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diff --git a/43269-8.txt b/43269-0.txt index 056c123..1f3299b 100644 --- a/43269-8.txt +++ b/43269-0.txt @@ -1,36 +1,4 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Forest of Mystery, 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: The Forest of Mystery - - -Author: James H. Foster - - - -Release Date: July 21, 2013 [eBook #43269] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - - -***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE FOREST OF MYSTERY*** - - -E-text prepared by Stephen Hutcheson, Rod Crawford, Dave Morgan, Matthew -Wheaton, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net) - - +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 43269 *** Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this file which includes the original illustrations. @@ -1064,7 +1032,7 @@ evening, as he sat on the porch with his father and chum. been to a circus for quite a while, I'm going. How about you, Bob?" "It's a go," said Bob at once. "Let's you and I drive over tomorrow in -my new coupé. It's a pip, all right." +my new coupé. It's a pip, all right." "What, the circus, or the car?" grinned Mr. Holton. @@ -6756,362 +6724,4 @@ of series names have been added. 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Foster</title> <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" /> <style type="text/css"> @@ -216,23 +216,9 @@ </style> </head> <body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 43269 ***</div> <h1 class="pg">The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Forest of Mystery, by James H. Foster</h1> -<p>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 <a -href="http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></p> -<p>Title: The Forest of Mystery</p> -<p>Author: James H. Foster</p> -<p>Release Date: July 21, 2013 [eBook #43269]</p> -<p>Language: English</p> -<p>Character set encoding: UTF-8</p> -<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE FOREST OF MYSTERY***</p> <p> </p> -<h3>E-text prepared by<br /> - Stephen Hutcheson, Rod Crawford, Dave Morgan, Matthew Wheaton,<br /> - and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br /> - (http://www.pgdp.net)</h3> <p> </p> <hr class="full" /> <p> </p> @@ -7213,360 +7199,6 @@ inconsistent spelling has been retained.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> -<hr class="full" /> -<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE FOREST OF MYSTERY***</p> -<p>******* This file should be named 43269-h.txt or 43269-h.zip *******</p> -<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br /> -<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/4/3/2/6/43269">http://www.gutenberg.org/4/3/2/6/43269</a></p> -<p> -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed.</p> - -<p> -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. 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Thus, we do not necessarily -keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.</p> - -<p>Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: -<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></p> - -<p>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.</p> - +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 43269 ***</div> </body> </html> diff --git a/43269.txt b/43269.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 8303ac5..0000000 --- a/43269.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,7117 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Forest of Mystery, 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: The Forest of Mystery - - -Author: James H. Foster - - - -Release Date: July 21, 2013 [eBook #43269] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) - - -***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE FOREST OF MYSTERY*** - - -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 43269-h.htm or 43269-h.zip: - (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/43269/43269-h/43269-h.htm) - or - (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/43269/43269-h.zip) - - - - - -[Illustration: _Not two hundred feet away was a huge elephant._] - - -THE FOREST OF MYSTERY - -by - -JAMES FOSTER - - - - - - - -A. L. Burt Company, Publishers -New York Chicago - -Copyright, 1935, by -A. L. Burt 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 The Chinaman 9 - II A Grim Discovery 19 - III Good News 29 - IV Seeing the Sights 36 - V A Welcome Announcement 43 - VI The Business Card 50 - VII The Thief Turns Up 59 - VIII After the Specimens 70 - IX Failure 79 - X Off for Africa 86 - XI An Amusing Acquaintance 96 - XII A Disappointing Announcement 106 - XIII The Lost Scientist 115 - XIV Disaster Ahead 125 - XV A Wonderful Sight 135 - XVI Off for the Unknown 142 - XVII Peril Ahead 151 - XVIII The Terrible Crocodile 158 - XIX A Promise of a Thrill 166 - XX The Buffalo Charges 173 - XXI Two Ferocious Specimens 183 - XXII A Pitiful Sight 190 - XXIII Moments of Horror 197 - XXIV Into the Forest of Mystery 205 - XXV The Fury of the Storm 214 - XXVI Waiting in Dread 220 - XXVII The White Pygmy Elephant 228 - XXVIII Finding One Lost 235 - XXIX Angry Natives 243 - XXX An Old Mystery Is Cleared 249 - Bibliography 254 - - - - -CHAPTER I - -The Chinaman - - -Bang! _Crash!_ - -"What was that?" Joe Lewis had turned suddenly, every nerve on edge. -His eyes tried to penetrate the darkness of the San Francisco night. - -"Sounded like an automobile accident," came from Bob Holton. "Come on. -Let's go around and see." - -The two chums dashed across the street and around the corner, hoping -that nothing tragic had taken place. They passed several people who -were hurrying to investigate the strange noise. - -Reaching the thoroughfare, the youths drew back with cries of alarm, -for the sight before them was fearful and unpleasant. - -Lying on its top, wheels in the air, was a small automobile, which had -evidently crashed into a pole near by. All about was broken glass, and -water was still oozing from the radiator. The pole was dented -severely, indicating that the car had probably been traveling rapidly. - -As Bob and Joe looked on spellbound, a smothered cry for help came -from the automobile. It was repeated several times in rapid -succession. - -With throbbing hearts, the boys ran over to the wreck, followed by -several other people. In the darkness they could not see clearly -inside the car and could only guess who was calling for help. A -near-by street lamp, although bright did not illuminate the automobile -sufficiently. - -"Let's get this door open," muttered Bob. "Hurry. There isn't any time -to lose." - -Working feverishly, the chums reached through the broken window and -tugged at the door. It had been wrenched severely and refused to open. -What made the task still more difficult was the fact that broken edges -of glass projected from the sides of the window. - -With a mighty effort, the youths managed to pull the door open, -although they almost lost their balance from the sudden impact. But -now they were greatly relieved. They had had an uneasy feeling that -perhaps the door would not yield. - -Without hesitation Bob reached into the car, caught hold of someone, -and pulled him out. Then, after making sure that no one else was in -the car, he turned to the stranger. - -The youths were a bit surprised to see that he was a Chinaman, a -short, fat man of middle age. From all appearances he had not been -injured in the accident. There was but one little scratch in the side -of his face. - -"You do velly well--get me out queek," he said to Bob gratefully. "I -was fear I have to stay in machine long tlime." - -"What was the trouble?" asked Joe, edging closer to the overturned -automobile as the crowd of spectators grew larger. "Did a wheel come -off or something?" - -The little Chinaman laughed sheepishly. - -"Nothing like that," he said. "My machine here it was velly new, and I -was not good enough dliver. It run loose and clash into this pole. -Then it turn over." - -"It was just luck that you weren't hurt," said Bob grimly. "Not many -could have been in a smash-up like that and come out unharmed." - -At this moment a policeman stepped up to obtain the man's name and -address and the details concerning the crash. While the Chinaman -talked, the officer wrote in a small notebook, on which he turned a -flashlight. - -"Don't you think you'd better see a doctor?" asked Joe, when the -officer had finished. "You might be hurt and not know it." - -The Chinaman shook his head. - -"Not hurt, no," he assured them. "I come thlough without a scratch, as -far as I know. But I velly much nervous." - -"No wonder," said Bob. "That wreck was enough to shake anybody's -nerves." - -Bob and Joe remained at the scene for several minutes. Then, as they -realized that it was nearly seven o'clock, they started to leave. But -at that moment the Chinaman called them back. - -"Before you go I want that you make me a promise," he said. - -The youths looked inquiringly. - -"I want that you promise you come to my shop tonight. Will you come?" - -The boys were not a little surprised. They wondered what the man's -object was in asking them to visit him. - -"Yes," said Bob at last, knowing that his chum would also consent. -"We'll come. But where is it? And just when do you want us?" - -Bob wrote what the man told them on a piece of paper. The latter asked -that they be there at nine o'clock, although just why they could not -guess. - -"What do you think of it?" asked Joe, as he and his friend walked -rapidly down the street. - -"I hardly know," was the reply. "Maybe he wants to reward us for -getting him out of the car." - -"But--that was nothing. Anyone would have done it. No, I'll bet he has -something up his sleeve." - -"What would it be?" demanded Bob. - -"More than I know. We'll see before long. And, say, he wants us to be -there by nine o'clock, too. That doesn't give us much time. We'll have -to get back to the hotel and see our dads first. We've been gone a -long time, you know." - -"Maybe they can tell us how to get to this Chink's shop," suggested -Bob. "Do you suppose it's in Chinatown?" - -"Where else would it be? Chinese here in San Francisco don't live -anywhere else, do they?" - -"Beyond me." - -The chums reached the corner and boarded a street car for the business -district. They knew it would not be necessary to transfer, and so -relaxed in their seat. - -"San Francisco is a swell place, all right," remarked Joe, after a -short silence. "Sure has a lot of interesting things to see. Take -Golden Gate Park, for instance. It's one of the finest in the -country." - -"You could get lost there," smiled Bob. "Why, it's as big as a small -city. And full of interesting attractions. I'd like to spend a whole -day there some time. Won't have time on this visit, though." - -When they were well into the business district, the boys moved toward -the exit of the car. At a corner directly opposite the hotel at which -they were staying, they left the street car. - -Anxious to see their fathers, they went to the building without delay. -In the elevator they were hurried to the tenth floor, where their -rooms were located. - -Mr. Holton and Mr. Lewis were waiting for them. The men had returned -earlier in the day and had remained inside to discuss business -matters. - -"How do you like San Francisco by now?" inquired Bob's father -quizzically. "Seen much of interest yet?" - -"Plenty," returned Joe. "Sure is a busy place, isn't it? We ought to -know. We've been about everywhere." - -"Took in the sights, did you?" asked Mr. Lewis. "Well, there are many -here. Howard"--referring to Bob's father--"and I, however, haven't -had much time to look around. All our time has been occupied in -talking with this Thompson, the man we came out here to see." - -Bob and Joe looked up with interest. All day they had wondered what -would come of their fathers' conversation with Thompson. The latter -was a noted naturalist, who had just recently returned from Africa. -There was a chance, the youths reasoned, that he could interest their -dads, who were themselves naturalists, in making an expedition to the -Dark Continent to collect specimens of animal life. And of that -expedition, if there should be any, Bob and Joe hoped to be a part. - -"What did you find out?" inquired Bob anxiously. "Did he come across -anything unusual in the way of animals and birds?" - -"Did he?" Mr. Holton smiled happily. "He shot several creatures that -were previously unknown to civilized man." - -"It seems that Thompson's expedition penetrated a region that has been -invaded by very few whites," explained Joe's father. "Oh, it was worth -their while, all right." - -"Sounds interesting," grinned Joe. "Go on." - -Mr. Holton looked up suddenly. - -"What do you mean, 'go on'?" he asked suspiciously. - -"Oh, nothing." Joe made an attempt to be casual. - -The naturalists chuckled. - -"Nothing, huh?" laughed Mr. Holton, who at the start had grasped the -hidden meaning in Joe's words. "You weren't by any chance thinking of -another expedition going to Africa, were you?" - -Joe started. He wondered how his chum's father had caught on so -quickly. - -"You're a mind reader, if there ever was one," the youth grinned. "But -how in the dickens did you get wise?" - -"You just told me," Mr. Holton answered whimsically. "I'm a mind -reader." - -"Come out of it, Dad." Bob was becoming impatient. "Cut out this -stalling. Is there going to be an expedition to Africa?" - -"What do you think?" - -"How are we to know?" countered Bob. "We're not the head naturalists." - -"Listen to that, Howard," teased Mr. Lewis. "Not the _head_ -naturalists! It beats all how these young squirts get ideas in their -heads that they're actually scientists. Why, they----" - -"All right, we take it back." Bob was tiring of getting nowhere. -"Once more, is there going to be an expedition to Africa?" - -"Want to know, do you?" his father persisted. "What for?" - -"Oh-h, nothing! Come on, Joe. We might as well give it up as a bad -job." - -The youths turned to leave for their room, but Mr. Lewis called them -back. - -"I'll tell you," he said seriously. "We may go to Africa. There's a -chance that we will. But there is also a very big chance that we -won't. We just wanted to come out here and see this Thompson about the -strange animals he saw. Whether we go will depend on how the museum -heads look at it. Now, are you satisfied?" - -"Sure," answered Bob with a smile. "When, if you decide to go, will we -leave?" - -"There you go with that 'we' stuff," came from Mr. Holton. "Aren't you -fellows taking a lot for granted?" - -"Oh, I don't know," returned Joe. "Judging from the past we're not. -You will take Bob and me along, won't you? That is, of course, if you -go." - -"We can't say just now," his father returned. "It might be arranged. -All that can be decided later." - -"Hurrah for Africa!" cried Bob with enthusiasm. "We'll----" - -He stopped quickly, as he happened to glance at a small clock that was -on the dresser. - -"Past eight!" he cried. "Wow! We've got to be in Chinatown by nine!" - - - - -CHAPTER II - -A Grim Discovery - - -"Chinatown!" repeated Bob's father, while Mr. Lewis looked up quickly. - -"Yes," answered Joe. "That is, I suppose we should go there. Here's -the address. I jotted it down while we were in the street car coming -to the hotel." - -"But--but what's it all about?" asked Mr. Holton, taking the slip of -paper Joe handed him. He added: "Yes, it's in Chinatown. Grant -Avenue." - -"It happened this way," explained Bob. "Joe and I got a Chinaman out -of an automobile he turned over. He asked us to come and see him -tonight at nine, and we told him we'd be there. That's all there is to -it." - -"You say he turned his car over?" queried Mr. Lewis. "Was he hurt?" - -"Luckily not," returned Bob. "But it was a pretty narrow escape. Big -wonder he wasn't killed." - -There was a short silence. Neither of the men liked the prospect of -the youths going to the Oriental settlement at that late hour. - -"Don't you think it's rather dangerous?" inquired Mr. Lewis. "'Most -anything might happen at such a late hour." - -"I don't see why it should be," returned his son. "Bob and I are old -enough to take care of ourselves. If we could come safely out of the -jungles of Brazil, the Sahara, and the Andes, we surely ought to be -able to watch ourselves here in America." - -"Well, maybe so. Chinatown, after all, isn't like it used to be," -admitted Mr. Holton. "But be on the lookout. Any idea what time you'll -be back?" - -Bob shook his head. - -"We won't stay any longer than we have to," he assured him. "And don't -worry. We'll be all right." - -The chums left the hotel without delay. They realized that they had -barely a half hour to get to the Chinaman's shop, and they knew this -would mean some hustling. - -"The trouble is," said Joe, "we're too near Grant Avenue to take a -street car and too far away to walk." - -"That is a problem," laughed Bob. "But if we hurry I think we'll get -there in time." - -The boys hastened down busy Market Street in the direction of the -Ferry Building, amid the crowd of pleasure seekers. As they walked, -they took in the sights of the great city. Lights, lights. Tall -buildings. Four rows of street cars. An ever-moving procession of -pedestrians. This was San Francisco. - -It did not take the two long to reach Grant Avenue, and up this they -turned. Then their eyes were given another treat. - -Northward for many blocks stretched a line on both sides of the street -of pagoda-like structures that were distinctly Oriental. Many of the -shops displayed colorful electric signs, often in Chinese. On the -sidewalks were more than a few people of the yellow race. - -"So this is Chinatown." Bob was taking in the scene with interest. - -"Sure is different," observed Joe. "Even New York doesn't have -anything quite like this." - -The youths walked on until they came to a little shop that exhibited -the words "Pong Lee Co." Here they stopped. - -"This must be the place," said Joe. "At any rate, it has the same -street number that I have down on this paper." - -"O. K. Let's go in." - -As the boys make their way through the curious doorway, let us have a -word about them and their experiences up to the present, as related in -the preceding volumes of _The Exploration Series_. - -Bob, usually the leader of the two, was a shade over six feet tall, -with huge, powerful shoulders that were now bronzed from his life in -the open. His bright blue eyes and regular features displayed a frank, -open disposition that won favor with everyone. - -Joe, about the same age, was of medium size, with a dark complexion -that was now still further darkened by the tropical sun. He was of -much lighter build than his friend, but was tough and wiry. He seldom -started a task without finishing it. - -The chums lived next door to each other in Washington, D.C., where -their fathers were employed as naturalists by a large museum. Much to -their delight the boys were permitted to accompany their fathers to -the jungles of Brazil, where they encountered wild animals and -treacherous natives. Their thrilling experiences on this expedition -are told in the first volume, entitled _Lost in the Wilds of Brazil_. - -A little later, when they had graduated from high school, they left -for another little-known region--the Sahara Desert. Here they endured -terrible sand storms, went for days without water, and fought hostile -Arabs. These and many more adventures are related in the volume -_Captured by the Arabs_. - -Scarcely had the chums and their elders returned from northern Africa -when they were given another opportunity to penetrate the unknown. In -the Andes Mountains of South America they had still more exciting -experiences. How they were guided by an old scientist along a narrow -secret trail and met with not a few breath-taking adventures is told -in the third volume, entitled _Secrets of the Andes_. - -Back in America, the youths were making preparations to enter college -the coming fall, when their fathers announced that they were going to -San Francisco to see a naturalist, Thompson, of whom something has -been said. Bob and Joe asked to go along, and the request was granted. - -Now, as we return to the youths, we see that they are facing a small -Chinaman, the man they had met earlier in the evening. - -"Ah, I glad to see you," he said, recognizing them at once. "Come. We -go back to room behind store." - -The chums followed their host through the shop, noting carefully the -wares for sale. - -Those wares were a motley mixture, including everything from bottled -herbs to Chinese adding machines. Never before had the boys been so -interested in a store. They found themselves lagging behind the man to -examine the many objects peculiar to the Oriental. - -At the rear of the building, separated from the shop by a queer -curtain, was a little room. Here it was apparent that the Chinaman, -Pong Lee, lived. - -"Sitee down," he directed his visitors, pointing to two crude chairs. -"I want talk with you." - -The boys did as told, wondering what was meant. - -After a short silence the little man continued. - -"You did me gleat good--gettee me out of upset machine," he began. -"For that I want give you something to bling you much good luck." - -"Good luck?" repeated Bob wonderingly, and then watched the Chinaman -walk over to a tall cabinet in the corner of the room. - -The latter opened a drawer, looked about carefully to see that no one -other than the boys was looking at him, and then took out something. - -"Here," he said, unfastening the lid of a tiny box, "are two good luck -rings. I want you wear them--all tlime. They bling you much good luck. -Wear them and you will keepee away flom all evil." - -He handed the boys each a grotesque ring, which was engraved in many -queer Oriental figures. Bob's ring was particularly odd. On it were -depicted two curious dragons, one of which was spouting fire. - -"Why--thank you very much." Joe was delighted. Of course, he had no -faith in the charm the ring was supposed to have possessed, but he -appreciated it as a rare piece of Chinese jewelry. - -"You velly welcome," Pong Lee said. "But there is a secret about those -rings. You must know." - -"A secret?" Bob leaned forward in his chair. His friend looked up -interestedly. - -"Bleeg secret," Pong Lee answered, nodding vigorously. "You must guard -those rings velly close. There are much men after them." - -"You mean someone else wants to get these?" asked Joe, intensely -interested. - -"Yes. Much men want them. I have gleat many more. I not tell how I get -them. But I say for you to watch them close. They worth much money." - -"What do these people want with them?" inquired Joe. "Are they so -valuable as all that?" - -Pong Lee nodded. - -"They worth gleat deal," he said. "Much times men come in here after -them. They know I have a velly lot in little box. But I play tlick on -them. They not find rings. I keep them hid--where no man find them. -Moy Ling--he one of dangerous people. He keel you queek if he gettee -chance, yes. You guard rings. They bling you much good luck." - -He arose and walked over to the corner of the room. - -The youths looked at each other. They had been greatly impressed with -what the little man had said. - -"What do you think of it all?" asked Joe in a low voice. - -"It's a mystery to me. Wish he'd tell us where he got the rings. I'm -curious to know." - -Suddenly Joe sat up with a start. His eyes were fixed on the curious -curtain that separated this room from the store. - -Bob's eyes followed those of his chum. - -"That curtain--it moved!" whispered Joe, a queer feeling of fear -creeping down his spine. "There's somebody hiding there. Maybe it's -one of those fellows that want these rings." - -"I'm going out there." Bob had gained his feet. "No, don't!" his -friend pleaded. "They might shoot you--or maybe do worse." - -Bob hesitated. He finally decided to remain where he was. - -"But if that guy wants these rings, he'll get fooled," the youth said -decisively. "We'll----" - -He was interrupted by Pong Lee, who had returned to his chair. The -Chinaman was not aware of what had happened. - -"Do you have anyone else working in the store?" asked Bob, his eyes -still on the curtain. - -"No one else but me, Pong Lee, no. Why you ask?" - -"Well," Bob faltered, his voice lowering to a whisper, "there--there's -someone in there, near the curtain. I don't know who it is. Looked -like they were listening to us." - -Pong Lee was panting. His eyes were wild with fury. - -"The rings!" he cried. "It is someone after the rings! They will keel -us!" - -"Not if we can help it they won't," Bob said grimly. "They----" - -He stopped suddenly as he noticed a pistol in Pong Lee's hand. How the -man had produced the weapon so quickly he never knew. - -"What are you going to do?" asked Joe. "Better not go out there. It -isn't safe." - -The Chinaman, paying no attention to the warning, slipped silently -over to the end of the curtain, near the wall. His little mouth was -rigid; his eyes glared. The gun he held in readiness. - -The curtain he pulled back so slowly that only the movement of the -cloth was not noticeable. - -Bob and Joe, annoyed by the suspense, waited breathlessly. - - - - -CHAPTER III - -Good News - - -When he had made an opening barely large enough to see into the store, -Pong Lee stepped forward and peered out, holding the pistol with a -grip of steel. - -For the first time Bob and Joe saw how dangerous this harmless-looking -Chinaman could become. They were indeed glad he was their friend and -not their enemy. - -Bob cautiously glided over beside the Chinaman, although well aware of -the grave danger. The youth looked through the opening, and then his -jaw dropped. - -There, running rapidly but quietly toward the door, was a tall, slim -Oriental, a plait of black hair reaching halfway down his back. It was -evident that he knew he had been discovered, for he ran in -desperation. - -_Bang! Bang!