -proven too much for their memories. - -But they refused to admit that they were beaten, and at last chose the -middle trail, as it seemed more like the one they had followed. There -was no use giving up without showing fight. They walked on constantly -and at last came to another place where the path branched. Here again -they were at a loss to know which direction to take. - -"Believe it's the one to the left," concluded Joe, scratching his head -thoughtfully. - -"I'm sure I don't know," the other said. "But if you think you're -right, we may as well follow it." - -They did follow it. One, two, three miles they hiked. But where was -the canyon? - -"We're surely on the wrong course," said Bob, glancing at his -pedometer. "Three miles is farther than we went before. And we haven't -come to the spot where I dropped my gun yet. Suppose we go back and -try another trail." - -Joe was willing, and they retraced their footsteps, at last coming to -the place where the path branched. - -"Suppose we try the one to the right," suggested Joe, and they did. - -But when, after a half-hour's tramp, they made no more headway than -before, they saw the futility of continuing on this trail. Again they -went back and took another direction. And again they failed to come to -Bob's rifle. The youths continued the search for several hours, never -ceasing. But each time they met with failure. The cruel Brazilian -forest was not to be conquered by man. - -Finally, exhausted and baffled to the extreme, they sat down on a -decaying tree trunk. The stark truth had at last dawned on them. They -were lost--lost in the wilds of Brazil! - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII - -Terrible Cries of Savages - - -"Oh, why did we have to wander so far away!" moaned Joe, rapidly -losing his nerve. "We should have known better than to try to -penetrate this endless jungle." - -Bob was equally touched, but he resolved to keep up hope. There was no -use in tamely submitting to fear so soon. One more search might bring -them to the river, and then it would be easy to find the boats. - -"We'll come out all right," he said, "although I'll admit we're in a -tight fix." - -The youths rested for nearly a half-hour. Then their strength--and to -some extent their hope--restored, they again took up the task of -finding the right trail. - -Back and forth they hiked, confident that at last they would happen -upon it. But search as they did, their efforts were in vain. The -cruel Brazilian jungle was not to be conquered by man. - -At last, satisfied that nothing could be gained by continuing such -efforts, Joe moved that they take one of the other trails in the hope -that it would lead them to the river. - -"All right," said Bob. "No use trying to find the one we followed when -running from the jaguar." - -Joe had reloaded his rifle, and Bob had placed his hunting knife ready -for instant use. They were taking no chances on meeting some -formidable jungle beast. - -The path that they now followed was wider than the others and -consequently was more likely to lead to some definite spot. But -neither of the chums was sure that they were heading for the river. It -might lead them fifty miles away, for all they knew. Still they hiked -on. - -"Do you know," remarked Bob, when another hour had passed, "that I'm -beginning to think that these trails were not cut by wild animals! -They're too closely defined. Now take this one, for example. See how -wide it is? And look over there. The vegetation's been _cut_ by a -machete." - -Joe grew suddenly pale. He clutched his rifle tighter. - -"You mean--savages?" he demanded, at the same time looking sharply -about. - -"I may be wrong," Bob said quietly, "but that is my opinion. And as -we're about in the region inhabited by the savage tribe that Professor -Bigelow was searching for, it seems that these paths could have been -cut by them. What do you think?" - -"I'm all too afraid that you're right," was the reply. "And we'll have -to be very careful from now on. At the slightest unfamiliar sound -we'll have to hide." - -Bob groaned. - -"If I only had my rifle," he cried. "Or if I had brought my revolver -it wouldn't be quite as bad." - -But there was no use regretting something that could not be helped, -and Bob and Joe resolved to meet conditions as they were. Perhaps if -it should happen that Indians discovered them, it would be best not to -use their weapons except in self-defense. If the natives' good will -could be gained, it would not only help them but be of benefit to -Professor Bigelow also. - -All the remainder of that afternoon the youths tramped on up the -trail, hoping to burst at last upon the river. They were tired and -downhearted when finally they stopped by a small spring of cool water. -Experience had taught them that in the great majority of cases these -jungle springs were ideal drinking places and that only a very few -were poisoned. So they drank freely of the refreshing liquid and felt -much better for it. - -"Better stop here for the night, hadn't we?" asked Bob, taking in the -surrounding country. - -"Yes," his friend replied. "There's a good place to sleep," pointing -to a large hollow in the ground. - -A little later darkness fell suddenly, and with it came the usual -chill of the atmosphere. Joe had some matches in a small waterproof -box, and he took them out and ignited the dry branches of an uprooted -tree. The fire blazed lively up into the black reaches of the jungle, -giving off heat that was welcomed by the two chums as they sat close -together. - -Before retiring, they took account of their weapons and ammunition. -Joe's rifle was the only firearm in their possession, but both boys -had a large supply of cartridges that should last a long time. With -cautious use they might make them satisfy their needs for several -days. But after that? Still there was no use worrying about the -future. They could let it take care of itself. At present they were -safe. - -"I'll take the first guard," said Bob, half an hour later. "You turn -in and get several hours' sleep. I'll call you when the night's half -over." - -Joe grudgingly consented. He had intended to stand watch first. - -Bob heaped the fire up high and had a good supply of fuel ready to -keep it blazing constantly. - -But when ten minutes had passed he smothered it down to half the size -it had been. It was not wise to keep it too high, for though it was a -sure protection from wild animals, it might attract the attention of -hostile Indians. - -"Have to prevent that at any cost," the young man thought. - -Bob sat moodily fingering his rifle, gazing into the dark depths of -the jungle. From afar came a terrorizing howl of some beast that had -fallen victim of a stronger enemy. Shortly later there came another -howl of different origin. Then another, another, until the whole -jungle rang with fiendish cries. - -It was enough to frighten anyone, and Bob stared rather fearfully -into the surrounding forest, wondering what tragedies were going on at -that moment. - -"Probably scores of creatures being killed," he thought, shifting -uneasily. - -Nothing happened throughout his watch, and he at last moved over and -tapped Joe on the back. The latter jumped to his feet as if shot, and -gazed fearfully about, as if expecting to see a band of cannibals rush -in on them. But a moment later he smiled sheepishly. - -"Guess I was dreaming," he said, taking his position on a log. - -Bob readily sympathized with his chum, for the day had been a -strenuous one, and their endurance had been taxed severely. - -"We'll surely find a way out tomorrow," Bob said, curling up in the -hollow. - -"Hope so," was the reply. - -Joe's watch was also devoid of incident, and late the next morning he -called the other youth from his slumber. - -They were obliged to begin the day without any breakfast, although -they were extremely hungry. They could have shot some small animal, -but Bob thought it wise to wait until noon. - -"By that time," he said hopefully, "maybe we'll have found the -river--or something else." - -They followed the same trail until Joe stopped and looked about. - -"We're not getting any place as things are," he said. "Seems to me the -river should be over in that direction." - -"I think so too," agreed Bob. "There should be plenty of branch paths -that would take us over there." - -They found one before another five minutes had passed, and turned onto -its narrow surface. - -"The world's greatest jungle," mused Bob, shaking his head. - -"Sure is a whopper," the other agreed. "Wonderful. I had no idea it -would have such a wide variety of plants, and that it could be so -dense." - -All that morning the boys spent in vainly searching for the river. The -trail that they had turned onto continued, but where it would lead to -they did not know. It might have gradually circled several miles out -of the way. - -During that desperate search the chums saw a large number of all types -of wild animals, although none happened to be dangerous. Monkeys -crowded thickly down to the lowest boughs, small gnawing creatures -darted across the path, brightly colored birds flew swiftly overhead. -Occasionally the boys could get a glimpse of a snake slinking through -the underbrush. It was a wonderful menagerie and could have been -enjoyed to the full had they not been in such a terrible plight. - -"Do you know," remarked Bob, his eyes on a small creature, "I believe -these animals are used to seeing people." - -Joe looked around inquiringly. - -"Now take that small furred creature that just passed," Bob continued. -"Did you notice how wary it seemed? One glance at us was enough to -send it running back at full speed. They never did that before. Now -here's what I think: we're in a country inhabited either by rubber -gatherers or Indians. Why rubber gatherers would be so far from -civilization I don't know, unless----" - -"I don't think they would be," interrupted Joe. "We didn't come across -any boat that they might have come in. And of course they wouldn't -have come all these hundreds of miles by land." - -"Then it's Indians. Savages, cannibals, maybe, for all we know. It's -their bows and arrows that have scared these wild animals out of -their wits." - -The youths knew not what to make of the situation. There could easily -be Indians in this region, for Professor Bigelow was almost sure they -were near the strange savage tribe that Otari told about. But how the -natives would treat these two lone whites was a mystery. If there -should be a battle the youths knew that their rifle could be relied -upon only as long as the supply of cartridges lasted. Then they would -be compelled to surrender. - -"I have a plan," stated Joe, several minutes later. "If anything -should happen that we are discovered by savages, it might be best to -act extremely exhausted, as if we couldn't stand up a minute longer. -We could even fall in our tracks before they quite get sight of us. -The chances are they would sympathize with us and take us into their -village." - -"Then what?" - -"We could gain their friendship and have them lead us to the river." - -"Fine!" cried Bob Holton, his hope renewed. "Takes you to think of -some plan to get us out of danger. Most likely we could carry it out, -for these savages are only grown children when it comes to catching -on to anything unusual. But we'd have to be very careful and keep a -close watch for any treachery." - -Along toward noon the youths began to look for game. They were by now -furiously hungry and felt as if they could devour almost any creature -that would fall at the report of their rifle. - -They did not have to wait long before a large duck-like bird flew over -and perched on a tree bough, not twenty feet away. Joe handed his -rifle to his chum. - -"Take a shot at it," urged Joe. "We may not see another chance as -good." - -Bob aimed carefully and fired just as the bird prepared to take -flight. A moment later feathers flew and the creature fluttered to the -ground. - -"Hurrah!" cried Joe. "Now we eat!" - -A fire was built of dead wood in the vicinity, and the young hunters' -quarry was placed over the flames to bake. Before long a delicious -odor filled the clearing, and the youths prepared a feast fit for a -king. - -"Roast duck! Think of that!" cried Joe. - -The bird tasted good, despite the fact that it was rather tough. Bob -and Joe ate heartily, until only a small portion was left. Then they -stretched themselves on the soft grass for a short rest. - -"I feel like getting some sleep," remarked Joe. "But of course----" - -He stopped suddenly and strained his ears to listen. - -Bob looked inquiringly but remained quiet. - -A moment later there came a long, weird chant that cut through the -thin jungle air with remarkable clearness. It was repeated several -times, always nearer. Never before had the youths heard anything like -it, and they were intensely bewildered. - -Bob looked inquiringly at his friend, but the latter could give no -explanation. - -"Beyond me," he muttered. - -Again the cry came, and then the boys jumped to their feet in horror. - -"Savages!" cried Bob excitedly. "Indians--wild Indians. They're coming -this way!" - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV - -The Hideous Village - - -"Oh!" groaned Bob hopelessly. "Guess it's all up with us." - -"No, it isn't," the other youth retorted. "You remember what we said -to do in such an emergency, don't you? Act extremely exhausted, as if -we couldn't move another foot. Lie on the ground--do anything to make -them feel sorry for us. They will if the thing is carried out right." - -The cries were gradually getting louder, indicating that the Indians -were coming closer. Occasionally some savage would chant louder than -the others, and then there would be a grand chorus of shouts and -yells. - -"They're getting nearer," muttered Joe. "Come on, let's lie on the -ground. Act as if you're half dead." - -The youths threw themselves on the soft grass and awaited -developments. - -They had not long to wait. - -A figure burst into view from around a bend in the trail. Another, -followed by fully twenty other savages, their gruesome faces showing -surprise and bewilderment at sight of the youths. - -Who were these persons--persons of a strange color? Were they enemies? -Were they on the ground waiting for a chance to kill? What was that -strange long thing that was beside them? What were they doing here? -Had they been sent down from the sky to bring destruction to villages, -or had they wandered from an unknown region in the remote beyond? - -For fully ten minutes the savages were silent. Then they began -chattering loudly and moved stealthily up to the boys, bows and arrows -and blowguns in readiness. - -Bob and Joe waited in terrible suspense, half expecting to be pierced -by deadly weapons. The youths longed to move about, if only for a -moment. Once Joe felt an itching along his back, and the desire to -scratch was almost uncontrollable, but he finally managed to remain -quiet. - -An Indian that was evidently the chief felt of the boys' bodies and -limbs carefully, while his men looked on, ready to send an arrow at -once if necessary. At last, after feeling the beating of the boys' -hearts, the native regained his feet and conversed with the others. - -Then Bob and Joe were picked up by strong arms and carried through the -jungle. - -Where would they be taken? What was to be their fate? Could they gain -the friendship of the savages? These questions were in the youths' -minds as they were being carried along the trail. - -"Maybe they're going to put us in boiling water," thought Joe, and he -shuddered in spite of himself. "But then," he finally reasoned, "they -probably won't do that. After all, very few tribes are cannibalistic." - -How long the tramp continued, Bob and Joe did not know, but at last, -after what seemed several hours, they came to a spot where the path -broadened into twice the original width, and a few minutes later they -parted the bushes and came to a large native village, where at least -sixty wild Indians were walking about. At sight of the warriors and -their burdens the Indians rushed forward and crowded around, their -eagerness to get a view of the strange people resembling that of -small children at a circus. - -There was a turmoil of excited chattering, in which everyone took -part. Questions flew thick and fast, and it was all the warriors could -do to answer them. - -Bob and Joe were placed in one of the native huts and for a short time -left to themselves. There was a crude door at the entrance, and this -was shut to keep out the curious. - -Then for the first time they opened their eyes and looked about. - -"We're in a fairly large hut," whispered Bob, glancing about. "And -there are several pieces of furniture to keep us company. Over there -is a