_ Pong Lee's pistol spoke twice in rapid succession but -without result. The intruder escaped unharmed. - -The moment he disappeared through the doorway, Pong Lee dashed out -into the room. - -"We must shoot him!" cried the little Chinaman, reaching the outside. - -Bob, hesitating to follow because of the peril, watched closely until -Pong Lee was out of sight. Joe too had parted the curtain to see what -was going on. - -They heard several pistol shots, but no other noise followed. -Apparently Pong Lee's aim was not true. - -A moment later the Chinaman returned, holding the smoking weapon. - -"Gone, yes." Pong Lee was facing the boys. "Man he leave queek. I not -gave a chance to shoot him." - -"He sure went out of the store quickly," commented Bob. "Must have -been barefooted or something." - -The remark provoked a smile from Joe, but not from the Chinaman. That -the latter was still greatly worried was clear to the youths. - -Had the invader, whoever he was, seen where the valuable jewels were -kept? Did he intend to return later? Pong Lee's mind was in a whirl. -He felt that it would be necessary to find another hiding place for -the valuables, one that could not be located by anyone. - -"I should think this fellow, or someone else, would come in and make -you tell them where you keep this stuff," remarked Joe. "Even threaten -to kill you if you didn't tell." - -The Oriental shook his head. - -"They know I not tellee, even if I get killed," he explained. "That do -them no good, no." - -"Then you ought to feel fairly safe," laughed Bob. "Your life isn't in -any great danger, anyway. Do you wear any of the jewelry?" - -"I keepee good luck ring on finger all tlime," Pong Lee returned. -"Only once I had bleeg excitement." - -"How was that?" asked Joe. - -"I was knocked down by a man that he want ring. I get run flom him. He -thlow hatchet at me. It miss my head by many few parts of inches." - -"A close shave, all right," said Bob grimly. "Here's hoping Joe and I -don't have such an experience tonight." - -The youths remained in the building for nearly an hour talking with -the amiable Chinaman. Then, as they realized that it was past ten, -they departed, after having again thanked the man for the rings. - -While still in that vicinity they remained quiet, slinking along like -wolves. They feared all too much that the sinister Moy Ling, of whom -Pong Lee spoke, might cause them trouble. But as time passed they lost -their apprehension and became their natural selves again. Thus far no -Oriental had stopped them. - -"I had a hunch that Chink wanted to give us something," remarked Bob, -breaking the silence. "But of course I had no idea what it would be." - -"Wouldn't doubt that these rings are really worth a lot," Joe said. - -"You don't mean they'll actually bring us good luck?" asked Bob, very -much amused. - -"Not that," was the answer. "I mean worth something in money. Pong Lee -said they were. Do you suppose they're gold?" - -"More than I know. I'm not going to sell mine, though. I'd rather keep -it to remember this experience with Pong Lee." - -"I'll bet you really think it will bring good luck," teased Joe. - -"Quit your kidding. I'm not unusually smart, but I've got more sense -than to believe that." - -There was a general laugh. - -"Do you know," began Joe, a little later, "I'm beginning to wonder -something." - -Bob glanced up expectantly. - -"Pong Lee said there is a big secret connected with those rings," Joe -resumed. - -"That's right. He did." - -"Then--there's a chance that they are worth more than their actual -gold value. Get my point?" - -Bob's face lightened. - -"Golly, Joe. You may be right. But what could the secret be?" - -"That's the mystery of it all. Maybe," Joe continued, struck with a -sudden thought, "there's a piece of paper or something concealed in -the rings. I'm going to find out. It's light here under this street -lamp." - -"Don't, you sap!" cried Bob, whirling his friend around. "Why, there -might be a dozen Chinks spying on us. It would about be our finish if -you'd go to examining that ring here at this late hour." - -Joe laughed sheepishly. - -"I must be crazy," he smiled. "Funny, but I never thought of that. -We'll wait till we get back to the hotel." - -Although it was late, the friends walked idly along Grant Avenue, -desiring to see everything that had previously escaped their eyes. -They wanted to "go off the beaten path," as Joe expressed it, to see a -part of Chinatown that was not spoiled by the Occidental. But as it -was late they knew this could not be done. - -The chums finally came to Market Street and turned toward the hotel, -walking along silently. - -The naturalists looked up quickly as the boys entered. They regarded -the latter quizzically. - -"We're anxious to know just what that Chinaman wanted of you," said -Mr. Lewis with a smile. "Sit down and tell us." - -Bob removed the good luck ring from his finger. He passed it to Mr. -Lewis. - -"He just wanted to reward us for getting him out of that wrecked -automobile," Bob explained. "Gave us rings. And, say, there's some -secret connected with them. He wouldn't tell us, and we haven't been -able to find out." - -"Hmm." Joe's father examined the ring eagerly while Mr. Holton looked -over Joe's. - -"No secret openings in them, are there?" inquired Bob. - -"Apparently not," his father returned. "Each has a lot of Chinese -letters and figures on it, though. Perhaps if you knew what they mean -you could solve the mystery." - -Joe yawned and stretched. - -"Whatever it is, I'm not going to stay up any longer to find out, even -if I could," he said. - -Without further discussion all retired, eager to get all the sleep the -night would afford them. - -Late the next morning, Bob and Joe were awakened by their fathers. - -"Whazzamatter?" demanded Bob drowsily. - -"We have some news for you," Mr. Holton said, his eyes twinkling. -"Thought maybe you'd like to hear it." - -All the sleep knocked out of them, the chums sat up quickly, wondering -what was meant. - - - - -CHAPTER IV - -Seeing the Sights - - -"Do you remember what we said yesterday about making an expedition to -Africa?" asked Mr. Lewis as the youths sat up in bed expectantly. - -"Why--you said you might go," Bob answered. - -"Well, there isn't going to be any 'might' in it," Mr. Lewis said. -"We're going." - -The youths bounded out of bed in wild excitement. - -"You mean we're actually going to Africa?" cried Joe, falling over -himself in enthusiasm. - -The naturalists laughed significantly. - -"We're not certain how that 'we' will work out," chuckled Mr. Holton. -"But we're almost sure of one thing: Ben [Mr. Lewis] and I are going. -How many more will make up the expedition we haven't decided as yet. -In fact, it was only this morning that we came to a conclusion." - -"Oh, you've got to take Joe and me," Bob begged. "We always have -wanted to explore in the Dark Continent. We're plenty old enough to -take care of ourselves. You see how we made short work of dangerous -wild animals in the Andes and in Brazil. Well, we could do the same -with lions and elephants." - -"Don't be too sure of that," said his father gravely but with -twinkling eyes. "There's scarcely anything worse than a charging -elephant." - -"Just the same, we'd take care of the situation," said Bob boastfully. -"They wouldn't stand much chance before the Lewis-Holton expedition. -Why we'd mow 'em down right and left. But seriously, Dad, Mr. Lewis, -why can't Joe and I go with you?" - -"We'd like to have you," his father assured him. "But of course you'll -have to reckon with your mothers. Suppose," he went on, "we don't say -anything more about this matter until we get back to Washington. You -see, there's a chance that the museum heads will have something else -for us to do. In that case, we won't go." - -"I'm betting you will," smiled Joe, who felt there was a big chance of -an expedition. - -"Perhaps," smiled Mr. Holton. "Right now, though, let's think of -something else. We want to leave for Washington tomorrow morning. We'd -go today if Ben and I didn't have some more business to look after." - -"Had breakfast yet?" inquired Joe. - -"Breakfast? You mean lunch?" Mr. Lewis laughed. "Boys, in case you -don't know it, it's nearly ten o'clock." - -"Wow!" cried Bob. "If Joe and I get to see any more of old San -Francisco we'll have to do some hustling." - -"Be careful that you don't get in any danger. Don't be carried away on -some ship," Mr. Holton said, grinning. "And now," he added, "we're -leaving. Be back about three this afternoon. Take care of yourselves, -boys. And be careful." - -"We will. So long, Mr. Lewis, Dad." - -The youths had been dressing during the conversation with their -fathers, and now they were ready to get breakfast. After the meal, -they would start out to see more of San Francisco and perhaps visit -other cities across the bay. - -A half hour later they were walking down Market Street toward the -Ferry Building, having decided to see the busy waterfront. - -It was no short distance to their destination, but they moved rapidly, -dodging in and out among the crowd of shoppers. They were so -interested in the sights about them that they found themselves almost -without knowing it at the Ferry Building. - -"Now let's go around to the docks," suggested Bob. "I'd like to see -the boats coming in from the Orient." - -"Ought to see some," Joe said. "There are a lot of steamship lines -here." - -Directly in back of the building were the ferry slips. Bob and Joe -stopped a few minutes to watch passengers board a boat to Oakland. -Then they continued around to the docks, where scores of vessels were -anchored. - -Beside one dock was a huge liner almost ready to embark for Honolulu. -The gangplank was being pulled in, ropes were loosened, and a general -scene of excitement prevailed. Relatives and friends of the -leavetakers waved hearty farewells as, with long blasts of the -whistle, the ship slowly left the wharf. - -Bob and Joe watched closely as it steamed majestically out into the -blue Pacific. Not far out there was the Golden Gate. Beyond this was -the Orient, with all its lure, its beckoning. - -"I sure would give a lot to sail out on the Pacific," sighed Bob, -turning and walking on with his chum. - -Away on around Embarcadero Street the boys came to Fishermen's Wharf, -where their eyes met with a sight slightly different. At a miniature -harbor were scores of Italian fishing vessels. Their crew were busily -engaged in preparing the boats for sailing, or in unloading the huge -cargoes of fish. - -"Look over here," called Joe. "They're selling fresh crab sandwiches. -Let's get some." - -"O.K. What do they taste like?" - -The chums soon found out. A short, exceedingly fat man who always -smiled served them with tempting steaming sandwiches in return for a -meager sum. After the eventful morning they tasted delicious. - -As they ate, Bob and Joe walked back down past the docks, their eyes -always ready to single out the unusual. Although they had been in many -interesting cities, never had they been more captivated than now. - -Soon their attention was attracted by a coarse whistle, and looking -around they saw a large freighter steaming up to the dock. - -Ordinarily the boys would have paid little or no attention to the -ship, for they had often watched vessels arriving and departing. But -this time they looked up in wonder. - -The freighter was listing badly to starboard and looked as though it -were partly filled with water. How it kept from going over on its -side was a puzzle to the chums. - -When the ship had entered the dock and was moored by several men who -stood by waiting, the gangplank was lowered, and the captain walked -down, followed by others of the crew. - -One of the men paused at the foot of the gangplank, and Joe took -advantage of the opportunity. - -"What was the trouble?" the youth asked, desiring to know what -misfortune had befallen the ship. - -"Struck a derelict," was the reply. "It was an old clipper that was -about rotted through. We can't see yet how it got through the hull, -but it did." - -"But how did it happen that your ship didn't sink?" Joe inquired, his -curiosity thoroughly aroused. - -The sailor laughed. - -"Be pretty hard to sink the _Southern Cross_," he said. "She's got -watertight compartments. When she gets a leak, all we have to do is -close up the doors. It----Hullo, Red. Let's get goin'." - -With another of the crew, for whom he had been waiting, the seaman -left the youths and moved on over to the dock. - -Bob and Joe stood for some time looking at the unfortunate vessel. -Then, as nothing of further interest happened, they walked on around -the harbor, absorbed in thought. - -The last few days had indeed been eventful to the chums. What did the -future hold in store? - - - - -CHAPTER V - -A Welcome Announcement - - -"Well, boys, we're leaving San Francisco tomorrow," said Mr. Lewis as -he greeted the chums late that afternoon. - -"I'll be glad to get back to Washington," remarked Bob. "Of course, -I've had a good time here--saw a lot of interesting sights and the -like. But, after all----" - -"There's no place quite like home," chimed in his father with a smile. - -"Especially with a trip to Africa in prospect," Bob added. - -"Ah! That accounts for your ardent desire to leave, does it?" asked -Mr. Lewis. "I wondered why you made that remark about wanting to get -back to Washington." - -Bob and Joe smiled. - -"That partly accounts for it," came from Joe. "But, honestly, Dad, you -don't blame us, do you?" - -The youth hoped to corner his father, but the latter was more clever -than he had imagined. - -"Not in the least," Mr. Lewis answered quickly. "I would want to go to -Africa if I were you." - -Again the boys found themselves "stumped," and again they were forced -to drop the matter regarding the expedition to the Dark Continent. -They could only hope for the best, remarked Bob as that night he -retired. - -Early the next morning the chums and their fathers were up making -preparations for the journey across the continent. They had everything -in readiness by eight o'clock. - -In the hotel garage they were shown to Mr. Holton's sedan. A porter -had followed them with their grips, which were placed in the car's -trunk. - -The chums gazed out fondly at the last views they got of San -Francisco. Then they settled themselves down for the long ride. - -Nothing of significance happened during the journey, and at last, -after stops had been made at Denver, Kansas City, and a small city in -Kentucky, they pulled into Washington. - -At their homes, which were located next door to each other, the four -received a warm welcome from the youths' mothers, Joe's sister, and -Bob's small brother. - -"I sure enjoyed our stay in San Francisco," remarked Bob that -evening, as he sat on the porch with his father and chum. - -"Especially right at this time," put in Joe. "I'm glad to get back." - -"Why right at this time?" inquired Mr. Holton. - -"Because," explained Joe, "there's a circus in town. And as I haven't -been to a circus for quite a while, I'm going. How about you, Bob?" - -"It's a go," said Bob at once. "Let's you and I drive over tomorrow in -my new coupe. It's a pip, all right." - -"What, the circus, or the car?" grinned Mr. Holton. - -"Well, I don't know about the circus," said Bob. "But I know the car -is. Anyway, I'd like to take a look at wild animals that were brought -from Africa. Lions, leopards, and the like. Don't you and Mr. Lewis -want to go, Dad? We can put you in the rumble seat." - -"Rumble seat, huh? Hmm. I'd want better service than that." The -naturalist viewed his son critically though with twinkling eyes. "No, -we men won't go to the circus," he added with a grin. "But you boys -can." - -"Listen to that!" cried Bob, squaring his powerful shoulders. "I guess -you men enjoy it about as much as anybody does. Now, you might," he -went on, struck with a sudden thought, "take Tommy. Of course, he'd -like it. That would give you an excuse to go." - -"Maybe your little brother would rather play baseball," suggested Mr. -Holton. "He finds that interesting now, you know." - -"Nix," countered Bob. "Tommy's all for a circus. He'd rather see the -wild animals than eat. And to tell the truth, Dad," he added -mischievously, "you're about the same way. Don't deny it, now." - -Mr. Holton smiled. - -"I see you're putting me up a tree," he said. "But say!"--in a tone of -dismay--"come to think of it, Tommy is going to Baltimore with his -mother tomorrow." - -The naturalist's face was a perfect picture of disappointment. Bob and -Joe burst out in loud laughter, and Bob gave his father a shove. - -"Now who can you take?" Bob chuckled, very much amused at Mr. Holton's -plight. - -"That settles it," the naturalist said. "Ben and I won't go. We have -some work in the museum that must be attended to, anyway." - -Bob gave his father an odd glance, and then, at a call of "dinner," -the little party disbanded. - -The circus was on its second day in the city, and because of several -unusual attractions was receiving considerable attention. One thing -being featured was an immense gorilla which had just recently been -brought from western Africa. It was supposedly the largest specimen in -captivity. - -The next morning Bob and Joe left for the circus grounds. There they -found that a large crowd had already gathered to gain admittance. - -"Suppose we go to the menagerie tent first," suggested Bob. "We have -some time yet before the performance opens. I want to take a look at -that big gorilla." - -"And if what we've heard is true, he's a whopper." - -This was no exaggeration, as the chums found a little later. The big -ape seemed the very personification of power. His huge chest was -several times as big as a man's. His long large arms looked capable of -crushing an enemy into a shapeless mass. The little beady eyes were -defiant, moving from one to another of the spectators. - -"How would you like to meet that fellow in a wrestling match?" said -Bob with a laugh. - -Joe smiled unwillingly. - -"He wouldn't leave a grease spot of you," he said. "Fifteen or twenty -champion wrestlers wouldn't have the slightest chance in the world -with him." - -There was a far-away look in Bob's eyes, which Joe noticed as he -happened to turn about. - -"What's got into you?" the latter asked. "You look like a great -scientist that's just made a wonderful discovery." - -Bob roused himself and laughed. - -"I was just thinking," he said. - -"About what?" - -"Africa. Gorillas like this fellow here. Lions. Wild elephants. Tall -forest giants. Adventure." - -"Wow!" cried Joe. "You'll have me running around in circles. You -know," he went on more seriously, "it's up to us to get our dads in -the notion of going to Africa very soon now. And we'll have to make -them let us go along. They----" - -He stopped abruptly and smiled sheepishly as he caught sight of two -men standing beside him. Those men were none other than Mr. Lewis and -Mr. Holton. - -"What th----" cried Bob, who had also seen. - -"Didn't expect to find us here, did you?" asked Mr. Holton with a -grin. - -"And you said you weren't coming!" roared Bob. He looked about. - -"Tommy didn't come," his father said. "He went with his mother. But," -with a glance at Mr. Lewis, "Ben and I decided to take a look at this -whale of a gorilla here. What do you think of him, boys?" - -"Biggest I've ever seen," came from Joe. "Wonder how he was captured." - -"It wasn't an easy job," said Mr. Lewis. "I once saw natives in Africa -capture a gorilla. Was in the Mountains of the Moon. They used a -peculiar trap consisting of a circular hole in the ground. When the -animal fell into the hole, a noose was tightened around its neck." - -"You say you were there?" asked Bob. "How long ago has it been?" - -"A good many years--four, to be exact. Howard and I went together on a -big expedition. We brought back several unusual specimens of animal -life." - -"Then," began Bob with a smile, "you'll probably go again in the next -few days, won't you? Back in San Francisco you said you were going." - -Mr. Lewis and Mr. Holton exchanged amused glances. - -"Shall we tell them, Ben?" asked Bob's father. - -"Tell us what?" cried Joe, sensing that something was in the wind. - -"Simply that we're leaving for Africa Friday," was the quiet answer -from Mr. Lewis. - - - - -CHAPTER VI - -The Business Card - - -At Mr. Lewis's words, Bob and Joe stood mouth agape. They stared at -the naturalist for several seconds in sheer surprise. Then they were -overcome with joy. - -"You're not kidding, are you?" cried Bob, finally managing to utter -the words. - -"Not a bit," said Mr. Lewis. "In fact, as soon as we put the proposed -expedition before the museum heads, they were captivated by the idea. -Said they greatly desired new specimens from Africa, and if we could -get them it would be perfectly all right. They're going to fix -everything up for us." - -"Man alive!" cried Joe. "It'll be a wonderful opportunity. Of course," -he went on, "there's a chance that Bob and I may go with you, isn't -there?" - -"Let's not discuss that matter just now," Mr. Holton said. "Of course, -you know there are others besides Ben and I who have a say. But we'll -give it a thought, boys." - -"And now we're off for the museum," announced Joe's father. - -"Aren't you going to stay for the circus performance?" asked Bob in -some surprise. - -"Really we haven't the time, Son," answered Mr. Holton. "With this -African mission on our hands we'll have to do some hustling. We just -came down here to take a look at this big gorilla. Well, we'll see you -later, boys. Be good." - -With this the naturalists took their leave, while their sons glanced -at each other. - -"A trip to Africa!" cried Bob joyfully. He picked his chum up and -danced around with him in happiness. - -"Better cut this stuff out," advised Joe. "As soon as you calm down a -little you'll lose some of that excess strength--and then maybe you'll -let me drop." - -Bob released his chum and stopped his dance of joy, as he noticed that -people were beginning to trickle into the tent. But his face retained -its look of exultation. - -The boys still had some time before the performance was to start and -amused themselves by looking about the grounds. - -Later, in the main tent, the chums enjoyed the show immensely. -Perhaps, however, as Bob said, they could have enjoyed it still more -had they not been so absorbed in the coming expedition to Africa. - -"We'll just have to go with you," pleaded Joe when the two had gone to -the museum to join their fathers. "Why, you know it wouldn't be -complete without us." - -"Perhaps not," came from Mr. Lewis, "although we hadn't thought of it -in that light." - -"You know we can take care of ourselves," Bob defended himself and his -friend. "And we're both good shots. Remember the time when we potted -off those gazelles on the Sahara?" - -"Sure thing," said Mr. Holton, nodding. "And you've brought us many -other valuable specimens, too. But to tell the truth, boys, we're not -anxious for you to go with us this time. You see, we have orders to -shoot some very dangerous game. Lions, rhinos, buffaloes, and the -like." - -"Better and better!" exclaimed Bob, his eyes brightening still more. -"Just where do you intend to explore?" - -"In the middle of the Congo Basin," returned his father. "Our ship -will take us to Mombasa. From there we'll take a train----" - -"Train?" interrupted Joe, greatly puzzled. "Do they have trains in the -heart of Africa?" - -"Not exactly in the heart of Africa," Mr. Holton answered. "But there -is a railroad running from Mombasa to Lake Victoria. As I was saying, -we'll board a train and go as far as it will carry us. Then we'll have -to organize a safari." - -"Exactly what is that?" inquired Bob. "I've often heard the term, but -never was quite clear about its meaning." - -"Safari means practically the same as expedition," Mr. Lewis -explained. "It is an Arabic term that is used quite frequently in -Africa. A safari is composed of the explorers, the native police, -bearers, and the like. It may vary from just a few people to several -hundred. In our case, however, we won't need a large number of -carriers. If we do need more, we can engage them in the jungle to -carry our specimens back to the coast. The money that they charge is -only a very meager amount." - -"Just what animals do you want especially to bag?" asked Bob. "Of -course, you want lions, don't you?" - -"Lions, yes," returned his father. "And other dangerous game. But we -also want to investigate reports of several strange animals that are -at present generally unknown. Whether we'll find them we have yet to -see--if nothing with sharp teeth stops us," he added with a smile. - -"Nothing will," said Bob conclusively. "But just what is the most -dangerous game of Africa?" - -The naturalists glanced at each other. - -"Better not ask that question, or you'll start a heated debate," -laughed Mr. Lewis. "Howard and I are very much in disagreement about -it." - -"Why?" persisted Bob. - -"You father is inclined to place the rhino as the most dangerous, -while I would say the buffalo comes first. But to settle the argument, -both are bad enough when they're after you." - -"But what about the lion?" demanded Joe. "Isn't he dangerous?" - -"Very much so," answered Mr. Holton. "However, he isn't considered -anything like the two animals that Ben mentioned. That doesn't mean, -though, that it's advisable to go out and pick a quarrel with the king -of beasts," he added whimsically. - -"Let me get a map of Africa, boys," said Joe's father, rising. "Then -we can see exactly where we intend to explore." - -He went over to a bookcase in a corner of the office, returning a -moment later with a large cloth map of the Dark Continent. - -But at that moment the telephone rang, and Mr. Holton stepped over to -answer it. - -A few seconds later he uttered a cry of surprise. His brow wrinkled, -and his face took on a look of dismay. - -"Why, it can't be!" he cried excitedly. "Stolen! Gone!" - -At the scientist's ominous words Mr. Lewis looked up in wonder. The -boys too listened intently. They were growing impatient when Mr. -Holton again spoke. - -"Stay where you are," he directed the person at the other end of the -line. "We'll meet you at once." - -With these words he hung up and turned to the others. - -"Those specimens that we bought from Thompson in Chicago--they've been -stolen!" he explained in a worried voice. - -"What!" cried Mr. Lewis angrily. "Do you mean that?" - -"Every word of it," was the response. "We must go at once. If we get -there in time we may be able to find the culprit." - -The naturalists grabbed their hats and dashed out of the office and -through the building to the outside. Bob and Joe followed them, -although without knowing where they were going. - -All got in Mr. Holton's car, which was parked near the museum. - -"Now we must hurry," Bob's father said, starting the engine. "The -robbery took place but a short time ago, and there is a chance that we -can overtake the thief." - -"Weren't the specimens covered by insurance?" inquired Joe. - -Mr. Lewis shook his head. - -"But even if they were," the naturalist said, "this is a case where -insurance could not replace the loss. Such rare birds and animals as -those can be procured only with great patience and labor under a hot -sun. You fellows know what a job it is to stalk wild animals. And it -isn't likely that we'll find others like them in Africa." - -With a roar and a rush the automobile shot out into the street and was -soon caught in the midst of heavy traffic. Although Mr. Holton greatly -desired to travel at a rapid pace, he found it impossible to do so. - -"Where are we going?" asked Bob. "We've been so interested in the -robbery itself that Joe and I haven't thought to inquire where the -specimens were when they were stolen." - -"In a railroad freight yard," returned his father. "The museum sent -one of its trucks after them as soon as they arrived. I don't have the -details about the happening, but the box of specimens must have been -stolen while the truck driver was not around. Apparently the robber -was familiar with the contents of the box. Perhaps he had carefully -planned the theft in advance. Heard us talking about the specimens, -maybe." - -"Well, he won't get away with it if we can help it," said Bob with -determination. "We'll catch him somehow." - -"Let's hope you're right," Mr. Holton said gravely as he pushed the -accelerator still nearer to the floorboard. - -After what seemed like hours they pulled up at their destination--a -railroad freight yard. - -Inside the main building they found the truck driver awaiting them, on -his face a look of deep anxiety. His features relaxed a little as he -caught sight of the two naturalists. - -Mr. Lewis at once demanded an account of what had happened and urged -the man to relate every detail. - -The driver explained that he had loaded the box of specimens on the -truck and, not doubting that they would be safe, had gone into the -freight office for a brief stay. When he returned to the truck, he -found, to his astonishment, that the box was gone. It was only then -that he fully realized what had happened. - -"If I'd only seen the guy that took them we might catch him," he -finished. - -The scientists were greatly vexed at the driver for not taking better -care of such valuable goods, but they managed to keep their temper. - -They walked out to the truck to discover, if possible, the thief's -means of escape. - -"He probably had another automobile waiting to take those specimens," -remarked Joe. "Maybe we can find its tracks. The ground here is soft -after the recent rain." - -A careful survey of the roadway was not in vain, for soon they saw -wide tracks of automobile tires which possessed a very odd tread. - -"Here's a clue, anyway," said Mr. Holton. "Every little thing counts, -you know." - -Bob had gone a piece toward the street. Now he came running toward the -others. - -"Look!" he cried excitedly. "I've found something. Let's see what it -is." - - - - -CHAPTER VII - -The Thief Turns Up - - -As the others crowded around him, Bob held up a small business card. -It had apparently been dropped near the museum's truck, perhaps by the -thief himself. On it was printed the name Thomas Jordan. - -"Thomas Jordan!" exclaimed Mr. Lewis, reaching for the card. "Why, -he's a wealthy sportsman. Practically everybody has heard of him. Of -course it couldn't have been he that stole those specimens." - -Bob's father agreed with him. - -"Scarcely anybody is more respected," he said. - -"You say he's a sportsman, huh?" said Joe thoughtfully. "What does he -do?" - -"A lawyer by profession," Mr. Lewis returned. "But in addition he -heads a private museum, merely as a hobby, I guess. Has a very wide -collection of fauna from all parts of the world. He charges a small -admission fee. Makes a lot of money at it." - -"Where does he get his specimens?" inquired Joe. - -Mr. Lewis looked puzzled for a moment. - -"Why, from different sources," the naturalist replied. "Goes after -some occasionally, buys some--" - -"Buys some, does he?" Joe still spoke in a very thoughtful voice. -"Then might it not be possible that he will buy those that were -stolen--get them from the thief, I mean?" - -"By George!" exclaimed Mr. Holton, his eyes brightening. "You may be -right, Joe. Strange that none of the rest of us thought of that now. -Yes, it's quite possible for such a thing to happen. Perhaps the thief -has already made arrangements with this Mr. Jordan to sell him the -specimens." - -"I suggest that we hunt up Jordan immediately," came from Mr. Lewis. -"But I refuse to think that he had a part in the robbery." - -"I don't think so either," put in Bob. "From what I've heard, he's -considered one of the leading citizens. But it's possible that the -thief could disguise himself as a dealer in wild animals and easily -sell them to Jordan." - -"Chances are that is what will happen, if we do not interfere," Mr. -Lewis said. "So I believe we should look up this fellow at once." - -Bob's father, having instructed the truck driver to return to the -museum, led the way to his car. He desired to lose no time in calling -on Mr. Jordan, who must be informed of the theft in time to prevent -the sale of the stolen specimens. - -The object of their remarks lived in a very fashionable residential -section, which was at the very edge of the city. His private museum -was located but a few squares from his home. - -"If we can't find him one place, perhaps we can another," said Bob. -"That is, if he hasn't left the city." - -"In that case we'll have as good a chance to see him first as the -thief," laughed Joe. - -Some time later the four pulled up in front of a spacious home in an -exclusive residential district. They left the car and moved up to the -house. - -A butler took the card Mr. Lewis handed him, standing aside a moment -later for them to go in. Then, after taking their hats, he disappeared -into another room. - -The visitors had not long to wait. They had barely taken the chairs -offered them when a tall erect man walked up to them. - -"You are Mr. Jordan?" asked Joe's father, rising. - -"Yes." - -The naturalist introduced himself and his friends and then lost no -time in getting to the point. He told of the theft in the freight -yard, then of finding the attorney's card. - -"Naturally we resolved to hunt you up," he said. "It is entirely -possible that this thief has been to see you about buying specimens -from him. Of course, you probably did not in the least suspect him. -Or, if this is not the case, he got your card from some other source." - -Mr. Jordan was silent for several moments, as if in deep thought. -Finally he turned to the others. - -"I think I know the very man who stole them," he announced. - -"Good!" cried Joe impulsively. - -"A very well-dressed chap," the lawyer resumed, staring hard at the -floor. "He came here about a month ago and said he dealt in all -descriptions of specimens. But there was something about him that -aroused my suspicions at once. Perhaps it was the way he acted. At any -rate, I didn't trust him. Appeared to be one of these, ah, slick, -well-dressed rascals that you see so much of. I told him I desired -nothing at present but rare specimens from Africa. He wore a blank -look for a minute; then suddenly he gave a start and turned to me with -a queer smile. 'I'll find you something,' he said. 'I think I know -where I can get exactly what you want.' I gave him one of my cards." - -"Perhaps that's the very man we're looking for," said Bob. "Possible, -anyway. Has he called you yet?" - -"No. But if we think correctly, he may very soon now. Of course, -though, he might wait till after the news of the robbery gets in the -papers and has died down a bit." - -Mr. Holton shook his head. - -"I'm of the opinion that he will sell those specimens before the news -gets in the papers," the naturalist said. "Perhaps he will pick today -to do it. The sooner he gets them off his hands, the better chance -he'll have to get away without being found out." - -"Suppose you give me a description of them--the specimens, I mean," -Mr. Jordan suggested. "Then, if the thief comes, I'll know at once and -have him arrested." - -"That will be fine." Mr. Lewis tore out a sheet of paper from his -notebook and wrote down the names of each animal included in the -collection. He handed the paper to the attorney. - -"I shall be glad to do this for you," the latter said. "If the thief -comes, I'll slip away somehow to a telephone." - -"We don't know how to thank you enough," Mr. Holton said gratefully. -"In doing this you will be performing an invaluable service for the -museum----" - -He stopped abruptly as he noticed the butler entering the room. - -"Mr. Henry Overton to see you," the servant announced, as the attorney -arose. - -Mr. Jordan took the card the butler handed him. He pondered for -several minutes before speaking. Finally he turned his gaze upon the -naturalists and their sons. - -"Gentlemen," he said with a smile, "I think the time is at hand. The -thief, I believe, is here now." - -There were looks of surprise and astonishment on the faces of the -visitors. - -"Suppose we four hide in an adjoining room while you talk to this -man," suggested Bob Holton. "Then we can hear what's being said." - -"You're fairly sure the caller is the man we were talking about?" -asked Mr. Lewis, hesitating a moment before following Bob's move. - -"No, not sure," Mr. Jordan responded. "But he is a collector of wild -animals. And that seems suspicious enough, doesn't it? - -"Tell you what," he continued. "Suppose you four do as suggested--hide -in this room and listen in on us. If it happens that the man is -someone else, no harm will have been done." - -The naturalists and their sons needed no urging. They hurried into the -next room and hid near the entrance. There was a curtain separating -them from the reception room, and all crouched near to peep through. - -Their hearts were in their mouths when a minute later a stranger was -admitted. - -"Doesn't look much like a crook," whispered Joe, as he noticed that -the man was dressed handsomely. - -"Look at his eyes, though," returned Bob, also keeping his voice very -low. - -The four listeners strained every nerve to catch what was being said -in the next room. They were delighted beyond expression when they -found that they could make out every word of the conversation. - -"I was here a good while ago," the stranger was saying. "No doubt you -remember me. You told me to let you know as soon as I found some rare -specimens from Africa." - -"And you've found some?" asked Mr. Jordan rather impatiently. - -"Ah, yes. You will be delighted when I tell you what they are. The -rarest of the rare. Mounted beautifully by one of my expert -taxidermists." - -He opened a small black satchel which he had carried. After a few -seconds of nervous fumbling he removed a small leather notebook. - -"Here," he said, handing the book to Mr. Jordan. "The complete list of -specimens is here. Each is described carefully. All told, there are -five of the most unusual wild creatures imaginable." - -"Only five!" whispered Mr. Holton, appearing suddenly angered. "Why, -there were ten in the box that was stolen." - -Almost at once the attorney broached the same matter. - -"Five are all you have for sale?" he asked casually. "Why, that is -only a small handful, so to speak." - -"Well, ah--" the stranger hesitated before speaking--"I might be able -to secure more for you." - -Mr. Jordan looked up suddenly. - -"Is that so?" he asked quietly. "It's rather surprising that you can -have them so readily. Of course"--he laughed to relieve the -tension--"you don't go after them yourself, do you?" - -The alleged buyer and seller of specimens faltered for a brief period, -but at last looked up. - -"These I was able to secure from a collector friend, who went on an -expedition merely for the pleasure it afforded him, and not for the -advancement of science." - -"Oh, yeah?" whispered Bob to his friends who were hiding like himself. -"He got 'em from his 'collector friend' like I got 'em off a hot-dog -stand." - -"No wise-cracking," grinned Joe. "You might get me to laughing." - -The next few moments of conversation convinced the youths' fathers -that the man in the adjoining room was the thief. A few descriptions -of the specimens, which Mr. Jordan purposely read aloud, were -sufficient to convict the stranger in the minds of Mr. Holton and Mr. -Lewis. - -From then, the conversation appeared uninteresting, although Bob and -Joe, as well as the naturalists, were anxious to see how the attorney -would dispose of the stranger. - -"And," continued Mr. Jordan, "what are you asking for these five -specimens?" - -"The small sum of a hundred dollars," was the reply. - -Mr. Jordan gasped in astonishment. Only a hundred dollars for what -should be worth a great deal more than that! - -Meanwhile, in the next room, Joe had decided on a plan of action. - -"Now that we are convinced that this man is the thief, we are free to -do almost anything," he began, speaking in a very low whisper. - -The others looked at him inquiringly. - -"My scheme is this," Joe continued, "I'll go out----" - -"If you're doing anything, I'm in it with you," interrupted Bob. - -"All right, then. We'll go out to this man's car. It's probably parked -in front----" - -"Perhaps he came on a street car," suggested Mr. Holton. - -"In that case, my plan won't work," Joe said. "But if his car is out -there, we'll look inside it and see if we can find anything that will -tell us where he lives. Then we'll come back. What do you say?" - -"Suits me," returned Bob at once. "We'll find something if there's -anything to be found." - -"And while you fellows are gone," began Mr. Holton, "we'll find some -way to get Jordan in here to have him detain the thief as long as -possible. But you be careful. There may be someone else in the car." - -As silently as they could, Bob and Joe made their way out of the room -and in a roundabout manner found the front door. One glance across the -spacious lawn told them that a roadster was parked at the curb. A more -careful look convinced them that no one was in the car. - -"Now's our chance," said Joe, leading the way out to the street. "Of -course, this automobile might belong to someone else, but the chances -are that it is owned--or at least run--by the man in the house." - -With a cautious look over their shoulders, the chums walked up to the -parked car. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - -After the Specimens - - -"There should be a certificate of title somewhere," said Joe Lewis, as -he peered inside the parked automobile. "Or if there isn't, maybe -there's a letter or something else that has his name and address on -it." - -"Here's a driver's license," announced Bob, who had reached into the -pocket of the door. "Issued to Harry Walker, and the address is rural -route. Let's see the description. Height, five feet-eight; weight, one -hundred-forty; eyes, brown; hair, black; age, fifty-one." - -"That's the thief, all right," said Joe conclusively. "It fits him to -a T." - -"But the name," argued Bob. "How do you figure _that_ out? The fellow -we think is the thief gave his name as Henry Overton, while this -driver's license has the name Harry Walker." - -"Maybe that was only an alias, or false name," suggested Joe. "He -could easily have changed that. But what do we do now, Bob?" - -"More than I know. What do you suggest?" - -"Suppose we go back in Jordan's house and see our dads. We'll have to -hurry, though, or this thief will beat us to it." - -"To what?" - -"As I was saying," resumed Joe, "we'll go back and get our dads, and -the four of us can go out to this thief's house and be there when he -gets there." - -"Then what?" - -"Easy enough. We'll arrest him and make him get the stolen specimens." - -"But can we do it?" demanded Bob. "Will we be allowed to?" - -"Sure. We've got the goods on him, haven't we? We know that the -specimens that Mr. Jordan read off are the stolen ones, don't we?" - -"All right. Lead the way." - -As quickly as they could, Bob and Joe went back in the house through a -rear entrance. Then quietly they found the room in which Mr. Holton -and Mr. Lewis were hiding. - -The boys found their fathers waiting anxiously. The frown on their -faces gave way to a smile as they caught sight of their sons. - -"What did you find?" inquired Joe's father. - -Bob told of their desire to drive to the thief's residence before the -man could himself do so. - -"I'm willing," said Mr. Lewis, who was more than anxious to recover -the stolen specimens. "While on our way we'll stop at a police station -and pick up an officer. I'd sort of hate to carry out your plan -without doing that." - -Before leaving the house, Mr. Holton instructed the butler to inform -Mr. Jordan of where they had gone. Then, with his son and friends, he -hurried out to his car. - -Mr. Lewis knew exactly where to find the residence of the thief, or at -least the address that was on the driver's license. - -"It is several miles from here, but we'll probably have a good start -ahead of the thief," Joe's father said, as the automobile was driven -out into a main traffic artery. - -Before the four left the city limits, they stopped at a police station -and secured the services of an officer. Now, with the protection of -the law, they felt safe to continue the venture. - -A half hour's ride over a narrow country road brought them to a large -house set back in a wide lawn. - -"This must be the place," observed Mr. Holton, bringing the car to a -standstill. "I wonder if anyone is at home?" - -"Better not leave the machine here," warned the policeman. "If the guy -we're after should see it, he probably would not show up for us to -catch him. Drive it farther toward the house, out of sight of the -road." - -"Glad you reminded me," Mr. Holton said, and drove still farther on. - -All stepped out and made their way over the wide lawn. As a precaution -against possible danger, the officer kept a ready hand on his -revolver. - -"You can't tell who might be there to bump us off," he said, his eyes -on the house. "There could be several more outlaws waiting there." - -They reached the dwelling safely, however, and then knocked on the -heavy door. - -But either no one was there, or else they refused to admit the -strangers, for the door did not open. - -"No use keeping this up longer," said the policeman. "We'd better hide -around the side of the house and wait for the fellow we're after. Feel -sure he'll come here?" - -"We don't know," returned Bob. "This may not even be where he lives. -He might have stolen the car he had from someone who does live here." - -They took places beside the house, at a point where they could command -a good view of the road and driveway. How long it would be before the -thief would show up, if at all, they had not the slightest idea. They -hoped, however, it would not be long, for darkness was not far off. - -Hardly five minutes had passed when Bob caught the arm of the -policeman, who was nearest him. - -"Listen!" the youth hissed. "There's a car coming. Hear it?" - -Sure enough, the faint sound of an approaching automobile was breaking -the evening silence. Whether the vehicle was that of the thief, the -hiding forms did not know. Their hopes were high, though, as the -purring became louder. - -Those hopes were not shattered, for a minute later the same car that -had been parked in front of Mr. Jordan's estate turned in the -driveway. - -"Look!" breathed Joe. "It's the man we're after, all right. He's -stopping. Sees our car and wonders why it's here, I guess." - -At word from the policeman, the four stepped out and advanced toward -the man. As they went nearer, the officer displayed his revolver. - -"You're under arrest," he said. "Throw up your hands and tell us -where you put those stolen goods." - -The man raised his arms and moved toward them. But he refused to -further comply with the command. - -"You are wrong--entirely wrong in your thinking," he said in a crafty -voice, a faint smile coming over his face. "You have made a terrible -mistake and picked out one who is innocent. I know nothing about any -stolen goods." - -"None of your monkey business," snapped the policeman, advancing -toward the man. "We've proof of your guilt and want the stuff you -stole. Now, get it and get it fast, or I'll be tempted to pass a .45 -through your ribs!" - -"But I say," persisted the alleged thief, raising his voice to a -high-pitched drawl, "I know nothing about what you are talking." - -Bob advanced toward him. - -"What about those specimens you offered