kind of a table, laden down with pots and---- Hurrah! There's our -rifle. What do you know about that!" - -"They're certainly generous," admitted Joe. "It's a wonder they didn't -take it and start pulling the trigger, which would no doubt have -resulted in five or ten of them getting their brains blown out." - -"But now," mused Bob, "what do you think? What'll they do with us?" - -"I don't happen to know," was the response. "But we'll----" - -He ceased abruptly, as he noticed that the door was opening. The -youths took a sitting position and tried to act as innocent as they -could. - -A second later the chief entered, followed by ten others. They stopped -short when they noticed that the boys were sitting up, and stared in -wonder. - -Bob and Joe threw their hands apart in a gesture of helplessness and -smiled gratefully. Bob beckoned the men to come in the hut. - -They stood undecidedly at first, but finally, convinced that these -strangers meant no harm, moved on in the dwelling. - -Then the boys did all they could to convey the idea that they were -thankful to the Indians for saving them from death from exhaustion, -and in the end it looked as if they had succeeded. Not until the big -chief smiled, however, did they feel secure, for there were grim looks -on the faces of all the savages. But when the chief showed his teeth -in friendship, the youths felt that the battle was won. With the head -native on their side things looked a great deal brighter. - -"Now for something to eat," said Bob to his chum. "I'm not particular -what it is, just so it's nourishing." - -He put his hands to his mouth, and began working his jaws as if -chewing. Then he imitated drinking. The chief understood, and he gave -directions to one of his men, who dashed off to another part of the -village. - -Meanwhile the others stood gazing at the youths, who in their -sun-tanned condition were scarcely less dark than the Indians -themselves. - -In a short time the Indian returned with plates and pots of food, -which he placed on the ground beside them. - -"Do you suppose the stuff's all right?" asked Joe, hesitating to begin -eating. - -"Don't know why it wouldn't be," Bob returned. "Why should they poison -us? At present we're too much of a curiosity to kill. They'll at least -wait for the novelty to wear off." - -The food tasted good despite the fact that the boys were ignorant as -to what it was. They ate heartily, and in a very short time their -strength was restored. - -Then by signs they asked permission to walk around the village. At -first the natives hesitated, but at last the chief nodded in approval, -and the youths got to their feet. - -"If we could just speak some of their language," said Bob, as they -went out of the thatched house. - -"Be easy then," affirmed Joe. "But maybe we can get them to take us to -the river, and then Professor Bigelow can talk with them." - -The chief led the way around the settlement, pointing with pride to -many articles that were the results of the Indians' handiwork. Many -objects were totally new to the boys, and they viewed them with -interest. But when they came to one large hut they saw something that -turned their blood cold with horror. - -Hanging thickly on the walls were scores of dried human heads, their -features perfectly preserved. In fact the ghastly trophies were so -thick that there were no cracks between them. - -Bob and Joe glanced around the room in terrible awe. Suddenly, as they -turned about, their eyes fell on something that again caused them to -be horror-stricken, this time more than before. - -Near the corner were two heads that were--white! - -"Explorers," breathed Bob, rather nervously. "Or were they -missionaries? At any rate these heads were those of white men--and -they've been killed for their heads!" - -The youths felt fairly sick, and once Joe reeled as if to fall. But he -got a grip on himself and resolved to take matters as they were. At -present they were in no danger. The terrible and yet genial chief -seemed to be their friend. But how soon his lust to kill would come to -the surface they did not know. - -They spent no more time at the horrible trophy house, for it contained -such things as one might see in a nightmare. Bob and Joe made up their -minds to seek out something more pleasant. - -They found it in a large board that had lines crossing and -crisscrossing from one side to the other. The chief got out a box and -took out several wooden pegs, which he placed in the spaces on the -board. He moved them back and forth and laughed. - -"Must be some kind of a game," concluded Bob, thoroughly interested. - -The boys spent several hours in touring the village, and although they -were constantly enfolded by the crowd of curious savages, they -enjoyed the experience. It was unique and different, but they felt -some repulsion for the various activities carried on by these heathen -people. - -"All right for a visit," mused Joe, "but I don't think I'd care to -live here." - -"I'd feel a whole lot safer back in the boats with our dads and the -professor," said Bob, as he thought of the hideous dried human heads. -"Still," he went on, "I suppose we should do all we can to help -Professor Bigelow. Here is a chance for him to get plenty of -information of the kind that he wants most." - -Late that afternoon Bob and Joe took the rifle and, motioning for the -chief to follow, started into the jungle just back of the village. -They intended to give the native a real surprise and thrill, such as -he had never before had. - -At last he went with them, probably wondering what the strange whites -had in mind, but willing to find out. - -"Maybe we can show him how to kill a jaguar," said Joe, keeping a -sharp watch over the forest. - -No game was in the immediate vicinity of the village, owing to the -frequent hunting trips made by the savages. But when they had gone -several miles there came fresh signs that wild creatures were close -by. - -Suddenly they caught sight of a large tapir rooting in the tall grass. - -Bob took the rifle and, motioning to the Indian, he pointed to the gun -and then to the animal. - -A moment later he pulled the trigger. - -At the report of the weapon the big Indian jumped in fright and was on -the verge of running back to the village, when Bob pointed again to -the gun and then to the tapir, which was now dead. Then for the first -time the chief caught the meaning, and he looked at the boys with -something like worship in his eyes. - -What strange magic was this? A long thing that spouted fire had killed -a tapir instantly, without a struggle. These people must be gods. - -From that moment on, the chief's friendship for the youths increased -to devotion, which at times promised to be embarrassing. But Bob and -Joe did not care. This would be all the better opportunity for -Professor Bigelow to secure information on the savages' daily life and -customs. - -The three hunters trudged on farther, hoping to stir up more game. -The boys wished particularly to get a shot at a jaguar, so that the -power of the gun could be demonstrated still further. - -"The old boy'd just about throw a fit if he saw the rifle pot off the -king of Brazilian wild beasts," smiled Joe. - -At last they burst through a thick mass of vegetation and found -themselves on the bank of a small stream. - -At once Bob and Joe were wild with delight, for this stream evidently -was a tributary of the river. And the river was what they wanted to -find above all else. - -"Hurrah!" cried Joe, overwhelmed with delight. "We've as good as found -our party already!" - - - - -CHAPTER XXV - -Reunion at Last - - -The chief was puzzled by the actions of Bob and Joe, and the boys -realized it, but there was no use trying to explain. It would take -more than signs to convey the idea that more whites were near the -river. - -"Suppose we try to get him to go with us," suggested Joe. "Think he -will?" - -"Hard to say. We'll find out." - -The youths beckoned the Indian to come with them, and they were -surprised to find that he did so without hesitation. - -"He probably intends to do anything we ask from now on," said Bob. -"Our ability to kill wild beasts with fire was too much for him. Maybe -he thinks he'll die like the tapir if he refuses." - -There was a narrow trail along the bank of the stream, and Bob led the -way down it, followed by Joe and the chief. The boys intended to make -as much time as possible, for they wished to reach the river as soon -as they could. How far away it was, they did not know. Perhaps a large -number of miles. - -"If we can just keep the chief with us everything will turn out fine," -said Bob. - -All the rest of that day they trudged on, keeping their rifle ready -for any savage jungle beast that might show itself. The Indian kept -with them tirelessly, and many times he proved of valuable assistance -in pointing out the easiest course through the underbrush. - -Along toward evening they stopped at a large open space that was -devoid of vegetation. - -"Better stay here for the night, hadn't we?" asked Joe. - -"Yes," Bob replied. "You stay here and build a fire while the chief -and I go in search of game. Don't think you'll be in any danger. We'll -be back in a short time." - -Bob and the Indian started out down the bank of the stream, confident -that they would see game sooner or later. - -They had not far to go. - -At a sharp bend in the trail a small animal, the name of which Bob -did not know, darted out and made for the water. - -But it did not get there. - -Bang! came the report of the rifle, and the bullet sped straight. The -creature fell dead at once. - -This time the Indian did not show signs of fear, for he knew what was -to come. Instead he looked at Bob with awe and wonder in his eyes. - -Back at the clearing they found that Joe had started a large fire. The -warmth of it felt good as the chill of the fast-approaching night -fell. - -"You did have some luck, didn't you?" observed Joe. "Wonder if it'll -be good eating." - -"Hope so." - -The animal was skinned with Bob's hunting knife and placed over the -fire to bake. Then the three sat together to witness the falling of -night. As usual it came suddenly, and they huddled closer to the fire. - -In time the animal was thoroughly baked, and then they began the meal. - -Suddenly the chief got up and dashed through the jungle out of sight, -leaving the youths to wonder at this sudden departure. - -"Think he's gone?" asked Joe, trying to catch sight of the Indian -through the dense vegetation. - -"Doesn't seem possible that he'd desert us as abruptly as this," -replied Bob. "He seemed to be all our friend." - -The youths waited silently, almost convinced that the man had left for -good. - -But a moment later he emerged from the jungle as suddenly as he had -disappeared. In his arms were several varieties of what was evidently -wild fruit. - -He ran toward the boys with a smile as he glanced first at the roasted -animal and then at the fruit he was carrying. When he reached the fire -he deposited the stuff near, and then sat down to eat. - -"A welcome addition to the meal," said Bob joyfully. "Takes these -savages to know what all the vast forest contains that's nourishing." - -Nevertheless the young men were careful to see that the Indian ate -first before they sampled any of the wild fruit. - -"Take no chances," remarked Joe. "Ten to one he means no harm, but -it's best to be on the safe side." - -The chief ate of everything, however, and then the boys followed -suit. They found that all of the fruit was delicious, with flavors -that they had never before tasted. - -There were large, round melons, like a cross between a watermelon and -a cantaloup. There were bulbs resembling potatoes, bunches of small -bright-colored berries, and wild bananas. - -It was a meal unlike any that the boys had ever eaten. They felt like -savages themselves, and were delighted that soon they would come to -the river. - -"Won't it be wonderful to see our party again?" asked Joe, deeply -touched. - -"Sure will," Bob replied. "But we don't want to be too sure that -everything will turn out all right. Something else may turn up that's -not expected." - -After the feast the three sat in silence, watching the moon float -silently and majestically over the great jungle. - -At last Joe turned to put more fuel on the fire. - -"Hadn't some of us better turn in?" he asked. "We've had a tough time -of it today and need rest." - -Bob agreed, and they set about arranging watches. - -"I'll be the first guard," announced Joe. "You and the chief curl up -by the fire and get some sleep. I'll call you in a few hours. We'd -better not disturb the Indian tonight." - -Thus it was arranged, and Joe sat idly beside the fire, his rifle near -by. - -His watch passed without incident, and at last he tapped Bob on the -back. They changed positions, Joe retiring and Bob keeping a lookout -for intruders. - -Despite the fact that Bob had a strange feeling that something would -happen, the night passed peacefully, although the youth was confident -that wild animals were just beyond the zone of firelight. - -In the morning Joe and the Indian were up early, preparing to hike on. -The former still did not know where the boys were going or what their -purpose was, but he showed no signs of hesitation. - -"We want to see the river today," remarked Bob, as they again took up -the trail. - -"I think we will," the other youth returned. "We made good time -yesterday, and if the luck continues, we will today." - -All morning they tramped without a stop. They were tired and -exhausted, but did not wish to lose time until necessary. - -About noon they came to another clearing, and Bob moved that they stop -for the noon meal. - -The chief and Joe went into the jungle a short distance away to gather -wild fruit, which alone was to serve as their meal. - -In a short time they returned with a bountiful supply, and then the -feast began. - -"Several new additions to our menu today," remarked Bob, as he noticed -that there were cocoanuts, roots like carrots, and a plant resembling -cane. - -The three ate heartily of everything, and then they started on. - -"Stream's getting wider," observed Bob, several hours later. - -"Yes," returned Joe. "The river shouldn't be very far away." - -He had scarcely uttered the words when they rounded a sharp curve and -found themselves at the junction with the river. - -For a moment the youths could hardly believe their eyes. Here at last -was the thing they had been searching for all these days--the thing -that would lead them to their fathers and the others of the party. -Never had anything looked so good to them. - -"At last!" breathed Joe, too delighted for words. "Now let's hurry on -up to the boats." - -"How do you know we should go up?" demanded Bob. "They could be easily -farther downstream as well." - -"I know it," was the response. "But it seems to me that I remember -passing this stream several hours before we stopped." - -"All right. Let's go." - -They had to search quite a while before a path was found that followed -the river. - -"If we keep up this good time, we'll surely see the boats today--if -they're there to see," said Bob, as he led the way up the trail. - -Notwithstanding this, they hiked on constantly for the remainder of -the afternoon without coming to the explorers' boats. - -"Perhaps if we fire rifle shots it will attract their attention," said -Joe, and he sent out three shots, repeating at intervals. - -"What's that?" said Joe, raising a hand for silence. - -"Thought I heard an answering report," he said. "But maybe---- Yes, -there it is again. And there." - -Two shots had sounded from afar, and at once the boys responded with -Joe's rifle. - -"Now let's move on upstream," said Bob. "If we can meet them halfway -it will be all the better." - -The youths again followed the trail, the Indian chief close behind -them. They realized that the answering reports had come from afar and -that it would take no little hiking to get to them. - -About every five minutes Joe raised the rifle and fired, each time -receiving an answering shot. - -Finally, after an hour's constant traveling, they heard a crashing -sound in the jungle not far ahead, and they were on the alert at once. - -A moment later Mr. Lewis and Mr. Holton emerged and looked about. - -Their eyes fell on Bob and Joe, and the men rushed forward in intense -relief and thankfulness. - -"Boys!" cried Mr. Holton, almost unable to believe his own eyes. - -The next instant they were stammering out words of thanksgiving at -finding their sons alive and apparently none the worse for their -experience. - -"We didn't see how you could possibly escape tragedy," said Mr. Lewis -gravely. "Getting lost in the vast Amazon jungle is a serious thing, -especially when you have no food of any kind with you." - -"All the