to sell to Mr. Jordan?" the -youth demanded, never taking his eyes from the fellow. "Just where did -you get them? It didn't happen that you stole them out of a museum -truck, did it?" - -"Why, you----I'll knock you over that fence!" - -He moved toward Bob, but soon decided not to carry out his threat. - -The policeman became even more impatient. - -"Did you hear what I said?" he snapped, prodding the man with his -revolver. "We want that stuff you stole, and we want it right now. -You'd better talk!" - -Much to the surprise of all, the man no longer denied his guilt. -Instead, he motioned them to follow him up to the house. Whether he -had been frightened by the officer's terse command, or intended to -resort to some means of escape, they did not know. - -He produced a large bunch of keys and opened the heavy door, at the -same time beckoning for his unwelcome visitors to follow. - -"I'll take those keys!" The policeman held out a hand. - -The accused man hesitated a moment, then handed them over. - -"What you want is in the basement," he said, as he led the way through -the large room. "I will get it for you, never fear." - -When almost at the rear of the house, he stopped and opened a narrow -door. Then, switching on a light, he went down a steep flight of -stairs, the others at his heels. - -They were in the basement, threading their way between rows of boxes, -when something unexpected happened. The light suddenly went off, -leaving them in total darkness. The eyes of the pursuers, unaccustomed -to the blackness, could make out nothing around them. It had happened -so quickly that there was a short period of fumbling about. - -Bob Holton felt a form brush past him rapidly, as if in wild haste. - -The youth's fist shot out and caught the form squarely with such force -that he fell at once with a groan. - -"I got him!" Bob cried. "Now to switch on the light." - -During the next few minutes there was a wild scramble in an attempt to -find the concealed switch. At last, when it became apparent that it -could not be found, Joe bent his efforts on finding the stairway, at -the head of which Joe knew there was a switch. - -A thrill of hope passed through him as he felt his foot touch the top -step. Now there would be light, the youth thought. - -Meanwhile, the others were still vainly searching for the concealed -switch. - -"I give it up," sighed Mr. Holton, straightening out hopelessly. "Our -only chance now is to find the switch at the head of the stairs." - -The words were barely out of his mouth when suddenly the light came -on. - -Bob uttered a wild cry of surprise. - -"For the love of Pete!" he exclaimed. "I've knocked out the -policeman!" - - - - -CHAPTER IX - -Failure - - -At Bob's words of surprise, Joe burst out laughing. Mr. Holton could -not help joining him, although he tried to restrain himself. - -"That was about the craziest thing you ever did, Son," Mr. Holton -said, as soon as he could get his breath. "I'm afraid friend policeman -will never forgive you." - -Bob grinned. - -"I----Wait. He's coming to." The youth bent over the prone man. - -"W-w-what happened, boy?" he demanded, sitting up and rubbing his jaw. -"World come to an end?" - -His friends laughed still harder. - -"You--you tell--him, Dad," pleaded Bob, as soon as he could manage to -utter the words. - -Mr. Holton sobered himself as best he could. - -"There's been a mistake," he said, keeping his face straight with -difficulty, "a terrible mistake. It seems that Bob here mistook you -for the thief, He was the one that knocked you out." - -The officer stared for a moment at Mr. Holton. Then his gaze fell on -Bob, who was wondering just what would be the outcome of his misdeed. - -"I'm sorry," the youth apologized. "When I felt you rushing past me so -wildly I thought sure you were the thief running away. I should have -made sure, though." - -The policeman continued to gaze at Bob. - -"Well, all I can say, boy," he began at last, still rubbing his chin, -"is that you whip up a wallop of a punch. You're the first bird that's -ever put Pat Callahan cold, and that's something. I ain't no runt, you -know." - -"I hope you'll forgive me, sir," Bob said. "I'm terribly sorry." - -"Forget it." The officer gained his feet. "We'd better be thinking -about that thief," he went on, looking about the basement, "though I -suppose he's miles away from here by now." - -Joe ran hurriedly up the basement steps and dashed on through the -house. He reached the front door in but a few seconds, and then looked -out over the lawn. - -Then he uttered a cry of anger, as he caught sight of the thief -running madly toward his automobile. - -"Stop!" Joe commanded, running in that direction. - -Exerting himself to the utmost, the boy pursued the fleeing man. He -was but a short distance away when the latter jumped into his car and -started the engine, a moment later shooting away toward the road. - -Joe made an unsuccessful attempt to mount the running board, but -failed. Then, criticizing himself for not arriving at the scene -sooner, he watched the car turn up the road. - -Impulsively, he jumped into Mr. Holton's sedan, but found that the key -was not there. - -"We're licked," he moaned. "No use going after him. His car could run -circles around Mr. Holton's, anyway." - -He waited a little while for his father and friends to appear, but -when they did not, he again went into the house. - -"Joe! See anything of the fellow we're after?" The speaker was Bob, -who had appeared at the top of the basement stairs. - -"Yeah, but it didn't do me any good," the other youth answered, and -then told of his pursuing the escaped man. - -"So he got away, did he?" said the policeman. "Well, we'll fix him. -There's a telephone in that front room there. I'll call up -headquarters and tell them to stop him." - -"Maybe the wires have been cut," suggested Mr. Lewis. - -Somewhat to their surprise, the telephone was in working order. - -After calling the police station and giving a complete description of -the fleeing man and the car he was driving, the officer moved that -they make a thorough search of the house in the hopes of finding the -stolen specimens there. - -"We men will look in the basement," said the officer. "You younger -fellows can search the upper floor. If you find anything, let us know -right away." - -"Leave it to us," chuckled Joe, as he led the way up the stairway. "If -that stuff is up there, we'll find it." - -"Maybe he took it with him in the car when he left," said Bob. "He was -a long time in leaving, you know." - -The chums searched the upper floor thoroughly but could find no trace -of the stolen specimens. They went back over the rooms once more, but -could again find nothing. - -"I'm afraid we'll have to admit defeat," Mr. Holton said, when the -chums had made their way downstairs. "We've looked all over the place, -but it's no use. One thing seems apparent: the thief took the -specimens with him when he escaped." - -The situation was indeed most disappointing. They had come to this -isolated house confident that they could recover the box of stolen -specimens. Then, when they were about to find them and arrest the -thief, the tables were unexpectedly turned. It was most disheartening, -to the naturalists especially. - -Although they had searched every section of the house, they resolved -to look once more, even though it had become necessary to switch on -electric lights. They also looked through several outbuildings. - -An hour later, however, it became evident that nothing was to be -found. Tired and downhearted, the five left the house and got in Mr. -Holton's car, ready to admit defeat. - -The policeman took his leave at the police station, and then the -others drove on home. - -"The last we'll see of those valuable specimens, perhaps," moaned Mr. -Lewis, as he brought the automobile up in front of the houses. - -"Don't be too sure of that," spoke up Bob, assuming an air of -optimism. "Like that officer said, with radio and all the latest -inventions, police can trail anyone nowadays." - -"That's right," agreed Mr. Holton. "I certainly hope he's caught." - -"And that they do it before we leave for Africa," added Mr. Lewis. - -"Africa!" repeated Bob longingly. The coming expedition to the Dark -Continent had been absent from his mind all the afternoon and evening. -"You will take Joe and me with you, won't you? Please say that we can -go. We'll do all we can for the expedition and won't cause any -trouble." - -"There's no danger of your doing that," Mr. Holton said at once. "In -fact, there have been times when Ben and I were glad you were near. -But the hazard of it all, boys!" - -"You know, Howard," began Mr. Lewis, "I've been thinking this thing -over, and I believe the trip to Africa would do the boys a world of -good." - -"Hurrah!" cried Joe impulsively. - -"They are plenty old enough to look out for themselves," Mr. Lewis -resumed. "And we'll have to credit them with a lot of initiative. -Personally, I am in favor of letting them go with us." - -Joe looked at his father hopefully, although in some surprise. - -Bob seized upon the opportunity at once. - -"That's the way to talk, Mr. Lewis," he said. "You see how we came out -on that expedition into the Andes Mountains. Were successful in about -everything. And the moving-picture house was well pleased with the -pictures we took. There'll be another opportunity to make money taking -movies of Africa--if we can go." - -Mr. Lewis rose from his chair. - -"Suppose we talk the matter over with their mothers," he suggested. -"And it won't be easy to get their consent, either. But we can see -what they think of it." - -Mr. Holton was very much undecided about the matter of allowing Bob -and Joe to go, but he consented to do as Mr. Lewis suggested. - -"Then," he said, addressing the chums, "we can let you know later how -things stand. All right?" - -"Sure," Joe answered. He felt that there was a big chance of things -going in his favor. "But please don't talk against it to our mothers." - -Mr. Holton smiled, and then, at a call from the Lewis residence, the -little party disbanded. - - - - -CHAPTER X - -Off for Africa - - -"Hip-hip-hooray! Zowie! Rah! Rah! Rah!" - -"For crying out loud!" exclaimed Bob Holton. "What's got into you, -Joe?" - -Joe danced around in wild delight, throwing his hat high into the air -and catching it as it came down. He stood on his head, turned a -somersault on the grass, and performed other feats. - -"Wow!" cried Bob. "You'd have a circus daredevil green with envy. But -why all this jumping around? You act like a wild man." - -"Wild man! Hurrah for wild men! And wild animals!" - -"Keep it up, old boy," sang Bob. "When you come back to your senses, -maybe I can get something out of you." - -Joe continued his acrobatic stunts, which ended very abruptly as he -came up against a tree that he did not know was so close. - -"What's the big idea?" he growled. "Having a tree right in my way. -Wait till I go get an ax." - -Joe gained his feet and made a dash toward the house. But in one bound -Bob brought him to the ground with a flying tackle that he had used so -advantageously on the football field. - -"Come clean!" roared Bob. "What's the big idea, anyway? You'd better -talk." - -"Not till I finish my stunt," said Joe stoutly. "Not----Hey! Cut it -out!" - -Joe became choked with laughter as his chum's hand pressed against his -ribs. For Bob knew only too well that Joe was not a little ticklish. - -"If I can't get it out of you one way, I will another," said Bob, -never giving his chum an inch. - -"Say! What are you ginks up to?" - -On the instant Bob released his hold and wheeled about. Then a look of -combined bewilderment and delight came on his face. - -"Chubby Stevens!" he cried wildly, getting to his feet. - -"It's Chubby as sure as I'm born!" added Joe, displaying even more -surprise. "Why, when did you get here?" - -The new arrival was a short, exceedingly fat youth, with twinkling -eyes and a pug nose. Bob and Joe had made his acquaintance while in -South America on their Andes expedition and had taken a great liking -to him. - -"Just happened to be in Washington and thought I'd drop around and see -you bozos," Chubby explained. "We came by airplane. Left Houston last -night." - -"Boy! Am I glad to see you!" said Bob. "Of course, you're going to -stay awhile, aren't you?" - -"Only till tomorrow," the fat little fellow said. "Dad came here to -see the President, I guess," he said with a chuckle. "Things ain't -goin' to suit him in his business. He's awful hard to please, Dad is. -If the dough ain't rollin' in to suit him he thinks there ought to be -something done about it." - -"Same old Chubby," said Bob with a laugh. "Are you sure you're telling -the truth?" - -"Well--the fact is, he didn't make it clear just what he came for. -Anyway, he came. And I went with him." - -"Ever been to Washington before?" inquired Joe. - -"Nope. I got to within a half a mile of here once. But just as we were -about to hit the city limits, Dad turned off on another road." - -Bob and Joe laughed. - -"Well, then," began the latter, "suppose we spend the day looking -around. We can see the city and go to the museum and take a look at -the specimens we brought back from the Andes. That is, unless you'd -rather do something else." - -"I'd rather do that than anything," Chubby said at once. "But--" he -hesitated--"if you gazooks have anything else to do----" - -"We won't have anything to do for several days," spoke up Joe. - -"What are you goin' to be up to then--after those several days are -up?" demanded Chubby. - -"Plenty," returned Joe. "Ever hear of Africa?" - -"Let me think." The fat youth rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "The word -sounds familiar," he said at last. "What is it, a new kind of dog -food?" - -"Cut the comedy," said Joe, suppressing a smile. "The thing is that -Bob and I are going there." - -"To Africa? No kiddin'!" - -"Not a bit," returned Joe. "We'll be leaving in a short time now." - -"Wait a minute," snapped Bob. "How do you know you and I are going? -They haven't told us yet." - -"Oh, no? Well, just for your own benefit, Dad told me a little while -ago that our mothers have given their consent. We can go on the -expedition." - -Bob stood for several minutes as though transfixed. Then, as though -the full meaning of his chum's words had been suddenly released, he -jumped up with a shout of joy. - -"Africa!" Bob cried. "Hurrah!" - -"And still you wonder why I did all that jumping around a while ago," -grinned Joe. - -"So that was it?" asked Bob. "Well, why didn't you tell me?" - -"So you're going to Africa, are you?" came from Chubby Stevens. "Gonna -start a circus?" - -"Hardly," returned Joe. "Dead animals are bad enough to bring back, -let alone live ones. But right now, Chubby, come in the house. The -lawn isn't any place to visit." - -The remainder of that day Bob and Joe spent in entertaining their -friend from Houston. The three visited the museum and had a long talk -with Mr. Holton and Mr. Lewis, who at once took a liking to Chubby. -Then, after viewing the many specimens of animal life that had -recently been brought back from the Andes, the three drove around the -city, noting the United States Capitol, the White House, Arlington -National Cemetery, and many other notable attractions. - -Very late that afternoon Bob and Joe let their friend out in front of -the hotel in which he and his father were staying. Chubby explained -that, as they were to start back to Houston before daylight the next -morning, he could not remain longer with his friends. - -"Watch yourselves while you're in Africa," he warned, as parting -words. "Don't get on the inside of a lion." - -"We'll try not to," laughed Bob, and then, with a final farewell, he -sent the car homeward. - -That evening Bob and Joe thanked their parents warmly for allowing -them to prepare for the African expedition. They promised their -mothers that they would be unusually careful and not take chances -while in the jungle. - -"And now," began Bob the next morning, "we'll have to do some -hustling, because we leave Friday. This is Monday, you know." - -"And how I wish it were Friday now!" groaned Joe. - -The youths were far from idle during the week. They found that there -was much to be purchased in the way of outdoor equipment, for although -they had been on several previous expeditions, never had necessity -demanded so much as now. Much of the equipment, however, could be -furnished by the two naturalists, who had a large collection of -rifles, cartridges, outdoor clothing, tents, kits, and various other -articles. - -"Here's something that might interest you, boys," said Mr. Lewis one -evening, as he caught the chums on the back lawn. - -"What is it?" inquired Bob, noticing what the scientist held. "Looks -like a kind of club." - -"Hardly that," laughed Mr. Lewis, "though it might be used as a club. -But the thing is, boys, that this is a flashlight without batteries." - -"A--a what?" demanded Joe in surprise. "Flashlight without batteries? -What are you talking about, Dad?" - -"I thought that would get you," Mr. Lewis laughed. "But no joking, -this is just what I said. You see, it contains a small generator. As -you turn this crank, it makes electricity, and the bulb lights." - -"What a contraption!" said Bob. "But, say! Speaking of turning cranks, -that reminds me. Joe and I haven't notified the Neuman Motion Picture -Corporation that we're going to Africa. And they told us to let them -know when we left for a little-known land. If we're going to take -movies of Africa, we'll have to telegraph them at once and maybe go to -Philadelphia to see them." - -"I've already sent them word," said Joe. "Forgot to tell you about it. -As soon as our mothers said we could go, I went down and telegraphed. -They said they'd send the cameras and film at once by express." - -"You did?" asked Bob in astonishment. "Good old Joe. Gotta hand it to -you, all right." - -But despite what the Neuman Corporation had informed Joe, the -motion-picture cameras and film had not arrived Thursday evening, as -the youths and their fathers prepared to retire. On the -morrow--Friday--they were to leave for Baltimore, whence they would -embark on the steamer _Zanzibar_. - -"Doggone it, anyhow!" exclaimed Bob Holton, who was fairly fuming at -the mouth. "What will we do? We haven't time to go to Philadelphia -now." - -"Looks like you fellows aren't going to take movies of Africa," -remarked Mr. Holton, who also felt the youths' bitter disappointment. - -"But--but they would be better than any we've ever taken," mourned -Joe. "No," he went on, "we'll have to arrange it some way. It might be -best for you men to go on and let Bob and me take another ship. -We----" - -"I'm afraid you couldn't do that, boys," said Mr. Lewis, shaking his -head. "We've already made reservations for you, and those could not -easily be broken. A contract is a contract, you know." - -"The only thing for you to do," came from Bob's father, "is to -telegraph Neuman the first thing in the morning to send the cameras -and film on to Africa if they haven't sent them yet. Of course, if -they have, your mothers can forward them on to Africa by another -ship." - -That night Bob and Joe were far from hopeful. Since they had been -engaged on their first expedition, to Brazil, to take moving pictures -of the strange places and animals they saw, the chums had longed for a -chance to photograph wild life in African jungles. Now, to be leaving -for those mysterious jungles without taking motion pictures was -unthinkable. - -But despite these grave thoughts, the youths slept soundly and awoke -the next morning in high spirits. After all, they were going to -Africa. What if they could not go? That would really be something to -cry over. - -The four adventurers tore themselves with difficulty from the -breakfast table and arranged their belongings together. The boys' -fathers drove the family cars around in front. - -"Let's get started at once," urged Mr. Holton, looking at his watch. -"The train leaves for Baltimore in little more than half an hour. That -means we'll have to hurry." - -The words were scarcely out of his mouth when an express truck drove -up and stopped just behind the two cars. Out of it stepped the driver, -who carried a large tightly sealed box. - -"The motion-picture cameras!" cried Joe in extreme joy. "They're here -at last!" - - - - -CHAPTER XI - -An Amusing Acquaintance - - -"How was that for timing it to a dot?" laughed Bob, after the express -driver had left. - -"Couldn't have been better," said Joe. "Boy! Am I glad that stuff got -here!" - -Bob placed the big box in the Holton car, and then all made ready for -the drive to the railroad station. - -They reached their destination with fifteen minutes to spare and at -once set about having the baggage sent up to the tracks. - -The leavetaking was painful to all, for it was as hard for the four -explorers to go as it was for those staying at home to give them up. -But finally, with last warm farewells, the youths and their fathers -left for the tracks. - -"Bring me a lion cub!" called Tommy, Bob's small brother, shouting to -make himself heard. - -"I might surprise you, Tom, old man," Bob shouted back, laughing in -spite of himself at his brother's remark. - -With one last wave, the youths and their fathers headed for the -tracks, where the Baltimore express was waiting. Red-capped porters -brought their baggage up in the rear and placed it on the train. Then -the adventurers themselves boarded. - -Before long, with a clanging of bells the express puffed out of the -station and steamed in the direction of Baltimore. At last the long -journey had begun. - -For some time both Bob and Joe were silent, watching the country as it -whizzed past them. Then, almost before knowing it, they pulled into -Baltimore. - -Mr. Lewis hailed a taxi, and they were whirled through the busy -streets to the docks, where, at some point, their steamer, the -_Zanzibar_, was anchored. - -"What do you think of her, boys?" - -It was Mr. Holton's voice as a little later the four explorers found -themselves peering ahead at the ship on which they were to embark. - -"I hardly know," returned Bob, who was somewhat disappointed at sight -of the vessel. "Suppose you answer that question, Dad, Mr. Lewis." - -"I'm afraid we're a bit stung," muttered his father, gazing at the -_Zanzibar_. - -The steamer was far from modern in appearance; its sides were -beginning to look rusty, and the cabin was badly lacking in paint. -About two hundred feet long, it looked as though it had seen many -years' service. - -"Will that take us all the way to Africa?" demanded Joe, who was -almost at the point of anger. - -"We'll probably get there," returned his father. "But how!" - -"Why didn't you pick a better boat?" asked Bob. "The passage wouldn't -have cost any more, would it?" - -"This happened to be the only one sailing soon," was the answer from -Mr. Lewis. "I took for granted that it would be satisfactory." - -They went up the gangplank, having resolved to make the best of a bad -matter. - -"Anyway," said Bob, "it's far better than not going at all." - -The vessel was not to lift anchor until late that afternoon, and so -the youths had some time to walk about the docks. - -"Whatever you do, get back here in time," warned Mr. Lewis, as the -chums left down the gangplank. "It would be a terrible thing to be -left behind." - -"We'll be there," returned Bob. - -He and Joe spent some time in looking around. They saw many strange -and interesting people and things at the waterfront, and would have -liked to stay longer. But at one o'clock they decided to take no -chances and boarded the _Zanzibar_, although it was still several -hours before sailing time. - -The youths were shown to their stateroom, which went somewhat beyond -their expectations, it being large and well appointed. - -"Maybe this old boat doesn't look very well on the outside, but she's -O.K. inside," remarked Bob, as he left with his chum for the outer -deck. "Couldn't ask for much better." - -On deck the two found their fathers eagerly waiting for the ship to -move out to sea. The men were becoming more restless with every -passing minute. - -Then at last the longed-for moment came. A cry of "All ashore!" A -chugging of tugs. A mad scramble of visitors down the gangplank. Then, -with a clanging of bells and a groaning of hawsers, the _Zanzibar_ -began to move away from the dock. - -"We're off!" exclaimed Joe Lewis, waving mechanically at the crowd of -people who were there to see the steamer