time we were in doubt as to how we'd come out," said Bob. -"Worst part of it was that we were afraid to hike far for fear of -getting farther away from the river, but we knew we couldn't get any -place sitting down." - -"Tell us all about it," urged Mr. Holton, and the youths related their -experience from start to finish. They told of shooting the jaguar, of -the necessary abandoning of Bob's rifle, and of the flight that -followed. And at last of coming across the strange tribe of Indians -that was probably the one Professor Bigelow had been searching for. - -"A fearful experience," breathed Mr. Lewis, when the youths had -finished. "Not many could have had such good luck. If you hadn't come -across the Indians, your fate would probably have been sealed by now." - -"But wait," hesitated Joe, with a sudden recollection. "Here's the -chief of the tribe we got in with. We finally got him to come with -us." - -He glanced around, but the Indian was nowhere in sight. - -"Strange," mused Bob. "He was here a few minutes ago. Could he have -left?" - -He called loudly, but it was unnecessary. The man had only stepped -behind a bush, undecided as to whether to come in sight of the other -whites, and at once left his place of concealment and walked out -warily. - -Bob and Joe beckoned for him to move up to them. At first he was -uncertain, but finally concluded that it would be safe to venture -nearer. - -The boys introduced him as best they could by signs, and although it -was rather awkward, they felt that much of his uncertainty vanished -before the cordial attitude of Mr. Lewis and Mr. Holton. - -"Now we must get to the boats," Joe's father said. "Professor Bigelow -will be worried about us, if he is not by now." - -They hiked on up the river, the chief following. - -"Won't the old boy be surprised when he finds that Professor Bigelow -can talk with him!" smiled Joe, as they rounded a long bend. - -"That isn't a strong enough word," laughed Mr. Holton. "Still," he -hesitated, "we don't want to be too sure that this Indian is from the -tribe that the professor was searching for." - -The boats were several miles distant, and it would require several -hours' traveling to get to them. But the whites were all overly -anxious and made good time. - -At last, after passing through a thick grove of palms, they sighted -the boats in the distance. - -Professor Bigelow came running up at once, a broad smile of -thankfulness on his bronzed, scholarly face. He gave the boys a -welcome almost as warm as that of Mr. Holton and Mr. Lewis. The crew, -too, took part in the reception and muttered words of joy at seeing -Bob and Joe alive and unharmed. Even the Indians who had previously -attempted desertion joined in, outwardly at least. - -"But look here, Professor," said Bob. "We've found the savage tribe -you were searching for and have brought you the chief." - -"What!" - -For answer Bob motioned for the Indian, who was standing several score -feet down the path, to come closer. He grudgingly did so, and the -professor was taken completely aback in surprise and joy. His eyes -opened wide, and it was some time before he could regain his -composure. - -"How can I ever thank you enough?" he muttered, his eyes on the sober -Indian. "We might have searched for days and days and then not found -the tribe." - -He turned to the chief and said something that the others did not -understand. At once the savage's face lightened, and he began -chattering so rapidly that the professor had to put up a hand for -silence. - -"I'm sorry, but I'm not that familiar with his language," laughed the -professor. "I think, though, that if he'll talk slowly I may be able -to understand him. Luckily he's from the same tribe that Otari told -about." - -Again Professor Bigelow turned to the Indian and this time asked him -to talk more slowly. - -He did, and a long conversation followed. It was broken and awkward, -but in the end the professor gained a large amount of information. -There was a smile on his face as he turned to the others. - -"He says he will tell me all I want to know about his people if I will -go with him to his settlement. His people will treat us all right. I -don't think there is cause to worry about that. What do you think -about going?" - -"All right with me," returned Mr. Holton. "That was one purpose for -coming up here, you know. And the chances are that we'll find an -abundance of fauna in those remote forests. I'm all for it." - -"Fine," burst out Professor Bigelow. "Then we'll go at once. But -first," he hesitated, "we'll have to decide who will go and who will -stay with the boats." - -"Why not take the boats with us?" suggested Joe. "The stream that Bob -and I followed to the river is deep, even if it isn't wide. I think we -can easily paddle through." - -The others gave their approval at once, and they moved on up to the -boats. - -They decided to get a lunch first, however, for all were tired after -the day's strain. The chief was in no special hurry to get back to the -village, as he had often left on long hunting trips alone. - -Soon after the meal the provisions that had been taken out were packed -in the boats, and then all climbed in. - -"Now let's make time," urged Mr. Lewis, and the crew paddled them -upstream. - -The afternoon was rapidly wearing away, and before long it would be -night. - -At last Mr. Holton called to the crew to stop the boats. - -"It's unsafe to paddle farther," he said. "Suppose we turn up into -that little bay over there." - -The suggestion was carried out. Then they made camp. - -"Hope nothing happens tonight," said Bob, as he prepared to turn in -for the night. - -"I'm with you there," his chum returned. "Somehow I've had enough -thrills for a while." - -But he had no way of knowing how soon action would present itself in a -big way. - -The next morning they were up early, preparing to resume the journey -shortly after breakfast. The chief of the strange tribe told Professor -Bigelow that they should reach his village late that day, if all -turned out well. - -"I'm not especially anxious to get back among those wild men," Bob -said aside to his chum. "But we must do all we can to help Professor -Bigelow." - -Late that afternoon the chief said something to the anthropologist and -pointed to a clearly defined trail that wound away through the heavy -vegetation. - -"He says that here is where we leave the boats and head for his -village," the scientist told the others in animated tones. - -"Fine!" exclaimed Mr. Lewis, also delighted that the journey had come -to an end. "There's a place that will act as a harbor," pointing to a -groove in the shore. - -He directed the crew to paddle the boats to land, and as soon as this -was done all climbed out and made the crafts fast to staunch trees. - -Professor Bigelow turned to the savage and conversed for several -minutes. Then he moved to the boats. - -"The village isn't far away," he said. "It will be safe to leave our -provisions here for the time being." - -As a precaution, however, and also because the naturalists wished to -secure new specimens, they carried their rifles and a good supply of -ammunition. - -The chief led the way along the path, the others close at his heels. -The path was so well cut that they had no trouble in walking along -briskly. A half-hour, the Indian said through Professor Bigelow, would -be all the time required to get to the village. - -Suddenly the explorers heard a faint screaming and shouting that came -from the village, and at once the chief began chattering nervously. - -Professor Bigelow gave a groan and translated to the others. - -"He says that probably a fight is taking place between his tribe and -another," said the scientist. - -"What!" cried Mr. Holton excitedly. "Then that means that we whites -may have to use our rifles after all. Ask him if the other tribe is -using poisoned arrows." - -The savage nodded in affirmation when the question was put before him, -and the whites tightened their grips on their weapons. - -"I guess this means that we're in for some excitement," Bob confided -to his chum, as the party again followed the trail. - -Ten minutes later they parted the foliage and came abruptly within -full view of the village. All uttered cries of consternation at the -furiousness of the battle that was taking place between the two savage -tribes. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI - -The Terrible Battle - - -Spears and arrows and darts flew thick and fast, striking down many a -man on both sides. Fierce cries filled the atmosphere and made the -Americans shudder. Here in the untamed wilds of Brazil was taking -place as terrible a battle as the world had ever known. Savages--wild, -hostile Indians--were the participants, and no people anywhere were -more terrible when excited to insane fury. - -For some time none of the explorers spoke. They were too captivated by -the scene. But at last Mr. Holton turned thought into action. - -"Get your rifles in readiness," he commanded. "It's up to us to drive -this tribe away. The chief's men seem unable to do it. - -"Now we're all good shots," he went on. "Suppose we fire a volley of -bullets and see if we can't make them leave without bloodshed. If we -can't, we'll have to shoot to kill. Come on, now." - -The whites raised their rifles, and, one at a time, pulled the -triggers. Five shots rang out, much to the surprise of the savages. -But as no damage seemed to be done by the strange reports, the Indians -regained confidence and sent spears and arrows in the explorers' -direction. As a result, one of the crew went down, wounded in the -thigh. - -"We'll have to shoot to kill," said Mr. Lewis at once. - -He raised his rifle and, taking careful aim, fired at the nearest -native, who went down instantly. - -Mr. Lewis's shot was followed by those of the other whites, and at -once panic ensued among the invading savages. - -After only a thin defense, they took to their heels with cries of -fright and bewilderment, leaving their dead and wounded behind. - -"Guess that drove them off all right," said Bob with a grim smile. -"Come on, let's----But wait! Look! The chief's tribe is worshiping -us." - -Bob was right. The Indians had fallen to their knees, waving their -arms and muttering words that were not understood even by Professor -Bigelow. - -Even the chief, accustomed as he was to the rifles and the whites' -power to bring down animals, bowed his head in awe at his tribe's -deliverance. - -It was a most embarrassing situation, and for a time the explorers -were at a loss to know what to do next. - -Finally Professor Bigelow walked forward and uttered kind words, at -the same time raising hands for the savages to rise to their feet. - -He succeeded well. At once they got to their feet and resumed -something of their usual attitude, although they were not quite -convinced that these people were not gods. - -The chief went forward and conversed with them so rapidly that -Professor Bigelow could not keep up. - -"He's telling of his visit to our camp," the scientist said. "He -perhaps considers it a much-prized experience." - -As soon as the chief had finished, the Indians jabbered excitedly, -eager to get all the details. Occasionally they would look at the -whites as if they considered them super-beings. - -"They can't get over the thought that we have higher powers than they -have," mused Bob. "But maybe," he hesitated, his thoughts going back -to the terrible trophy chamber of dried human heads that was one of -the tribe's prized possessions, "it will be just as well to let them -go on thinking that way. It would be hard to say when they might turn -against us if they thought we were ordinary persons." - -"Turn against us?" demanded Mr. Lewis, rather surprised. "What makes -you think they would do that? They seem all right." - -"Don't know that they would," Bob replied, exchanging meaning glances -with Joe. "Still it's wise to be on the safe side." - -It was evident that Bob's significant statement had the men highly -puzzled. Finally Professor Bigelow demanded an explanation. - -"There's nothing to it--except that these people are headhunters," -said Joe. "If you don't believe it just take a look at the place where -they keep the heads. And say! They've killed a couple of white men, -too." - -Astonished gasps came from Mr. Holton and Mr. Lewis, but not from -Professor Bigelow. Anthropologist as he was, he had suspected this -from the start. Very few _savage_ tribes in the wilds of Brazil did -not have that custom. - -Suddenly a groan made all turn about, to see that the Indian of the -crew who had been wounded by a spear had regained consciousness. His -side apparently pained severely, for on his face was a look of agony. - -Mr. Holton got to work at once. - -"Ask the chief if we can have some water," he said to Professor -Bigelow. "Bob, suppose you run down to the boats and bring a box of -antiseptic. Go as fast as you can. Meanwhile we'll be taking care of -others that were wounded." - -Bob grabbed a rifle and dashed off down the path for the stream. - -He reached the boats in record time and hurriedly got out a box of -first-aid materials. Then he made his way back to the village. - -But he had gone only a few yards when a fluttering noise caused him to -look up. - -At once his jaw dropped in astonishment, and a look of surprise and -wonder came on his face. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII - -Human Heads Still Dripping! - - -The sight that Bob beheld was one that few hunters and scientists have -the opportunity of seeing. Strange sights were common enough in all -little-known lands, but this was indeed a wonder of wonders. - -Not thirty feet in the air a bird resembling an eagle was carrying a -half-grown tapir with apparently perfect ease, although the tapir was -three times heavier than itself. The tapir was very much alive, as -indicated by its writhing movements, but these availed it nothing. It -might as well have been caught in an iron vise. - -For several minutes Bob stared spellbound, taken completely aback. - -Finally he called himself to action and raised his rifle. - -"Dad and Mr. Lewis would no doubt welcome the addition of such an -unusual specimen as this eagle," he thought and then pulled the -trigger. - -The report of the gun was immediately followed by the dropping of the -bird and its prey. It fluttered about for a moment and then lay still. -The tapir had been killed instantly by the fall. - -Much to Bob's surprise, the bird could be lifted easily, and he -hastened on to the Indian settlement, confident that the naturalists -would nearly throw a fit over the strange eagle. - -And he thought right. Mr. Holton and Mr. Lewis exclaimed in delight -and surprise when they caught sight of Bob and the strange creature he -was carrying. - -"Where did you ever find it?" asked Mr. Lewis, and Bob was forced to -tell of the entire experience. - -"The great hairy eagle," pronounced Mr. Holton, when the youth had -finished. "I thought they were confined to the jungles of Guiana, -didn't you, Ben?" he asked of Joe's father. - -"Yes," was the reply. "Never heard of their being found here. Such is -unusual indeed. The claws are the most powerful of any known bird." - -But there was little time for further examining the specimen, for the -wounded Indians needed treatment. The member of the crew was looked -after first, and then they turned to the chief's men, many of whom -were seriously wounded. As for those who had been struck by poisoned -arrows, treatment was unnecessary, for death had set in long before. - -The better part of an hour was spent in giving first-aid to the -unfortunate savages, and in the end they felt that a large number of -lives had been saved by their actions. - -"But don't think that the natives have no cure for human ills," said -Professor Bigelow. "The chances are that they know of many remedies -that surpass those of civilization in curing properties." - -When the task was completed, the Indians invited the whites to come in -the main hut and participate in a feast in honor of their ability to -drive off the hostile invaders. The invitation was accepted at once, -for the explorers were all very hungry. - -"Wonder what they'll give us to eat?" asked Joe, as they went into the -thatched hut. - -"Perhaps it'll be better not to know," Bob grinned. - -Whatever it was, however, it tasted good, and they ate heartily of -everything. - -"Now I'm going to get in touch with the chief, whose name I recently -learned is Reemikuk," announced Professor Bigelow. "But first, -however, I must have my typewriter. That means a trip to the boats." - -"And while he's doing that, Mr. Lewis and I can have a look about the -village," Bob's father said. "Perhaps you boys can show us the places -and things of interest. Will you do it?" - -"To be sure we will," returned