leave. - -Slowly the vessel threaded her way through the heavy water traffic. -It steamed out through the Patapsco River and then at last turned into -Chesapeake Bay. - -Bob and Joe remained on deck with their fathers for some time, noting -everything worthwhile that was visible about them. Finally Bob turned -to his friend. - -"Suppose we go below," he suggested. "I'd like to take a look at the -ship." - -The boys spent the remainder of the day in exploring the _Zanzibar_ -and were greatly interested in everything they saw. But they knew at -once that the ship had been in service for many years. - -The ocean voyage was not novel to them, but, nevertheless, they -enjoyed it immensely. The days passed pleasantly enough, the chums -seeking amusement by swimming in the ship's pool, playing various deck -games, and reading in the library. - -One morning they were leaning on the rail, watching the rolling of the -waves, when a high-pitched voice roused them. Looking around, they saw -a tall, very slim young man of perhaps twenty, with light wavy hair -and an unusually light complexion. His features were very delicate, -and his voice very much resembled that of a lady. - -"I say there," he greeted, extending a shapely white hand. "Really -marvelous weather we're having, don't you think?" - -"Why--yes," returned Bob, after a moment of hesitation. "Yes, the -weather's swell so far. I sure hope we don't run into a tropical -storm." - -"A what?" The slender young man turned a shade paler. "Did you say -storm?" - -"Yes," returned Bob, inwardly amused. "I heard the captain talking -this morning. He seemed to think there's a chance of striking a -hurricane." - -"Goodness gracious!" cried the strange young man. "That would simply -be horrible. Could there not be something done about it?" - -"Well--" Bob hesitated--"I don't know of anything. Just have to go -through it, I suppose. But perhaps after all there won't anything -happen. I'd like to to reach port under a clear sky." - -"And so would I, my dear chap. Are you seeking pleasure by traveling?" - -"To a certain extent we are," Bob answered him. "My chum here and -myself are with our dads to collect specimens of animal life and -photograph the country," he explained. "Holton is my name--Bob Holton. -This is Joe Lewis." - -"Most delighted to know you," said the white-faced youth. "Cecil Purl -Stone is my name. A real pleasure to know you. I'm--traveling just -for the fun of it," he said with a foolish little laugh. "I do -consider travel as one of the most gorgeous ways of enlightening -oneself. It is--so very amusing," and he laughed again, this time even -more girlishly. - -"Yes, it is," said Joe, keeping back a smile. "But the fact is, Bob -and I won't have much time for travel in the true sense of the word. -We'll be too busy hunting and photographing." - -"Hunting? Gracious sakes! Don't tell me you are permitted to carry -firearms!" - -Bob and Joe smiled instinctively. - -"Hunting is great sport," said the latter. "But we never kill anything -just for the pleasure of killing it. We have a good reason whenever we -shoot an animal." - -"Ugh!" exclaimed Cecil with a shudder. "I never could bear the thought -of a gun. Believe me, they certainly give me a creepy feeling. Once I -went with Mamma to India. We intended to travel through a part of the -country that was a little--dangerous, but when they told us we had -better carry firearms I revolted right then and there. The very -thought of such a horrible thing made the cold chills creep down my -back." - -"But there isn't anything bad about a rifle," Joe told him. "That is, -if you know how to use it. My friend and I may find our guns very -useful when we get among such animals as gorillas." - -"Gorillas! A beastly word. But don't inform me you are going to search -for such terrible things!" - -"Well, not exactly," answered Bob. "But if any come our way we'll -probably bring a few down for specimens. And we'll also be on the -lookout for other dangerous game. Lions and leopards, for instance." - -"Gracious!" Cecil Stone's mouth was wide open. "And you expect to -return from that horrible country alive?" - -"We hope to," returned Joe with a smile. "And you--what do you intend -to do in Africa?" - -Cecil Purl removed a bright blue comb from its case. He fixed his hair -very carefully before he again spoke. - -"We wish to visit the cities," he told them, "and mingle with the -socially prominent people. It will be most enlightening, believe me. -We hope to be invited very often to tea. Perhaps----" - -"Cecil! Come with Mamma now. You must dress for dinnah." - -"Fer gosh sakes" murmured Bob, under his breath. - -A very tall, smiling woman was beckoning to the young man, who obeyed -her without delay. - -"Really, I'm most charmed to have met you chaps," he said, turning to -leave. "I sincerely trust that we may meet again soon." - -With this he walked lightly down the deck with the woman. - -Bob and Joe watched the pair closely until they closed the cabin door -behind them. Then the youths burst into laughter which lasted for well -over a minute. - -"For the love of Mike!" cried Bob, as soon as he could get his breath. -"Talk about sissies. That fellow's at the very top of the list." - -"'Mamma' sure has him under her thumb, all right," grinned Joe. "It's -a wonder she doesn't put dresses on him. But come on, Bob. It's about -time for dinner to be served. Unless I miss my guess, Cecil won't last -very long at the table. Boat's been rolling lately, you know." - -The chums went to their stateroom to wash and comb. Then, accompanied -by their fathers, they went up to the dining saloon. - -The food tasted good, both youths eating heartily. Evidently they were -now seasoned sailors, for neither felt the slightest signs of -seasickness. - -But with someone else, seated near them at another table, it was -entirely a different matter. For Cecil Stone's face was beginning to -turn a sickly yellow, and with each bite of food he was visibly -becoming more affected. - -"Dear me!" the chums heard him say. "I really can't take another bite -of that beastly salad." - -"Perhaps you would feel bettah if you would go to your suite, Cecil -darling. Appahantly you aren't feeling well today." - -"There he goes," whispered Bob, his eyes following the tall, stooping -figure. "He can't take it." - - - - -CHAPTER XII - -A Disappointing Announcement - - -Much as Bob and Joe expected, Cecil Purl Stone did not put in his -appearance the remainder of that day. Nor did he appear in the cabin -the next. In fact, it was two days later that he was seen walking down -the promenade deck. Even then he was unusually pale and haggard -looking. - -At a suggestion from Joe the chums walked purposely up to the young -man. - -"How do you like the way the ship's rolling?" Joe asked him, with a -wink at Bob. - -"Oh, it's simply deplorable!" returned Cecil, rubbing his forehead. -"There certainly should be something done about it. Don't you know, -I'm terribly afraid that if this continues much longer I shall become -ill again." - -"Ill? Were you ill?" inquired Bob, with an attempt at innocence. - -"Oh, it was horrible!" moaned Cecil Purl. "I declare I never -experienced anything quite like it before. I do not see how I ever -escaped alive!" - -"But you've taken ocean voyages before, haven't you?" asked Joe. - -"I most certainly have, my dear chap. But, don't you know, I never -have escaped that dreadful seasickness. Not even as much as once." - -"That's too bad," said Bob sympathetically. "But, then, some people -aren't as lucky as others. It's a fortunate thing, though, that the -weather has remained calm." - -"Will it last, though?" queried Joe, keeping an eye on Cecil Purl -Stone. "For all we know, there may come a violent storm tonight." - -"Gracious!" the slender young man gasped. "What should I ever do if -that should happen? I believe I would surely go distracted." - -"He'd probably go to his suite," laughed Bob a little later. - -Contrary to Joe's remark, there were no signs of a storm that night. -In fact, the weather was most delightful, and many of the passengers -spent the time on deck, taking advantage of the cool night breeze. Bob -and Joe and their fathers were among those passengers. - -"There's nothing like the spell of the ocean," murmured Mr. Lewis, as -he sat staring up at the star-studded sky. - -"Wait till we get to the tropics," Bob's father reminded him. "This -won't be anything then." - -"Right you are, Mr. Holton," came from Joe. "But just where do we land -in Africa? I know it's somewhere along the east coast, but the -particular city I don't know." - -"We'll pull into Mombasa," his father explained. "It's a place of -considerable importance and is the eastern terminal of the Uganda -Railway. We won't stay there any longer than we can help. Howard and I -would, however, like to look up an old friend whom we haven't seen for -some time. But as soon as we can we'll get started into the interior." - -"I suppose from what you said that we'll take a train as far as -possible. Right?" asked Bob. - -The naturalists nodded. - -"That railroad was made to order for us," said Mr. Lewis. "If it -weren't there, it would mean a long and painful hike through a region -that is unimportant to us." - -"Unimportant? Why?" inquired Joe. - -"Simply because we are not permitted to shoot any animal in the -protectorate," Mr. Holton explained. "You see, the English have made -this a sort of park for the benefit of those who wish to view wild -creatures in their natural habitat. For that reason--and also there -are others--we intend to penetrate deep into the Congo forests." - -Several days later the _Zanzibar_ steamed through the Strait of -Gibraltar and passed into the Mediterranean, going so near the famous -huge rock that it was plainly visible in the thin morning air. - -"Isn't that a sight for your eyes, though!" remarked Bob, gazing ahead -intently. - -"If it were night they would probably play searchlights on our boat," -said Joe. - -"What? Searchlights? What are you talking about?" - -"Dad told me that there are several forts at the rock," Joe explained, -"and the authorities there have the searchlights to light up the -strait. In case of war, I suppose they would come in handy." - -As time passed, the ship steamed on through the Mediterranean, past -shores that were famous in ancient history. Although the _Zanzibar_ -had not yet entered the tropics, the heat was becoming unbearable, the -chums and their fathers seeking the cool retreat of the swimming pool. - -Then one clear morning they were able to make out the form of a -lighthouse, and a little later they pulled into Port Said, at the -Mediterranean end of the Suez Canal. - -"Look out for the heat now," laughed Mr. Lewis, when they were again -on their way. - -"Heat's no word for it," groaned Bob some time later, as he loosened -his necktie. "It's torture." - -Hemmed in on both sides by two of the hottest deserts in the world, -the Red Sea proved to be a veritable inferno. So hot was it that even -the swimming pool did not offer a haven of refuge. - -"Here's hoping the Red Sea doesn't close in on us," laughed Joe. "It -did on Pharaoh's men, you know, in Biblical times." - -"Guess there isn't any danger," came from Bob, fanning himself -vigorously. "We haven't anything but good intentions." - -Cecil Purl Stone also found the heat torturing. - -"Why don't you take off your coat?" asked Bob. "You'll smother to -death." - -"Mamma says I just must leave it on," was the reply. "There are ladies -on the boat, you know." - -"Phooey!" muttered Joe, under his breath. - -At last the _Zanzibar_ emerged into the Indian Ocean, after having -steamed through the Red Sea for six days. - -Once Bob and Joe were standing at the rail, watching the schools of -porpoises, the occasional flying fish, and the less frequent fins of -sharks, when they suddenly heard a stamping noise coming from around -the promenade deck. Wondering what was meant, they turned and waited. - -A moment later appeared Cecil Purl Stone, running awkwardly around the -corner. - -"Why, what's the matter?" questioned Joe, trying to refrain from -laughing at sight of the slender young man. - -Cecil Stone groaned. - -"Oh, it is beastly!" he said, stopping for a moment to face the chums. - -"What?" demanded Bob. "Tell us about it." - -"That horrible captain just told me there may be a storm," he -explained, wiping the perspiration from his white face. - -"Storm? You don't say!" broke out Joe. "I---- Wait. Where are you -going?" - -"I intend to go to bed without further delay," answered Cecil -promptly. "I tell you, I just can't stand that dreadful seasickness -any more. I'm going to have Mamma give me some medicine." - -The next instant he was gone. - -Bob and Joe wanted to laugh, but they had done so so often that they -restrained themselves. - -"Not wishing him any bad luck, but a guy like that ought to be -seasick," grunted Bob. "He's the worst I've ever seen." - -"But, say, Bob, he said the captain told him there might be a storm, -didn't he? Do you suppose there'll be one?" - -"I can't see any signs of it," the other youth returned. "Who knows -but that the captain was joking with Cecil? Perhaps he just wanted to -get him worried. It's natural to pick on a sissy, you know." - -Whether Bob was right in his opinion they never knew. But, at any -rate, all the remainder of that day and the next passed without any -atmospheric disturbance. - -"Well, boys, we'll reach Mombasa tomorrow about noon," remarked Mr. -Holton, moving with Joe's father up to where the chums were standing. - -"Hurray!" yelled Bob. "I've enjoyed this voyage, but I'll be glad to -get to Africa." - -"Wonder where Cecil Purl will head for?" laughed Joe. - -"Probably straight to the best hotel in the city," answered Mr. Lewis -with a smile, for he also had been amused by Cecil's feminine traits. - -The next day Bob and Joe, together with their fathers, took places at -the rail, awaiting their arrival at Mombasa. Several other passengers -were already there, and still more came soon after. - -Eleven o'clock came. Eleven-thirty. Noon. But no Mombasa. - -"Wonder what's the trouble?" mused Bob, his keen eyes searching the -horizon. "We should be there by now." - -"True," answered his father. "But don't forget that a ship isn't -exactly like a train. It is much harder to stick closely to time -tables on an ocean voyage." - -Notwithstanding this, two o'clock rolled around without any sight of -the city of their destination. Many of the passengers were beginning -to worry, for they could not conceive of straying so far from the -schedule. - -Even Mr. Holton and Mr. Lewis were starting to wonder. They remained -anxiously at the prow, straining their eyes to make out the outlines -of the city. - -Suddenly, when a heavy cloud lifted, Joe gave a cry of delight. - -"It's land!" he exclaimed, pointing far out over the water. "It won't -be long now." - -Gradually the outlines of the shore line became more distinct, and at -last the passengers could make out luxurious tropical vegetation. - -"But where's Mombasa?" demanded Bob, scanning the landscape. - -"Looks like it isn't there," answered Mr. Lewis. - -"What do you mean, Dad?" Joe inquired. - -Mr. Lewis was at the point of making a reply when the captain of the -ship strode up, on his face a scowl. - -"It seems that there has been a slight mistake in our reckoning," he -said. "We are seventy nautical miles to the north." - - - - -CHAPTER XIII - -The Lost Scientist - - -There was a buzz of muffled conversation among the passengers, and -before anyone could ask anything further, the captain had disappeared -into the cabin. - -"This is a fine howdy-do," snorted Joe Lewis, peering out at the -shoreline. "What do they take us for, a bunch of livestock?" - -"Jove!" exclaimed one of the passengers, looking up through his large -glasses. "The bally ship is a good half day's journey from Mombasa." - -"It's a horrible shame, that's what it is," came from Cecil Purl -Stone, who also was at the rail. "Here I am in perfect readiness to -look upon Mombasa, and this had to happen. I'm going straight to my -suite." - -"Wonder how it all happened?" inquired Bob. - -"That we don't know, Son." Mr. Holton's temper was also being tried. -"But now that it has happened, there's no way out, only to wait." - -"I took for granted the _Zanzibar's_ navigators were competent," said -Mr. Lewis. "However, such things do happen occasionally." - -Although the naturalists and their sons were disappointed, there was -nothing they could do but wait. Just how much longer it would be, -however, they did not know. - -To the vexation of all, the _Zanzibar_ steamed for the remainder of -that afternoon and evening without sighting the city of its -destination. It was not until eight o'clock that night that Mombasa -could be outlined in the distance, and then, of course, only the -lights could be seen. - -Bob and Joe, together with their fathers and many other passengers, -stood at the prow of the ship, waiting for land to come up to meet -them. - -The broad beam of the vessel's searchlight illuminated the water ahead -perfectly. At last the _Zanzibar_ was making directly for the harbor. - -"Not much to be seen at night," observed Joe. "But I guess we'll be -able to look around in the morning." - -They watched interestedly as the ship moved slowly into the harbor. -Aside from a few small ships and native dhows, there was no water -traffic in sight. Neither was the dock easily visible. - -"Suppose we turn in, boys," suggested Mr. Holton. "If we get to bed -early, we can be up early. And the sooner we put ashore and make -arrangements for our exploration venture, the sooner we can be on our -way into the heart of Africa." - -The heart of Africa! Bob and Joe thrilled at mention of this. Often -had they longed for such a venture into the Dark Continent, but not -until now had that longing been satisfied. - -The chums needed no urging to follow Mr. Holton's suggestion to -retire, for they desired to be up early the next morning. - -"I don't know whether I can sleep or not, though," laughed Bob, as he -and his friend walked to their stateroom. "I'm afraid I'll be thinking -too much about Africa. Think of it, Joe. We're here--in Africa!" - -"Not quite," Joe reminded him. "We're still on the _Zanzibar_, don't -forget." - -"Gosh! That's right. I almost forgot." - -The boys slept soundly, but because they had set their "mental alarm -clocks," as Joe called it, they awoke before six in the morning. - -But if they considered themselves "early-birds," they were to throw -away the title promptly when they caught sight of their fathers -standing on deck with their baggage. - -"How in the dickens did you manage to get up so early?" demanded Joe. -"You must have got out of bed at four to have brought all that stuff -out here." - -"We'll have a big day before us, boys," said Mr. Holton. "Let's leave -the ship at once." - -But before doing so the youths walked out to the rail to view their -surroundings. - -The sight that met their eyes made them gasp, so different was it from -anything they had previously seen. - -Before them was the new port, which contained numerous docks, -warehouses, and the like. To one side they saw the old harbor with its -numerous native ships and boats. Beyond the waterfront were the -prominent buildings of the city, while not far away was the old -Portuguese fort. Farther away was the bright green of endless tropical -vegetation. - -"So this is Africa," muttered Bob. "What do you think of it?" - -"Pleases me, all right," grinned Joe. "I'm longing to get into the -jungle." - -"Come along, boys." It was Mr. Holton's voice. "Gather up your baggage -and come back on deck. Do it as rapidly as you can." - -During the next ten minutes the youths worked furiously, attending to -such things that they had not already packed. On their way down the -hall they stopped at Cecil Stone's suite to have a parting word with -that young man. But apparently he had left, for no one answered the -knock. - -"The last we'll see of him, maybe," remarked Bob, picking up the cases -he had been carrying. - -On deck, Bob and Joe found a large number of passengers amassed ready -to move down the gangplank. There was an exchange of parting words, -and the chums left with their fathers and made their way to a hotel, -in which they had previously engaged rooms. - -"What's next?" inquired Joe, after they had had breakfast. - -"Ben and I want to look up an old friend," said Mr. Holton. "A Mr. -George Seabury. He used to be a mighty hunter." - -"Used to be?" queried Bob. "What do you mean, Dad? Is he old or -something?" - -"What I meant, Bob, is that several years ago he was charged by a -rhino and has not had full use of his legs since. He can walk, but -doesn't do it any too well. Suppose," he continued, "you and Joe come -with us. There's no question but that you'll like him at once." - -The youths were more than willing, and, led by their fathers, they -walked over to a section of the town that was inhabited only by -Europeans and Americans. - -At a rather attractive-looking house they stopped, and Mr. Lewis -knocked on the door. - -The door was opened by a large, swarthy man of anywhere between fifty -and sixty. One glance at Mr. Lewis and Mr. Holton was enough. - -"By Jupiter!" he cried, overjoyed at sight of the naturalists. "Come -in, you old rascals." - -Mr. Holton smiled and gave his friend an affectionate pat on the back. - -"But we've brought our sons with us this time," he said, indicating -Bob and Joe. "George, meet Joe Lewis and Bob Holton. Boys, this is Mr. -Seabury." - -There was a shaking of hands and general greeting, and in the end the -chums felt perfectly at home. - -"Husky fellows," observed Mr. Seabury. "Look like they could take care -of themselves, all right." - -"They certainly can," affirmed Mr. Lewis, and then outlined some of -the boys' experiences in Brazil, the Sahara, and the Andes Mountains. - -Their host listened intently. By the time Mr. Lewis had finished he -looked upon the boys with even more respect. - -But soon his brow wrinkled. - -"Africa is somewhat more dangerous than any of the places they have -been," he said slowly. "There are evidences of that everywhere. In -fact, there is evidence of it right here in this house." - -"Referring to yourself, perhaps," put in Mr. Lewis grimly. - -"Just that," Mr. Seabury returned. "Being charged by a rhino is -anything but pleasant. Fortunately, I escaped, but the terrible beast -put its mark on me for life." - -There were grim looks on the faces of everyone. Especially were Bob -and Joe touched, for they realized for the first time that Africa was -a land of tragedy. - -"Is there nothing that can be done? Will you always be lame?" inquired -Mr. Holton. - -Mr. Seabury looked even more grave. - -"Medical science cannot help me," he said at last. "I'm afraid my -hunting days are over." For several moments he retained the same -expression. Then suddenly his face lightened, as though he had -resolved to forget the matter. "Just what fauna are you after this -time?" he asked the naturalists. "But first, before anything more is -said, I have something that I want to put before you." - -"What is it, a surprise?" smiled Mr. Lewis. - -"Well--you might call it that," was the response. "Here's the whole -thing: Over six months ago my brother Thomas went into the Congo -region to study the primitive tribes there. He was to come back in -three months. As yet he hasn't returned. I fear something has happened -to him." - -"That's too bad," said Mr. Lewis. "We'll make it a point to search for -him. Just where did he intend to go?" - -"It is a very remote region," Mr. Seabury told them. "Has been called -the Forest of Mystery." - -"The Forest of Mystery!" repeated Mr. Holton. "I've heard of it. In -the central Congo country, isn't it?" - -George Seabury nodded. - -"It is said to be full of unexplainable phenomena," he said. "Has been -frequented by only a very few whites." - -Mr. Lewis brought his fist down on the arm of the chair. - -"That's the region we'll explore," he said, while Bob's father nodded. -"Have you any idea how to get there?" - -"No," their host responded. "But I know of two natives who have. They -live in Mbarara. You men left from there on your last safari in this -part of Africa." - -"Yes," came from Mr. Holton. "But who are these two natives?" - -"One is named Noko and the other is Kaika----" - -"Kaika!" interrupted Joe's father. "Why, he was our head bearer on our -last safari." - -"That so?" asked Mr. Seabury, somewhat surprised. "Well, he and Noko -have been to the Forest of Mystery and know how to get there." - -"Fine." Mr. Holton smiled happily. "That's the very place we'll set -out for. And we'll certainly keep on the lookout for your brother." - -"You don't know how much it will mean to me if Thomas is found," said -Mr. Seabury. "Of course, I am in no condition to go in search of him, -and it would be next to impossible to engage some stranger to do it. -So if you will keep on the watch for him, it will certainly ease -matters." - -"We'll be more than glad to do it," Mr. Lewis told him. "It will be -strange if we don't run across some trace of him." - -For the next hour they talked on indifferent matters. Then, with a -parting word, the explorers left Mr. Seabury's house and went to the -hotel. - -"Now what?" asked Joe. - -The answer was without hesitation. - -"We'll start into the unknown as soon as we possibly can," said Mr. -Holton. "That is, of course, if we can get a train. It may be that we -will have to wait several days before one leaves." - -"Boy!" cried Joe, deeply touched. "Into the heart of Africa! I can -hardly wait." - - - - -CHAPTER XIV - -Disaster Ahead - - -"What did you find out, Dad?" inquired Bob late that afternoon. Mr. -Holton had just returned from the railroad station of the Uganda -Railway. - -His father smiled happily. - -"There is a train leaving tomorrow morning," he said. "From all -accounts we'll be the only passengers on it." - -"I don't mind that," came from Joe. "But, say, Mr. Holton, what does -the train look like?" - -"You'll be surprised," smiled Mr. Lewis. - -"Perhaps you'll tell us just where it will take us," said Bob. - -"All the way to Lake Victoria," his father returned. "We'll spend a -day or so looking around there. Then we'll organize a safari and -plunge into the jungle." - -There was a little time left before darkness would close over them. -Bob and Joe used it to further explore Mombasa and see its -inhabitants. - -They found that the city was situated on an island several thousand -acres in extent. There was a channel that divided it from the -mainland, spanned by a causeway. In the old section of the city the -chums found many things of interest in the way of odd native huts, -curious carvings, and the native market. The new section contained a -number of attractive homes in which lived Europeans and Americans. - -"And there seem to be representatives of all races here," remarked -Bob, when they returned to the hotel. "Whites, blacks, browns--all -colors." - -"You're in for a surprise tonight," said Mr. Lewis, as the youths -retired. - -"What is it?" asked Joe. - -"Wait and see," smiled his father. - -The "surprise" did not make itself known the first part of the night. -In fact, Bob and Joe forgot all about what Mr. Lewis had said so -soundly did they sleep. - -But about two in the morning they were awakened by a hideous noise -which was unlike anything the youths had ever heard before. That it -was the call of some wild animal they did not doubt, but just what -creature could cry out in such tones they had not the slightest idea. - -The noise was repeated again and again, always nearer. Finally Bob -jumped out of bed and bounded to the window. - -"Of all things!" he cried, gazing out intently. "Joe, come -here--quick!" - -Joe needed no urging. Like a flash he had joined his comrade. - -"Why--it's a hyena!" he gasped. "And there's another--and another. -Gosh! They're right out in the middle of the street." - -A brilliant moon made the animals easily visible. They were unusually -large specimens, that from all appearances could tear a man limb from -limb. - -"I guess they're too cowardly to attack even a very small animal," -remarked Bob. "But they sure look mean, don't they?" - -"This must be the surprise Dad was talking about," said Joe, never -taking his eyes from the scene. "And it really is a surprise, too. -Who'd expect to see wild animals out in the main street of a town, -even in Africa?" - -The chums could hardly tear themselves away from the window. The -whining, screaming hyenas were something that they had never seen -except behind bars, and they naturally looked out with great interest. - -"Come on, Joe." Bob at last went back to bed. "We want to get a -little more sleep before morning. We'll have a lot to do tomorrow." - -Shortly after daybreak Mr. Lewis appeared at the doorway. - -"Come along, boys," he said, noting that they were awake. "The train -leaves in two hours." - -They dressed as soon as possible and secured their breakfast. Then, -with their fathers, they went to the railroad station, carrying most -of their baggage. - -As there was nearly an hour remaining, all four took a short walk -about the city, in search of anything unusual. - -Before long they found themselves at the city fish market, which was a -colorful place displaying practically all kinds of sea food. There -were sharks, swordfish, crabs, crayfish, sardines, and many other -queer denizens of the near-by waters. - -"Quite a market," mused Joe, as they moved back to the railroad -station. "Ought to be able to find anything you'd want there." - -The train arrived at last, and the explorers lost no time in boarding. -They found the coach very comfortable, although it appeared rather -old. - -"You were right, Howard. As yet we are the only passengers," observed -Mr. Lewis. - -Before long the train started moving, slowly at first, picking up -speed later. - -"We're off!" cried Joe, gazing out of the window with interest. - -After a short stop at Kilindini they crossed the channel and passed -through luxuriant tropical vegetation--coconut palms, mangoes, and -countless other trees and plants. - -"When do we see the herds of wild animals?" asked Bob, after an hour -had passed. "This is a game reserve, isn't it?" - -His father nodded. - -"We should see some before long now," he said. "But, of course, there -won't be any great numbers until we get farther along." - -Soon the train left the coastal belt and reached a region of bush. For -several hours it sped through a monotonous country, at last coming to -the town of Voi. - -From then on the journey was rather uninteresting, until the explorers -pulled into Makindu. Here they got off to spend the night. - -Late the next morning the train resumed its journey, leaving the -region of bush behind and entering a vast plain. - -Suddenly Mr. Holton sat up with a start. - -"Look over there!" he exclaimed, pointing to something several hundred -yards away. - -Bob and Joe looked. - -"Why--it's a herd of zebras!" cried Bob, struck with amazement. "There -must be fifty of them." - -"What do you know about that!" Joe was also gazing out with profound -interest. "They--over there! A herd of strange antelopes." - -"They're impalla," pronounced his father. "Sleek, beautiful animals, -aren't they?" - -As they went farther the explorers saw other kinds of game. -Bright-colored birds fluttered past; towering giraffes could often be -seen; hartebeests and other varieties of antelopes appeared -everywhere. Once a troop of impalla, upon hearing the locomotive -whistle, ran gracefully at right angles from the train. - -"The world's greatest menagerie," murmured Mr. Lewis, speaking with -decision. "The British certainly have done a great good here. There is -nothing like this protectorate anywhere." - -Half an hour later the train stopped at a small but attractive -station. Here the explorers got off to stretch their legs and look -around. - -Bob and Joe happened to be near the locomotive when a voice made them -turn about. Looking up, they saw the engineer motioning to them. - -"How would you like to see the wild beasts better?" he asked the -youths. - -"Why--what do you mean?" inquired Joe wonderingly. "See them better? -How?" - -"Easy enough," laughed the engineer. He climbed down from the -locomotive. "See that? It's a seat on the cowcatcher. If you like, you -and your dads, or whoever that was with you, can perch yourselves -there. It's every bit as safe as in the car." - -"Say!" burst out Bob, delighted at such an opportunity. "That's just -what we'll do. There's plenty of room for all four of us, and no -danger of falling off. Thanks for telling us." - -The boys found their fathers on the opposite side of the train. - -"It's time Joe and I were springing a surprise on you," said Bob, with -a wink at his chum. - -There was a quizzical look on the faces of the naturalists. - -"Very well," smiled Mr. Lewis, his eyes twinkling. "What is your -surprise?" - -"How would you like to see the wild beasts better?" asked Bob, -repeating the question asked by the engineer. - -Mr. Holton answered on the moment. - -"We'd like it so well that we intend to occupy the seat on the -cowcatcher of the engine," he said casually. - -Bob groaned hopelessly. - -"Good-bye surprise," he snorted. "Doggone it, Dad. You two are away -too wise for us. We ought to tell you something about the Amazon -jungle, I guess, instead of picking on Africa. We ought to be able to. -We were lost in it long enough." - -"I get it," laughed Mr. Lewis. "You were going to tell us about the -wonderful possibilities for sightseeing while seated at the front of -the locomotive. Why didn't you keep still, Howard, and let them have -their fun?" - -"Sorry," grinned Mr. Holton. "Next time I'll be as mum as a giraffe." - -At a word from the engineer, the four explorers climbed up on the -cowcatcher and sat down on the wide seat, their hearts light as they -eagerly anticipated what was coming. As for Bob and Joe, it was the -most unusual opportunity they had ever been offered. - -"What do you have there?" inquired Joe, trying to make out what his -friend held under his arm. - -"A motion-picture camera," returned Bob, holding it in view. "I opened -the box and brought it out. We haven't taken any movies since we -started, you know." - -"Glad you thought of it," Joe commended. "This is sure a swell chance -for rolling it off." - -The sound of the locomotive's whistle made the explorers sit up in -eager anticipation. - -It was a novel sensation to the youths--sitting on the cowcatcher of -the engine. As the latter picked up speed, they experienced a feeling -of real exhilaration. For seeing the shining rails slip by and -watching the scenery move toward them was most unusual indeed, -especially here in Africa. - -The farther they went the more plentiful wild life became. On one -occasion Joe almost caught a bright red bird with his hands as it flew -across the path of the oncoming train. At another time a cat-like -animal darted across the track, almost under the wheels. - -"That fellow had a narrow escape," breathed Bob, whose heart was -beating rapidly as he saw the near-tragedy. - -Still later the boys and their fathers saw literally thousands of -beautiful Thompson's gazelles, gnus, ostriches, giraffes, hartebeests, -water bucks, and many other creatures. - -"Such a sight!" said Bob, cranking the motion-picture camera -frequently. "Never saw----" - -He stopped abruptly, and the reason was very apparent. - -Not two hundred feet away, directly on the track, was a huge elephant, -which paid not the slightest attention to the oncoming train! - - - - -CHAPTER XV - -A Wonderful Sight - - -"We'll hit it, sure!" cried Joe, rapidly losing his nerve as he gazed -fearfully ahead. "Oh, I guess this is the end!" - -Already the shrill whistle of the locomotive was shattering the -silence. But even the loud warning was futile. The elephant remained -where it was, not as much as moving an ear. - -Bob and Joe and their fathers were gripped with fear as they saw -themselves speed closer toward the huge brute. Let them once strike -the animal, and their doom would probably be sealed! - -The explorers heard a wild shout from the engineer. Then there was a -creaking and grinding noise, and the train's speed was checked -somewhat. But even with the application of the emergency brake the -heavy engine plunged on. - -"Jump!" cried Mr. Lewis in a wild voice. "It's the only way to -escape!" - -Obeying the command at once, Bob and Joe watched their chance and -leaped far over to the left of the train, while their fathers went to -the right. The train was not traveling rapidly, and so there was no -danger of injuring themselves. - -The youths rolled over on the soft ground, not receiving as much as a -scratch. - -"Look, Joe! Look!" yelled Bob. - -The locomotive slid on and with a tremendous crash struck the massive -elephant. The impact knocked the front trucks of the engine completely -off the track, while the huge beast went to the ground with a -resounding thud. - -The force of the collision literally brought the train to a complete -stop. But the scene of the mishap was one of frenzied disorder. - -Kicking and trumpeting horribly, the elephant vainly tried to get to -its feet. But, despite its frantic efforts, it could not do so. -Apparently it had been injured severely. - -Mr. Holton ran around to the youths, followed by Joe's father. - -"Boys! Are you all right?" the latter asked anxiously. - -"Yes," Bob reassured him. "But, say, that was a whale of a smash-up, -wasn't it?" - -"The elephant appears to be mortally wounded," Mr. Lewis said, with a -shake of his head. "It seems only humane to put it out of its misery." - -He unstrapped his rifle and took aim at the animal's heart. A moment -later he pulled the trigger. - -The naturalist never fired a more accurate shot. With a horrible -groan, the great beast collapsed into a heap--dead. The high-velocity -bullet, following its previous injury, finished it instantly. - -Long before, the engineer and fireman of the locomotive had joined the -explorers and were viewing the scene with a terrible awe. - -"We're in a fine mess," groaned Bob, directing his gaze at the dead -elephant. - -"Mess is right, fellow," came from the engineer. "It's up to me now to -get word back to Mombasa to send out a relief train. We're in luck, -too. There's a station only a short distance up the track." - -He left the others and hurried ahead, intent upon telegraphing as soon -as possible. - -In less than an hour he was back, and announced that another train -would arrive from Nairobi, a city less than sixty miles away. Relief -was expected inside of three hours. - -"While we're waiting," said Bob, speaking to his chum, "suppose we -take a short jaunt into the surrounding country. We ought to see -plenty of interest." - -"Be careful, boys," warned Mr. Holton. "And remember. Don't shoot any -animal unless, of course, you have to. This is a game preserve, you -know." - -Delighted at such a chance, the youths strode off through the high -grass, keeping their eyes ready to single out anything of interest. - -Almost at every step they saw some strange and interesting creature. -Birds of brilliant plumage flew overhead, large herds of sleek, agile -antelopes coursed across the plain, and at one time the boys caught a -glimpse of a buffalo. - -"Strange that there aren't any lions," mused Joe. "Where there's so -much of everything else, looks like there ought to be at least a few." - -"I suppose they keep their distance," said Bob. "Been hunted so much, -maybe." - -In little over two hours, Bob and Joe returned to the train, to find -their fathers sitting on the cowcatcher of the engine. - -"What did you see?" Mr. Lewis inquired drowsily. - -"Plenty," answered Bob. "There's about every kind of animal imaginable -in this region. But we weren't able to stir up a lion." - -"I don't wonder," Mr. Holton said. "The king of beasts is keeping his -distance at present." - -"What do you mean, 'at present'?" inquired Joe. - -"The natives around here have been up in arms against lions," Mr. -Holton explained. "You see, the fact that this is a protectorate has -made the lions very bold, and so the natives have taken steps to kill -off a few that have been causing the most trouble. It seems----" - -He was interrupted by the sound of a distant locomotive whistle and -peered up the track expectantly. Undoubtedly this was the relief -train, and that was what the two naturalists desired above all else -just at this time. For every moment of delay was maddening to them. - -At last the train came in sight and in a short time had stopped not -far from the dead elephant. The engine was in the rear of a flat car -on which was a huge crane. - -"Now for the fun," smiled Joe, looking doubtfully at the crane. "Looks -to me like it would take more than one of those things to move that -elephant." - -But much to Joe's surprise the crane proved very effective, lifting -the elephant slowly but surely off the track. It was also used just as -effectively to place the front truck of the engine back on the rails. - -"All over," laughed Bob, placing the motion-picture camera back in his -pocket. "I took some movies of that, too. Ought to be plenty good." He -climbed back on the cowcatcher of the locomotive. - -"I don't know whether it will be safe to sit there, Bob," said his -father. "We might strike another animal." - -"Ah, gee, Dad," came from Bob pleadingly. "This is a wonderful place -to watch the scenery." - -The engineer came to his rescue. - -"You don't need to fear anything more happening," he told Mr. Holton. -"This elephant smash-up was the first to bother us this year. Go ahead -and sit on the cowcatcher." - -The naturalist took hope from the trainman's words and decided to risk -it. For, if the truth be known, he and Mr. Lewis were as anxious as -the boys to ride at the front of the locomotive. - -Ten minutes later they were speeding along toward Lake Victoria, -following the wrecking train. - -Nothing more happened until they reached Nairobi, the halfway point on -the way to the lake. Here their journey aboard this train came to an -end, and they were forced to wait for another. - -The next morning they were again on their journey, this time aboard -another train, the engine of which did not have the convenient -cowcatcher seat. But Bob and Joe didn't mind. They became so absorbed -in the unusual sights about them that they completely forgot it. - -A short distance from Nairobi they got their first glimpse of really -primitive natives. A group of blacks, led by one big fellow who was -undoubtedly the chief, waved a friendly greeting as the train passed. - -"Did you notice their teeth?" asked Joe, when the natives had been -left behind. - -"Yeah. They were filed to sharp points. And did you see their hair?" - -"Hair? That's a good one," laughed Joe. "They didn't have any. Was -every bit shaved off." - -At last the train entered a region of misty rain forests. Occasional -mountains became visible, their peaks towering into the distant skies. - -The time passed slowly but brought much of interest. Then one day the -explorers found themselves in Port Bell, at the edge of famed Lake -Victoria. - -Bob and Joe went with their fathers down to the water's edge to get a -glimpse of the lake. - -Then their eyes almost burst from their heads. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI - -Off for the Unknown - - -Far into the distance, as far as the eye could see, stretched the -boundless water of Lake Victoria, resembling nothing so much as a vast -ocean. Even at the far-away horizon there was no trace of land. - -"Wow!" gasped Bob, who was taken totally by surprise. "You're not -kidding us about this being a lake, are you?" - -Mr. Holton laughed. - -"We thought it would get you," he said. "Boys, you're looking at one -of the largest lakes in the entire world. Covers an area of nearly -twenty seven thousand square miles, and is over two hundred and fifty -miles long." - -"Biggest I've ever seen," remarked Joe. "And right here in the heart -of Africa." - -He had brought a motion-picture camera and now removed it to roll off -a fair amount of film. - -"What's that away over there?" inquired Bob wonderingly, pointing to a -dark cloud that hovered near the surface of the water. - -The others gazed intently for several moments. Then, when the dark -mass was slightly nearer, Mr. Lewis uttered an exclamation. - -"If I'm not mistaken, that cloud isn't a cloud," he said, removing his -binoculars from their case. - -"Then--what is it?" demanded Joe. - -A moment later his father confirmed his own opinion. - -"Just as I thought," Mr. Lewis said, peering out through his powerful -glasses. "That isn't a cloud at all. It is a big mass of insects." - -"Insects?" repeated Bob. "You mean that what looks like a cloud is -nothing but a lot of insects flying together?" - -Mr. Lewis nodded and passed the binoculars to Bob. - -It required but a second for the youth to observe that his chum's -father was right. - -"Man alive!" he murmured. "There must be millions of those little -creatures. I sure wouldn't want to get in that swarm." - -"I shouldn't imagine it would be very pleasant," said Mr. Holton -dryly. - -They spent several more minutes in walking along the banks of the -lake and then turned back into the town. - -"What will we do now?" asked Joe, as they walked along the main -street. - -"We're going to take an automobile," answered his father. - -"Oh, come, Dad," Joe broke out. "What are you talking about?" - -"Just what I said," answered Mr. Lewis. "Howard and I engaged an -automobile. We'll drive to a town called Mbarara--that's a good day's -journey to the southwest. From there we'll start into the jungle on -safari." - -"Or to use the common African term," laughed Mr. Holton, "we'll 'push -off into the blue,' which means start into the unknown." - -The automobile that the naturalists had engaged was a well-known -American make and had seen many miles of service but was still in good -condition. - -It was still early when the four placed their paraphernalia in the -automobile and climbed in themselves. Mr. Holton took the wheel, -sending the car ahead at a good pace. - -The road was little more than a clearing cut out of the dense jungle, -and in the rainy season would have been impassable. Now, however, it -was in good condition. - -"We're out of the protectorate now, aren't we?" inquired Bob, -fingering his rifle. - -"Yes. But to tell the truth," began Mr. Holton, reading his son's -thoughts, "I'd rather you wouldn't shoot anything along here. We'll -have plenty of that to do later." - -As a result of this, the chums refrained from using their rifles, -although they saw numerous wild creatures that could have been brought -down easily. - -Just before nightfall, the little party of explorers chugged into -Mbarara, which was a mere village at the edge of the primeval forest. - -Here the explorers were welcomed by a huge Negro, to whom the -automobile belonged. He was well acquainted with Mr. Holton and Mr. -Lewis, having met them on their previous visit to this town. - -"Boys," said Mr. Lewis, addressing the chums, "I want you to meet -Migo, an old friend of ours," indicating the native. "Migo, this is -Bob Holton and this, Joe Lewis." - -"Very glad know you," greeted the native. He was a man of considerable -importance in the country about Mbarara, and had picked up several -languages, all of which he spoke well. - -The chums exchanged the greeting and then made ready for anything that -would be said. - -"You gon' org'ize another safari?" Migo asked the naturalists. - -"Yes," returned Mr. Lewis. "And we want you to help us find bearers. -Will you do it?" - -The answer came at once. - -"I will," the native said. "How many will you need?" - -"We have come to the conclusion that twenty-five will satisfy our -needs, at least for a while," responded Mr. Holton. "If we need more -we can pick them up at villages along the way. By the way, Migo," he -went on, struck with a sudden thought, "is it possible to get the -guide we had last time? Kaika was his name. Knew every inch of ground -for miles around." - -Migo's face darkened. He shook his head slowly. - -"Him not here any more," he said in grave tones. - -"Why--I don't understand," came from Mr. Lewis. "Where is Kaika?" - -"Dead," was the ominous response. - -There was a short silence, during which the naturalists stared at -Migo, hardly knowing what to say. - -"I'm terribly sorry to hear that," said Mr. Holton at last. "What -caused his death?" - -"He killed by a lion," was the answer from the black. "It was a big -man-eater. Kaika, he was in a village one day. Big man-eater he slip -up on Kaika. Break Kaika's back. He die in little time." - -The news sobered the Americans somewhat, for they began to realize -anew that Africa, although a land of romance and adventure, was also a -place of tragedy. Especially were Bob and Joe stirred by Migo's words. -This was the second casualty they had heard of since landing at the -Dark Continent, the