Joe. "But first," he said with a grim -smile, "you must prepare yourselves to see things that are -unpleasant." - -"What do you mean?" his father demanded. - -For answer the youths led the way to the trophy house and its hideous -contents. - -Impulsively the naturalists shrank back in disgust at the scene. Never -had they laid eyes on such a place of horror before. - -"To think," muttered Mr. Lewis, "that even these wild people could do -such hideous things!" - -But despite the gruesomeness of the place they spent several minutes -there, unable to tear themselves away from its terrible fascination. - -At last Mr. Holton made for the outside. - -"Now for something more pleasant," he said. "What is there, boys?" - -"Plenty," answered Joe. "There are games and baskets and carvings -and...." - -All the remainder of that day was spent in examining the many articles -of interest made by the simple savages. - -When at last they went back to the hut that was to be theirs during -their stay at the village, they found the professor in earnest -conversation with the chief and a witch doctor. - -The Indians were talking slowly, so that the scientist could pick up -every word. He glanced up at the other whites only for a moment, so -deeply engrossed was he in what the savages were telling him. - -"He seems to be enjoying himself immensely," observed Joe aside to his -chum. - -"No doubt about it," Bob replied. "And look how the Indians are -regarding the typewriter. Probably think it's another of the whites' -magics." - -Professor Bigelow _was_ enjoying himself. Every strange custom of the -savages appealed to him as a wonderful item to put in the book he -intended to write about the primitive inhabitants of these wild -regions. But two days later something happened that, although -considered a very interesting custom by the anthropologist, was not to -the liking of the other whites. A band of twenty-five warriors had -gone into the upper reaches of the river several days before, and now -they returned laden with--human heads! - -"Ugh! Me for the hut," said Bob, a sickly feeling creeping over him as -he viewed the ghastly trophies. - -And the others, with the exception of Professor Bigelow, felt the same -way. The anthropologist, however, seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the -terrible scene. - -"How thrilling a custom!" he said to his friends that night, as they -prepared to retire. - -For answer the others only groaned. - -But if the explorers thought the mere carrying in of human heads was -gruesome, they were to witness something still more terrible before a -week would pass. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII - -The Forced Get-away - - -"Bob!" - -"Joe!" - -"Did you see it?" - -"Yes. Human bones! These savages are _cannibals_!" - -It was night--a dark, lowering night. The moon was nowhere in sight. -Not a star twinkled down from the heavy jungle sky. Huge, roaring -fires blazed in front of the chief's large hut, while about them -danced scores of painted savages, shouting and screaming and -gesticulating. - -It was a scene wild enough to strike terror to the heart of anyone. -Bob and Joe gazed fearfully into the raging mob, wondering if the -lives of them and their companions would be taken for the feast. - -The boys moved over to their elders, who were standing at the other -side of their thatched dwelling. - -"Cannibals!" Professor Bigelow was muttering. He had seen too. - -Mr. Holton and Mr. Lewis nodded, on their faces a grave expression. -They were so taken aback as to be almost speechless. - -"I think perhaps we had better get away from here," said the -professor, who, although deeply attentive to scientific work, knew -when he was in a dangerous situation. "I know enough of the ways of -primitive people to surmise what they'll probably do to us if we stay. -Their appetites for human flesh will be so stimulated that they will -no doubt kill us also. Lucky that this happened as late as it did. I -wouldn't have wanted to leave so soon if I had not secured about all -the information there is to be obtained about them." - -Just before leaving, Bob and Joe got out their cameras and took motion -pictures of the gruesome feast, and in the end they were almost -convinced that nothing of this kind had ever been shown on the silver -screen. - -With the aid of flashlights, whose beams, by the way, were concealed -from the savages, the explorers had gathered their belongings together -and were now ready to leave for the boats. Of course it would be -perilous traveling at night through the jungle, but the chance had to -be taken. - -At that moment an Indian entered their hut, glanced about, and then -started to call to the others. - -Displaying a quickness remarkable for his size and weight, Mr. Holton -launched himself full force at the fellow, sending him to the ground -unconscious. - -"Now let's get away--quick!" he said. "There's no telling when the -whole tribe will be in here after us." - -As quietly as possible, the explorers and their Indian crew dashed -away down the trail for the stream, never looking back, but fearing -that they would hear the screams of the cannibals at any moment. - -The flashlights rendered traveling easy, and as they had been over the -trail many times, they reached the boats in record time. - -Their possessions were piled inside. Then they climbed hastily in and -were paddled swiftly away. - -It was not until they had reached the main stream that they felt safe. -Then they turned the boats downstream on the journey back to the -coast. - -"It isn't wise to tax good fortune too much," said Mr. Lewis, as the -narrow stream faded in the distance. "We came up here for two definite -purposes, and we've accomplished them both. First, Professor Bigelow -has made a rather extensive study of little-known Indians, and second, -Mr. Holton and I have collected hundreds of specimens for the museum. -You boys have met with success in taking moving pictures, also. Now -that our work is finished, we'd better get to the Purus at once." - -However, "at once" was a bit too hastily, for there were dangerous -rapids that had to be portaged, totally unknown animals that diverted -the naturalists' attention, and a hundred and one reasons for making -slow progress, even downstream. But at last they sighted the Purus in -the distance. - -"Now to hunt up Senhor del Pereo, the man who fitted us out with our -boats and crew," said Mr. Holton. - -They found that individual in his house at the edge of the little town -that rested between the two rivers. - -He was more than glad to see the explorers back after such a long, -perilous journey, and insisted that they remain at his house -overnight, or until a boat could be found that would take them to the -Amazon. The explorers accepted the invitation at once, glad of the -chance to partake of the comforts of civilization after those long -weeks into the unknown. - -The next day they were fortunate in getting passage on a boat bound -for Manaos. It was a small steamer, scheduled to reach its destination -in less than five days. - -At Manaos the explorers had another streak of good luck, finding a -large liner that would take them straight to New York. - -Down the mighty Amazon they steamed, at last coming into the port at -Para for a short stay. - -After a walk about town, the Americans again boarded the vessel for -the trip to New York. - -It was an ideal evening as they steamed majestically out of the busy -harbor and turned toward the United States. - -"Do you know, Joe, old boy," remarked Bob, as they sat with their -elders on deck in the light of the full moon, "the farther away we get -from the region we explored the more I prize our experience." - -Joe nodded. - -"It was great," he agreed. "And just think. We were lost--lost in the -wilds of Brazil." - - - - - * * * * * * - - - - -Transcriber's note: - -The four books in this series have been transcribed in the same -manner. This means that in some books, table of contents and or/list -of series names have been added. - -Except in cases of obvious typographical errors, archaic and -inconsistent spelling has been retained. - - - -***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LOST IN THE WILDS OF BRAZIL*** - - -******* This file should be named 43266.txt or 43266.zip ******* - - -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: -http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/4/3/2/6/43266 - - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, -set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to -copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to -protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project -Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you -charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you -do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the -rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose -such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and -research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do -practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is -subject to the trademark license, especially commercial -redistribution. - - - -*** START: FULL LICENSE *** - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project -Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at - www.gutenberg.org/license. - - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy -all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. -If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the -terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or -entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement -and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" -or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the -collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an -individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are -located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from -copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative -works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg -are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project -Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by -freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of -this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with -the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by -keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project -Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in -a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check -the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement -before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or -creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project -Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning -the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United -States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate -access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently -whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, -copied or distributed: - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived -from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is -posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied -and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees -or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work -with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the -work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 -through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the -Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or -1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional -terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked -to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the -permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any -word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or -distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than -"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version -posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), -you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a -copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon -request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other -form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided -that - -- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is - owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he - has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the - Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments - must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you - prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax - returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and - sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the - address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to - the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." - -- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or - destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium - and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of - Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any - money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days - of receipt of the work. - -- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set -forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from -both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael -Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the -Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm -collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain -"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or -corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual -property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a -computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by -your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with -your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with -the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a -refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity -providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to -receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy -is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further -opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER -WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO -WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. -If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the -law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be -interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by -the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any -provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance -with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, -promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, -harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, -that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do -or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm -work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any -Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. - - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers -including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists -because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from -people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. -To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation -and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 -and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org - - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive -Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent -permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. -Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered -throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at 809 -North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email -contact links and up to date contact information can be found at the -Foundation's web site and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -For additional contact information: - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To -SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any -particular state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. -To donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm -concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared -with anyone. For forty years, he produced and distributed Project -Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. -unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily -keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: - - www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. |