first being the case of Mr. Seabury in Mombasa. - -"I sincerely hope nothing happens to our expedition," said Mr. Holton -gravely. "Especially since the boys are with us." - -The naturalists were delighted when Migo announced that he could -secure the services of Noko, the native that Mr. Seabury had -mentioned. For he was one of the very few who knew of the Forest of -Mystery. He had recently returned from guiding another safari into a -region far to the south. Migo assured the whites that he was unusually -brave and daring and knew exactly which men to pick out for the -expedition. He lived in a little hut at the edge of Mbarara. - -"We'll go there now," said Joe's father. "Migo, will you come with us? -We may need your help." - -The native was more than willing, and together they went afoot, except -for Mr. Holton, who drove the car. The automobile was now filled to -capacity with supplies to be used by the expedition, several necessary -additions being furnished by Migo, who kept a store. - -In a small thatched hut they found an unusually tall coal-black -native, who nodded as he greeted them. - -"This Noko," Migo introduced him. "This man his name Holton, this man -name Lewis. These Bob and Joe." - -The towering native smiled broadly and bowed. Then he listened to what -Migo had to say. - -"They want you guide them into unknown land," Migo resumed. "They want -shoot, hunt. Will you do it?" - -"Yes, _bwana_ [master], I will go," Noko said to the naturalists. -"Where you want hunt?" - -"In the Forest of Mystery," said Mr. Holton. "You know where that is, -do you not?" - -Noko nodded vehemently. - -"Yes, _bwana_," he told them. "Noko been there two time. It ver' -strange place. See strange things. Strange animals. There some bad men -dere. Use long spears. They kill hunters. Noko not see them, but hear -about them. _Baya sana_ [very bad]!" - -"That is indeed unfortunate," said Mr. Lewis. "But we are willing to -take the chance, if you are." - -Noko bowed. - -"It well, then," he said. "Noko will go into strange forest. Noko not -afraid." - -"And you can furnish the bearers?" asked Mr. Holton. "We'll probably -need about twenty-five, perhaps more." - -The tall native nodded. He explained that inside of two days he could -complete preparations for the expedition and would let the whites know -when he was ready. - -After a few more words with Noko the naturalists and their sons left -his hut and with Migo drove the automobile to a large clearing just -off the roadway. Here they unloaded their supplies and pitched a tent. - -"We'll stay here until Noko has things ready for us to start into the -jungle," remarked Mr. Lewis, lifting a big box to carry it into the -tent. - -Late the next afternoon the Americans were resting under a large tree -beside their temporary camp when they heard a shouting and yelling. -Looking around they saw Noko and a large group of other natives -heading toward them. - -"Hurrah!" cried Joe. "Noko sure has acted quickly. Has everything -ready for us." - -The natives were all capable of carrying loads of sixty pounds apiece. -And Noko, as the _neapara_, or headman, assured the explorers that -they could be relied upon. - -Last-minute preparations were made. The naturalists saw that each -porter was carrying his share of the provisions. Then, picking up -their guns and handing them to their bearers, the scientists and the -youths waved a farewell to Migo and several other natives who had -gathered to see the expedition depart. - -Led by Noko, the safari made its way toward a distant jungle. - -They were off--off for the little-known Forest of Mystery! - - - - -CHAPTER XVII - -Peril Ahead - - -"How long will it take us to get to this Forest of Mystery?" inquired -Bob Holton, as he and his chum followed the naturalists over the -grassy plain. - -"Many, many days," answered Mr. Lewis. "It is in the very heart of the -vast Belgian Congo and is inaccessible by way of roads and railways." - -"So much the better for us," laughed Joe. "We'll probably find things -there that no one else has seen. At least, no other white men." - -"Let's hope you're right, Son," came from his father. "Howard and I -would like to discover some totally unknown animals. But," he added -significantly, "we'll have to watch our step. Who knows what perils -may be hidden in that mysterious forest?" - -The afternoon was rapidly wearing on, and although the explorers were -still on the open plain, Noko announced that he desired to get beyond -it before nightfall. In the distance they could see a dark jungle, -through which they would soon be passing. - -The grass under their feet was tough and wiry and yielded reluctantly. -Occasionally small animals darted out before them and disappeared -under cover of the grass. None of the large cats, however, showed -itself. - -"Wish we could get a look at a lion," remarked Bob, tightening his -grip on his rifle. "What I'll do to one if I see one!" - -The naturalists looked back and smiled. - -"Maybe it would work the other way around," chuckled Mr. Holton. "What -would the lion do to you?" - -"Oh, I don't know, Dad. I'm not a bad shot. You know that. And I've -met wild animals before." - -"True, Bob," came from his father. "But none happened to be as -ferocious as old _felis leo_----" - -"I thought the lion is called _simba_," interrupted Joe. - -A burst of laughter followed. - -"It's very apparent," said Mr. Lewis, "that you need to brush up on -your natural history." - -"Why?" inquired Joe, somewhat surprised. "What was funny?" - -"Still don't get the point, huh?" laughed Mr. Holton. "Well, we'd -better tell you before you spring that one before some of our -naturalist friends. _Felis leo_, boys, is the lion's scientific name. -_Simba_ is the name given to him by the natives." - -The boys laughed also when Mr. Holton had finished. - -"_Simba_ fits him better," mused Joe. "Of course, it's less -distinguished, but, just the same, it's easier to say." - -At last they found themselves nearing the jungle, after having left -the long stretch of veldt behind. As it was almost sundown, the -naturalists greatly desired to stop for the night. Noko, however, for -some reason wanted to plunge into the jungle without delay. Perhaps he -feared the invasion of wild beasts if camp should be made on the -grassland. - -Before long they plunged into the woodland, and their rate of travel -was necessarily reduced somewhat. For with all the many sharp-pointed -thorns, low bushes, tangled vines, and other obstacles, the -adventurers found it difficult to maintain a rapid pace. - -"Keep a sharp lookout," cautioned Mr. Holton, glancing back for a -moment. "This region shouldn't be particularly dangerous, but you -never can tell." - -"Only thing I'm especially afraid of," began Joe, "is poisonous -snakes. Can't tell just when you might step on one." - -"Leopards are also dangerous," put in his father. "At any minute one -might leap down from a tree and make for us. Still, the animals are -likely to be frightened by such a large safari as ours." - -At frequent intervals Bob and Joe took turns in "shooting" the country -with the motion-picture cameras. These latter were not the type that -require a tripod, but were relatively simple in design and easy to -operate, it being necessary only to press a button as the lens was -focused. - -The jungle was becoming more tangled with every passing minute. Huge -forest trees were everywhere, many of them having parasitic vines -wound tightly around their trunks. Strange, odd plants grew about in -profusion. Bright-colored flowers were everywhere and often diverted -the youths' attention from the path. - -Many varieties of butterflies, frequently beautifully marked, -fluttered about. Once Joe was lucky enough to catch one with his hand -and at once passed it to Mr. Holton, who was nearest him. - -They had trekked for over an hour when suddenly there arose a -commotion in the rear ranks of the line of carriers. - -"What's that?" burst out Bob, turning on the instant. "Sounds like -something's the matter." - -Mr. Holton ran back down the path, followed by Bob, Joe, and the -latter's father. - -Then they saw the cause of the disturbance. A veritable army of tiny -red ants was attacking the bare feet of the bearers and was doing the -job right. There must have been tens of thousands of the little -creatures, for they were crawling about in great masses. - -Noko shouted something in the native language, motioning and frowning -indignantly. What he said the Americans never knew. - -"Look at them," said Joe excitedly. "Isn't there anything they can do -to beat them off?" - -The natives were becoming frantic with fear and discomfort. They -jumped about wildly in attempts to escape from the countless menacing -hordes. Despite the seriousness of the matter, Bob and Joe could not -help laughing at the actions of the natives. - -"This ought to be a swell scene," laughed Bob, focusing the movie -camera on the dancing mob. "And it's all genuine, too. No acting about -it." - -The filming was shortly interrupted, as the attacked bearers rushed -madly up the path, apparently intent upon running from the red ants. -Bob and Joe took to their heels with the rest and at last were -sufficiently far from the scene to be out of danger. All were panting -and perspiring after the short but tiring run. - -"Are we rid of them?" inquired Bob. He had not seen a red ant since he -had started running. - -Noko nodded. - -"They gone," he said, stopping for a moment and facing Bob. "Heap bad. -Bites hurt." - -"I shouldn't imagine it is very pleasant to be bitten by them," said -Joe. - -"The natives steer clear of them," put in Mr. Lewis, as the cavalcade -again took up the journey. "Not infrequently red ants invade villages -and drive the entire population to some place of refuge. Howard and I -have often come upon deserted villages that had been left for that -very reason." - -Just before nightfall the party came to a wide stream of muddy water, -which wound itself through the dense jungle. From all appearances the -stream was very deep. - -The chums saw that fifty feet farther along there was a log spanning -the creek, probably placed there by natives. - -"Wonder if we'll have to cross that?" mused Joe, looking with distrust -at the improvised bridge. - -"Looks like it," his friend responded. "The path quits off there, you -know, and continues from the other side." - -The words were scarcely spoken when Noko stopped and turned to the -naturalists. - -"Cross here," he told them, indicating the log. "Must be care. Not -slip." - -"Wow!" cried Bob suddenly. - -"What's the matter?" asked Joe. - -For answer, Bob pointed to the stream. - -There, lurking sluggishly on a flat shelf, was a huge crocodile which -looked as if it were waiting for one of the adventurers to plunge into -the dark water. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII - -The Terrible Crocodile - - -Joe stared at the stream in terrible fascination, half expecting to -see many other of the repulsive reptiles make an appearance. But if -any more were there, they failed to come in sight. - -"One's enough, though," mused Joe. - -Mr. Holton motioned for Noko to lead the way. True, it promised to be -a trying experience, crossing that slippery log, but the sooner over -the better. - -A rope was handed to each of the whites, who grasped it thankfully. -The natives, however, had little need for this aid, accustomed as they -were to jungle life. Even with the heavy packs, they went easily -across to the other side. - -Mr. Lewis and Mr. Holton also stepped across without difficulty. Bob, -the next to try it, demonstrated his skill by not making a single -misstep. Joe, who was last, gripped the rope a little more tightly -than had the others, for he had never considered himself good at -balancing. - -"Take it slowly," cautioned his father, looking on anxiously from the -other side. "Don't look at the water. It might make you dizzy." - -Joe was more than halfway across when a terrific splashing sound made -him glance around impulsively. Then his expression changed, and he -suddenly grew pale. - -His foot was slipping--slowly, to be sure, but slipping! - -Suddenly the youth gave a wild cry of fear and then went plunging into -the muddy water! - -There were anxious shouts from the opposite shore as Mr. Lewis and Mr. -Holton pulled desperately on the rope. Bob and Noko also lent their -efforts, and together the four drew Joe slowly but surely toward the -bank. - -"Hurry!" cried Joe frantically. "The crocodile!" - -The huge reptile hesitated a moment as it gazed intently at the broken -waters. Then, as though suddenly grasping what was taking place, it -swung into action and swam toward Joe. - -The latter was some fifty feet away, and, aided by the stout rope was -swimming rapidly. But the crocodile also was moving at no slow gait! - -"Quick!" shouted Mr. Lewis, pulling with all his strength. "In less -than a minute it will be too late." - -He placed his section of the rope in the hands of a bearer and grasped -his rifle. A second later he pulled the trigger. - -_Bang!_ - -The sound of the gun was followed by a terrific threshing about as the -crocodile gasped out its last breath. Then the motion ceased, and the -great saurian disappeared into the dark water. - -"Thank goodness!" breathed Bob. - -By now Joe had reached the shore and was scrambling up the steep bank. -He was a sorry-looking sight as he faced the others. - -"Thought I was a goner," he said, with a ghost of a smile. "But that -rifle shot did the trick, all right." - -"It certainly did," said Mr. Holton. "Ben never fired a more accurate -shot. Strange, but it never occurred to me to use a rifle. I was only -thinking of pulling harder on the rope." - -"I wasn't sure that I could hit the crocodile," Mr. Lewis put in. "I -imagine I wasn't any too steady after the terrific strain. But through -luck, I guess, that bullet penetrated the brain." - -Joe was watersoaked to the skin, and mud was caking on his clothes. - -"Better put on something dry," advised Mr. Holton, and Noko, -understanding, nodded. - -"Get heap sick," the native said, using the English he had picked up. -"Um fever here. Soon come night. Then be heap cold." - -"I guess you're right," Joe admitted. "Then too, it doesn't feel very -pleasant with these wet clothes on." - -It did not take him long to change, and he was soon ready to continue -the journey. - -Noko urged that they make unusually good time from now until dark so -as to get to a certain clearing before nightfall. Of course, they -could have stopped and made camp at many places, but the native did -not wish to do so. - -As the guide had hoped, they reached the place he had in mind just as -darkness was beginning to enshroud them. - -During the next few minutes all worked hurriedly, so as to complete -making camp before the blackness would handicap them. For night in the -tropics comes quickly, there being little or no twilight. - -The tents were fastened securely to the stakes, the provisions -unpacked, and a roaring fire was built. - -"Now for what's coming," grinned Bob, smacking his lips. "And am I -hungry!" - -Before long a tempting odor filled the air, one that was entirely new -to the youths. Just what food was being prepared they could not even -guess. - -The taste was excellent, however, as they found a little later. - -"Trust the natives to pick out what's good," remarked Mr. Lewis, when -the meal was over. "They know of many edible wild herbs, roots, and -berries that we whites have never tasted." - -Darkness had overtaken them, a darkness that was filled with mystery. -From afar came some terrifying scream, uttered perhaps by a wild -animal in its death struggle. Soon there came another that was even -more blood curdling. - -"Listen!" hissed Mr. Holton, straining his ears to make out the -distant cry more distinctly. - -"What is it?" inquired Joe. - -"A lion," was the answer. "He seems to be coming closer." - -"Gee. Maybe we can get a shot at his lordship," grinned Bob, picking -up his rifle. - -But if the lion was near the camp he failed to cause a disturbance. -Perhaps the brute had sensed that someone had invaded his domain, but -had also sensed that it would be dangerous to interfere. - -"What's that over there?" demanded Bob, making out something just -beyond the fire. - -"Why--it looks like two red lights," observed Joe. "And they seem to -be coming closer." - -The naturalists' eyes followed those of their sons. Then Mr. Holton -reached for his rifle. - -"Keep quiet," he whispered, taking careful aim at the red "lights." - -Then he fired, the report being followed by a terrible screeching and -wailing noise. With one last groan, the animal, whatever it was -collapsed. - -"Hurray!" yelled Joe. "Got him, Mr. Holton. But what was it?" - -The victim proved to be a huge lemur, an animal that looked like a -cross between a monkey and a cat. It was about three feet long and had -an unusually long tail. - -"But, say, Dad," came from Bob, "where did that bullet strike? It -didn't smash his face." - -"That's part of the trick of shooting," laughed Mr. Lewis. "Howard saw -its eyes in the darkness, and so aimed below at the body." - -The animal was carefully skinned and the skin placed in preservative. -Then, this task being over, they sat idly around the fire and chatted -merrily. - -At frequent intervals they could hear cries of wild animals, including -the trumpeting of elephants and the mournful groan of hyenas. Once -they heard a horrid growl that Mr. Lewis said was made by a leopard. - -Despite the clamor of the African night, Bob and Joe slept soundly and -awoke the next morning greatly refreshed. - -"Drink deeply of this cool air," said Mr. Lewis, stopping for a moment -at the boys' tent. "Along towards noon, as you already know, the sun -will be far too hot for comfort." - -The natives were astir, attending to the many tasks that went with -breaking camp. Breakfast was at once followed by pulling up the -stakes, folding the tents, and loading the provisions and other -articles in their proper places on the backs of the bearers. - -Soon the expedition was again penetrating deep into the dense jungle. -Although the traveling was necessarily slow, every hour saw them a -little nearer the unknown Forest of Mystery. - -Along towards noon Noko called a halt. It was wholly unwise to -continue in the terrific noonday heat of Africa. They stopped at a -little open space which was devoid of vegetation except for tall -grass. - -Everyone rested in the shade of a huge tree, whose branches extended -out over a wide area. - -Bob and Joe, however, soon tired of remaining so long in one position, -and finally decided to explore the country in the immediate vicinity -of the safari. - -"We won't be gone long," remarked Bob, speaking to the naturalists. -"Just want to look around a little." - -"Be careful, boys," warned his father. "Always be prepared for -dangers." - -There was a narrow trail that wound toward a little elevation not far -away. Along this the youths walked, keeping their eyes open for -anything unusual. - -"I wouldn't mind meeting something dangerous," grinned Joe, gripping -his rifle the tighter. "Somehow I want action." - -"Didn't you get enough of that yesterday when you fell in that -stream?" asked Bob. - -"It was enough for yesterday," returned Joe. "But this is today." - -Suddenly the chums caught sight of something that filled them with -wonder. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX - -A Promise of a Thrill - - -Not ten feet away, at the point where the trail branched, was a huge -mound of earth that must have been at least thirty feet high. It was -conical in shape, gradually tapering up to a sharp point. - -"What do you call that?" asked Joe, staring in amazement at the -formation. - -"If I'm not mistaken, it's an ant hill," Bob answered, moving closer -to the mound of earth. Often Bob had heard of this phenomenon, but -until now had not seen it. - -"A what? Ant hill? You don't mean to say that ants built that, do -you?" - -"I guess they did," returned Bob. "Dad says ants have been known to -heap up the earth to a height of forty feet or more." - -"Of all things!" Joe could hardly believe what his chum said. "How do -they do it, anyway?" - -"More than I know. They're busy little creatures, though." - -The boys examined the ant hill with a great deal of curiosity. It -seemed almost incredible that ants could construct such a huge piece -of architecture. Why, it must have required the efforts of tens of -thousands of the little creatures! - -But although greatly interested, Bob and Joe did not spend too much -time here, for they desired to explore a bit longer before returning -to the safari. - -Everywhere they went they saw brilliantly colored birds, which often -fluttered so near that the youths could almost touch them. Luxuriant -flowers were also in abundance. - -The chums trekked on for a distance of perhaps a half mile, then -turned back toward the expedition. When they reached the clearing, -they found Mr. Lewis and Mr. Holton ready to continue the journey. - -"See anything of interest, boys?" inquired the latter, signaling to -Noko to lead the way. - -"Plenty," returned Joe. "An ant hill, for one thing. And was it a -whopper! Must have been thirty feet if an inch." - -"That was only a taste," grinned Mr. Lewis, with a wink at Bob's -father. "Howard and I have often seen them forty feet or more." - -As they penetrated deeper into the jungle, the vegetation became -denser and consequently more difficult to pass through. Often the sun -was entirely hidden from view by the thick canopy of foliage above, -and the explorers found themselves in a sort of twilight. At other -times they would emerge from the leafy depths and make their way over -wide plains under the fierce tropical sun. - -But despite many difficulties of the trail, the expedition made good -time and by night had covered a good many miles. They camped beside a -narrow, winding stream, which looked as if it were several yards deep. - -"Bet there's fish in there," remarked Joe, peering into the dark water -of the stream. - -Noko overheard the remark and understood. - -"Um big fish dare," the native said, his eyes following those of Joe. -"Dey good eat." - -"That's an idea," mused Bob. "Why not try our luck at fishing?" - -"Sure." Joe was more than willing. - -The youths got out their tackle and fashioned crude poles out of tree -branches. Then, sitting a short distance apart on the bank, they -waited silently, while the naturalists looked on with interest. - -Suddenly, when it had been in the water but a few minutes, Joe's float -was drawn completely under the water with such force that the pole -was almost snatched out of the youth's hands. - -"Pull!" exclaimed Bob in a loud whisper. - -Joe obeyed, but found that to do this was harder than he had -anticipated. But with the aid of his chum the catch was drawn out -easily. - -All uttered startled exclamations at sight of it. - -"A tiger fish," pronounced Mr. Lewis. "Only a small one, though." - -"Small one?" cried Joe, wheeling about. "What are you talking about, -Dad? Bet that fish weighs ten pounds!" - -"Maybe so," Mr. Lewis returned. "But it isn't uncommon to catch tiger -fish that weigh as much as twenty pounds. In fact, Howard hooked one -in the Zambezi River that tipped the scales at forty-two." - -"No!" Bob and Joe both looked up in amazement. - -"That's right," vouched Mr. Holton. "It was the biggest I've ever -caught." - -During the next fifteen minutes Joe caught four more of the big fish, -none, however, being as large as the first one. Then, using the -knowledge gained on other exploration ventures, he dressed them and -placed them over the fire. - -"Doggone the luck!" growled Bob. "I didn't get a single bite. This -big bum here walks off with a whole river full." - -"Cheer up," consoled Mr. Holton. "You can at least share the eating of -them." - -"Yeah," put in Joe. "You can take a whiff at them." - -The tiger fish proved good eating and were a welcome addition to the -usual menu. - -"And now," began Mr. Lewis, stretching out to retire after two hours -of chatting, "we'd better get to sleep. Noko says we'll run into a -native village tomorrow. That may delay us for a while." - -Shortly before noon of the next day the explorers heard a chorus of -shouts and yells, which came from around a bend, and they soon found -themselves facing a large group of natives. - -Noko at once fell into conversation with the chief, with whom he was -well acquainted. They talked for several minutes, and in the end the -chief motioned for the safari to follow him into the village. - -That village the two youths found very interesting. It was made up of -several rows of thatched huts, about which sat natives dozing or -conversing. Apparently there was no work being done, the natives -probably resting to escape the terrible heat of the sun. - -The chief escorted the safari to his own huge hut, where he asked that -they remain for a while. The bearers were glad to do as requested, so -as to get out of the fierce heat. And as Mr. Holton and Mr. Lewis were -also reluctant to continue the journey at this time of day, they also -consented. - -Both the naturalists had picked up a good knowledge of the native -language on their frequent trips to Africa and so had no difficulty in -taking part in the conversation. They translated occasionally to Bob -and Joe. - -During the course of the talk the chief mentioned something that was -of great interest to Mr. Lewis and Mr. Holton, and also to the chums. -The section around the village was being made unsafe for hunting by a -huge, bad-tempered buffalo which would charge any of the natives on -sight. One man had been killed and two others severely wounded by the -beast, and although numerous parties had set out to kill it, they had -so far been unsuccessful in doing so. For some reason the animal never -would wander far from a certain spot near a stream. So dangerous was -the buffalo that the villagers were afraid to go to the stream to get -water and had to follow a roundabout trail. - -When the chief had finished, Mr. Lewis spoke up at once. - -"We"--indicating Mr. Holton, the youths, and himself--"will make a -special effort to kill that buffalo," he told the chief in the native -tongue. "We would like to kill the animal and take it back to our own -country to show the people. Will you help us?" - -The head native was delighted. Certainly he would help. If the bad -animal could be killed, he would be very grateful to the whites, and -would present them with several wild animal skins. - -"It is agreed, then," Mr. Holton said to the chief. "We will set out -this afternoon." - -"This is going to be good," mused Bob, giving his chum a nudge in the -ribs. - - - - -CHAPTER XX - -The Buffalo Charges - - -Afternoon did not come any too soon for Bob and Joe. By one o'clock -the youths had their cameras and rifles in readiness and were eagerly -awaiting word from their fathers to begin the hunt. - -At last the word came. The chief of the tribe had organized a party of -ten natives, of which he was the head. They intended to do all they -could to aid the whites in seeking out the buffalo. - -"Stick close, boys," advised Mr. Lewis, speaking to Bob and Joe. -"There's no telling how dangerous that animal may be." - -The Americans were led by the chief, who directed them out of the -village and toward the stream near which the beast stayed. The trail -they followed was overgrown somewhat by the heavy plant growth, -indicating that it had not been in use for some time. - -Joe carried a camera, while Bob, as the best shot of the two, had a -high-powered rifle. Both youths looked ahead in eager anticipation. - -"Here's hoping I can get a good picture of him," said Joe, keeping his -camera in readiness. "Movies of a buffalo hunt! Sounds good, doesn't -it?" - -"And I'm going to try to be the gink that pots him off," came from -Bob, inspecting his rifle. "He won't live long if he gets one of these -high-velocity bullets in his hide." - -Mr. Holton looked around. - -"Don't take any chances, Son," he warned. "Better not fire till Ben or -I give the word. There's nothing quite as bad as a wounded buffalo." - -Bob looked at his chum and groaned. - -"Guess the honor won't go to me after all," he said. - -It was a distance of about a half mile to the stream. The hunting -party made good time, reaching the stream before anyone had expected. - -"Now where's that buffalo?" queried Joe, as he pushed the release on -his movie camera. - -"Shhh!" hissed Mr. Holton. "I thought I heard a grunt just then. -Listen!" - -"You're right, Howard," murmured Mr. Lewis. "There's something over in -those bushes." - -They had not long to wait. Suddenly there came a loud grunt, and a -moment later a huge buffalo appeared and faced them. Huge and -ferocious looking, it seemed a very symbol of power. - -"He's going to charge!" cried Bob, raising his rifle. "Look out, Mr. -Lewis!" - -Joe's father acted on the moment, aiming and firing with unusual -rapidity. He pumped still another shot into the tough hide. - -But the buffalo is possessed of an enormous amount of vitality and -often retain enough energy to make a fatal charge, even though -mortally wounded. So it was with this beast. It lunged toward Mr. -Lewis, who had fired the second barrel of his rifle. - -"Get him, somebody!" shouted the naturalist, preparing to run. "Hurry! -I can't reload in time." - -Just then Bob decided on a plan of action. He rushed wildly toward the -animal, shouting at the top of his voice, hoping to divert its -attention from Mr. Lewis, who, unarmed, would be in terrible plight if -the beast should charge him. - -His plan worked--to a certain extent. Instead of rushing at Mr. Lewis, -the infuriated animal singled out Joe. The latter was operating the -camera, and at first did not notice the oncoming foe. - -"Look out!" yelled Bob. "Get out of the way, Joe! Quick, or you're a -goner!" - -Joe heard just in time to step quickly to one side, his eyes wide with -an awful fear. - -_Bang! Bang!_ Two reports rent the air, and each bullet found its -mark. Mr. Holton and Bob stood with smoking rifles awaiting results. -They made ready to fire more if necessary. - -But the four cartridges proved more than the brute could stand. -Suddenly it collapsed in a heap, almost at the feet of one of the -natives. - -"Whew!" gasped Joe, wiping the perspiration from his forehead. "That -was what I'd call a close call." - -"Close is right," added Mr. Lewis. "If Bob and Howard hadn't come -across with those two shots--well, it's pretty hard to say just what -would have happened." - -"How did it happen he didn't fall when you hit him, Mr. Lewis?" asked -Bob. "Both of your bullets went to a vital spot." - -"What a buffalo can't stand is hard to mention," Joe's father -responded. "In addition to having a tough hide, they can take almost -any kind of punishment." - -The blacks looked at the hunters with intense admiration, for they had -accomplished a deed that had not been thought possible by natives in -that vicinity. - -The naturalists bent over to skin the animal. Then, observing -something, Mr. Holton uttered a word of surprise. - -"Look here," he pointed out. "There's part of a native spear in the -buffalo's side." - -The naturalist had made no mistake. From the tough hide of the brute a -native spear protruded out several inches. It was rotting with age, -having been wielded many weeks before. - -The chief fell into conversation with the scientists, telling them -that one of his warriors had thrust the weapon into the buffalo some -time before, but apparently without result. - -"That accounts for his unusually bad temper," said Mr. Lewis. "He was -probably aggravated by the wound caused by the spear and was ready for -trouble at the slightest chance." - -The skinning process was completed at last, and the skin was carried -back to the village by the natives. - -On arriving at the settlement, the Americans were given a royal -welcome by those who had not gone on the hunt. The simple blacks -danced around the explorers happily, rejoicing that the dangerous -buffalo had been killed. - -"_Mbogo okuri!_" seemed to be the prevalent words spoken by the -blacks. - -"What are they saying?" inquired Bob. - -"That means 'the buffalo is dead,'" explained his father. - -The chief did as he had promised and gave the naturalists several -valuable animal skins which he or his men had secured. Among them was -that of a leopard, an ant bear, and a serval cat. And in addition the -naturalists had the buffalo skin. - -"Fortunate for us that we arrived in the village when we did," smiled -Mr. Holton. "As a result of timing so well, we got several worth-while -trophies." - -"And had a lot of fun at it, too," put in Bob. - -"Speaking of fun," went on his father, "we'll have plenty of that -tonight." - -"How's that?" asked Joe. - -"The chief is going to prepare a feast in our honor," was the answer. - -"A feast?" repeated Bob. "What will there be to eat?" - -Mr. Holton laughed. - -"Perhaps it would be better not to know that," he chuckled. "But we'll -have to eat a little, or at least to make a big show of it. The -buffalo meat won't taste so bad, though." - -The short remainder of the afternoon passed slowly, the boys and their -elders resting in the hut furnished them. They did not care to do -anything now but take it easy until nightfall. And while they sat they -tried to fancy just what would take place at the coming feast. - -Darkness came at last, and with it the usual chill of night. The -explorers were glad indeed when some of the chief's men built huge -roaring fires, about which the celebration was to take place. - -At a call from the head native practically all of the simple villagers -assembled in the great open space beside the fires. The reflection -made bright perhaps a hundred black faces, all solemn. - -The noisy chattering ceased abruptly as the big chief took his place -before the group. Even Bob and Joe were impressed by the solemnity of -the ceremony. - -During the next five minutes the head native delivered a long speech, -to which everyone listened closely. Bob and Joe, however, could not -understand a word. They were tiring of listening when the chief -stopped and took his place in the center of the group. - -"Wonder what's coming next?" mused Joe. - -His question was answered a little later. A large number of natives -rose and moved over to the fires. Soon they engaged in a wild dance, -one that the youths had never witnessed before. - -Bob had fitted a camera with a night lens, and was "purring" away at -the yelling throng, delighted at such an unusual opportunity. - -The dancing lasted for nearly an hour. Shortly after, the food was -served, consisting of wild herbs, berries, and roasted meat. Although -Bob and Joe were ignorant of the exact contents of the various -courses, they ate of practically everything, not finding the taste as -bad as they had anticipated. - -Following the meal there was another wild dance, which ended with a -loud burst of applause. Then, after a few more short speeches, the -celebration came to an end. - -"What did you think of it?" chuckled Mr. Lewis, as he prepared to -retire. - -"It certainly wasn't tame," answered Bob with a smile. - -"Got it all over a football game," added Joe. - -Early the next morning the explorers were up making preparations to -leave the village and continue their journey. They had everything in -readiness by eight o'clock, and bidding the chief and his people -good-bye, the safari made its way up the path. - -"Now towards the Forest of Mystery," said Mr. Lewis, glad to again be -on the trail. - -They hiked steadily for several days without anything of note -happening. The jungle became denser as they penetrated deeper toward -the little-known regions. And with this luxuriance of plant life came -an abundance of wild animals and birds. The naturalists and Bob -demonstrated their skill with a rifle often by bringing down not a few -unusual specimens, while Joe usually stuck to his movie camera. - -On one occasion they had been traveling over a wide plain, one that -was several miles across, and were nearing a jungle when suddenly Joe -caught sight of something lying in the tall grass beside the jungle. - -He started to move over to the object, but Mr. Holton called him back. - -"Wait," cautioned the naturalist, raising his rifle. "Don't go over -there without a gun. It might be a lion." - -They advanced slowly for several rods. Then they became aware of an -unpleasant odor. - -"I think I know everything now," said Mr. Lewis, and Bob's father -nodded. "That's a dead animal--probably an antelope. It has been -killed by some other animal--a lion, maybe." - -As they advanced they kept their eyes open for any dangerous creature -that might return to the carcass, but saw nothing. - -Mr. Lewis had surmised correctly. The kill was a wildebeest, a member -of the antelope family. It had apparently been dead only a short time, -and only a little of the flesh was torn from the body. - -"What do you suppose killed that?" asked Bob. - -"_Simba_ [lion]," spoke up Noko at once. - -"You think so?" queried Mr. Lewis. - -Noko nodded vigorously. - -"_Simba_ he come back night. Eat all _simba_ want of _nyumbu_." - -"He may come back tonight," said Mr. Lewis, "but he won't eat all he -wants." - - - - -CHAPTER XXI - -Two Ferocious Specimens - - -"What do you mean by that remark, Mr. Lewis?" asked Bob wonderingly. -"Why won't the lion eat all he wants?" - -"Simply that he won't live long enough," was the answer. - -"What? You mean we're going to shoot him?" persisted Bob. - -"Exactly," Joe's father said. "We'll build a _boma_--that's a thorn -enclosure--and hide behind it. Then when the lion comes to devour this -carcass we'll pot him off. Howard and I would like especially to have -a good lion skin, and this seems to be a wonderful opportunity. Of -course, the museum wants several, but whether they get that many we'll -have to wait and see." - -Under the naturalists' directions they set about constructing the -thorn enclosure. They built this but a short distance from the kill, -so as to get a good view of the lion when and if the latter should -return. The task was completed just before dusk. - -A cold supper was served, so as to prevent the possibility of a fire -frightening the lion if it should be in that vicinity. Then, rising -from the meal, the explorers made their way to the _boma_. - -"You know," began Mr. Holton uneasily, "I feel a little ashamed to -hunt that animal this way. This sort of thing is generally considered -unsportsmanlike." - -"True," Joe's father said at once. "But still, chances like this don't -come often. And when at very infrequent intervals they do come, I'm in -favor of taking advantage of them." - -As the darkness closed in on them, Bob held his rifle tighter, Joe -focused the movie camera. Mr. Lewis and Mr. Holton, too, waited -breathlessly. - -Soon a majestic moon rose over the vast wilderness, making it almost -as light as day. The rustling of the wind gave way to a chorus of wild -animal screams. - -Suddenly Bob and Joe heard something that struck terror to their -hearts. It was the most hideous sound they had ever listened to. - -"Wh-what was that?" demanded Joe breathlessly. - -"Only a hyena," returned his father. "That's what they call the -laughing of the hyena. It isn't often that one can hear it." - -Mr. Lewis pointed to something not five feet away. - -There, making its way slowly toward the carcass, was a large jackal, -which was soon joined by three others. They were moving stealthily, as -though undecided whether to sample the dead wildebeest. - -"Look," whispered Bob. "There are two hyenas. They're going to risk -eating, I guess." - -The jackals and hyenas formed a circle about the carcass and began to -tear away at the flesh. Near as they were to the _boma_, they could -easily have been shot by the hunters. - -"If the lion doesn't hurry there won't be anything left for him," -whispered Bob. - -"Maybe he's forgotten all about coming," suggested Joe, who was -filming the scene. - -Mr. Holton shook his head. - -"He'll be here," the naturalist said. "Just taking his time, that's -all." - -As the minutes wore on, the waiting hunters were becoming more -impatient. They twisted about uneasily, hoping that before long -something would happen. Then it did. - -"Listen!" hissed Mr. Holton. "Something's coming this way. Hear it?" - -"What is it?" inquired Joe. - -Before anyone could attempt to answer, there came a terrible growl, -and the next moment a huge lion broke through the foliage of the -near-by jungle. It rushed angrily at the circle of jackals and hyenas. - -The latter saw it coming and at once took flight, all escaping but one -big hyena. - -With a tremendous blow of one of its huge claws, the lion broke the -hyena's back and sent it rolling over the ground. With a convulsive -twitch it straightened out, dead. - -The breathless hunters had watched the tragedy with a terrible -fascination, keeping on the alert for any emergency. All knew there -was a possibility that the lion might catch their scent, even though -there was little or no wind. It was this that made the naturalists and -Bob tighten their grips on their rifles. - -With a deep, vibrating roar that seemed to roll along the ground, the -lion looked around defiantly. Then, apparently satisfied that nothing -was near to disturb him, he bent his efforts toward eating the -carcass. - -"Get ready," said Mr. Holton in a very low whisper, throwing his gun -to his shoulder. "When I give the word, fire." - -Bob aimed carefully at the beast's heart; Joe cranked away at the -movie camera. - -"Fire!" said Mr. Holton in a loud voice. - -Three rifle shots rent the air. The lion turned on the instant, then -collapsed in a heap. - -"Hurrah!" yelled Joe, jumping to his feet. "Killed him dead as a door -nail. Good----" - -"Look out!" shouted Mr. Lewis suddenly. "There's another. A lioness!" - -Bob worked furiously to push the bolt on his rifle. But before he had -done so, the guns of his father and Mr. Lewis spoke. - -The bullets stopped the brute for only a second. Then, with a horrible -roar, it plunged toward the _boma_. Before the two naturalists could -again aim and fire, it would be upon them! - -Then, when things hung in the balance, Bob pulled the trigger. - -There was a convulsive leap as the lioness groaned out her last -breath. She fell to the ground with a dull thud and lay still. - -"Good work," commented Joe. "That bullet of yours came in just at the -right time." - -"It certainly did," put in Mr. Lewis. "Of course, Howard and I might -have gotten her, but then again, we might not." - -As an added precaution, the naturalists put another bullet into each -of the lions. After waiting a few moments for any more of the big -beasts to appear, they went out to examine the ones they had killed. - -"Whoppers, all right," remarked Joe. "This big one here must be at -least nine feet long from the tip of his nose to the end of his tail." - -"Both are unusually fine specimens," declared Mr. Lewis, as he removed -his long hunting knife. - -The Americans were soon joined by Noko and several of the bearers, who -were attracted to the scene by the rifle shots. - -Noko uttered a cry of surprise at the sight of the beasts. - -"Um big _simba_," he said, his eyes on the dead lions. "Dey bad -_simba_. Um very bad." - -"Bad's the right word for it," said Joe gravely. "They wouldn't have -left a grease spot of us if given the chance. But they'll not cause -any trouble now." - -It required a long while for the scientists to complete the task of -skinning the lions, but at last they finished and moved back to camp. - -The whites received much praise from the bearers, who recognized at -once that the brutes had been unusually dangerous. The blacks' respect -for the hunters appeared to be increased greatly. For anyone who could -bring down such vicious adversaries as these must be fearless and -daring. - -The youths and their fathers did not remain up much longer. After the -strenuous day they were more than ready for a good rest. - -"Sleep well," was the last Mr. Lewis said as he repaired to the tent. - -But somehow Bob did not sleep well. Try as he did he could not divert -his thoughts from the exciting lion hunt. True, he was sleepy and -somewhat tired, but notwithstanding this he could not keep his eyelids -closed. - -He thought of going out to join the _askari_, or native guard, who was -keeping watch some thirty feet away. But he changed his mind and -decided to make another attempt to fall asleep. - -Suddenly he sat up with a start, straining his eyes to make out the -jungle more easily. What was that he had heard? It sounded like -stealthily moving feet. - -"Maybe there's another lion prowling around," the youth thought, -picking up his rifle. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII - -A Pitiful Sight - - -With the passing moments, the padding noise grew louder. Bob raised -his rifle to fire. If any wild beast was intent upon charging camp, he -would be ready to give it a royal welcome, the youth thought. - -Then he caught sight of what resembled two luminous beads. They were -slowly moving closer to the camp. - -As Bob watched, he saw that a huge hyena was making its way toward the -two lion skins. The beast probably intended to grab the trophies in -its powerful jaws and flee. - -"Here goes," Bob murmured, and taking careful aim at the hyena he -fired. - -At once the brute stiffened out and then lay still. The bullet had -done its work well, entering the brain. - -Mr. Lewis and Mr. Holton came running out, followed by Noko and -several others. They looked inquiringly at Bob. - -"What happened?" asked Joe, who had also been aroused. - -"Nothing much," laughed Bob. "I shot a hyena, that was all. It was -going after those lion skins." - -"Hmm. Good work, Son." Mr. Holton stooped over to examine the body of -the hyena. - -"Thought you were asleep, you rascal," chuckled Mr. Lewis. - -"Somehow I couldn't keep from thinking about shooting those lions," -said Bob. "I had a notion to get up and walk around a little, but -finally decided to stay where I was. Then I heard the hyena." - -The youths and their fathers again retired, after the latter had -instructed the guard to keep a close watch for any other night -marauders. - -But nothing further disturbed the peace, and they awoke the next -morning ready for anything the day might bring. - -Breakfast over, the safari again took up its long journey. - -As the explorers penetrated deeper into the African wilds they saw new -and marvelous sights: strange rocky formations; tall, flowering trees; -unusual animals. It seemed to Bob and Joe that every minute was a bit -more exciting than the one preceding it. One day they left a long -stretch of jungle behind and found themselves on a wide level plain. - -"Look over there and tell me what you see," said Joe to his chum. - -"Why--it's a herd of elephants!" gasped Bob. "Look, Mr. Lewis, Dad!" - -"Wonderful sight, isn't it?" Mr. Holton gazed in interest. - -The naturalists decided to make camp on the plain, so as to get a -short rest before again entering the jungle. Then, when the hot -afternoon sun would become less oppressive, they would plunge on -toward the Forest of Mystery. - -"While you're resting here, suppose Joe and I explore around a -little," said Bob, picking up his rifle. - -"We-ll--all right, boys," returned Mr. Holton, with a look at Joe's -father. "But don't take any chances. And don't wander too far from -camp." - -Glad of the chance to be on their own, the chums walked over the plain -toward the herd of distant animals. - -"Maybe we can plug an elephant," grinned Joe, "purring" the movie -camera. - -"Maybe," came from the other. "But then maybe not. It would be -dangerous to tackle that herd single-handed. Suppose they'd charge -us. Then where would we be?" - -"Probably on our faces in the dirt," Joe said. "Or -perhaps"--grinning--"flying through the air." - -"Doesn't sound very nice, does it?" asked Bob. "No, we'd better be -content to watch those elephants from a safe distance." - -"Shucks!" Joe frowned. "I want pictures of them. How am I going to get -them without getting close?" - -"All right. Have it your own way. But I'm not going to take any -chances." - -Cautiously the boys stalked through the high grass toward the elephant -herd. Luckily the wind was blowing in their faces, so that the -elephants did not catch the human scent. And as these huge brutes have -comparatively short eyesight, the chums were able to move very close. - -"How's this?" asked Bob. - -"Up a little farther," urged Joe, holding the camera ready. - -They were within twenty yards of the huge lumbering beasts and were -naturally looking on with great interest. - -There was a thick growth of tall bushes a little to one side. Joe -suggested that they plunge into this so as to be able to get nearer to -the elephants. - -Then they heard a loud crashing noise, the sound of a heavy body -plunging through the brush. It was coming from around a bend in a -narrow trail. - -"What's that?" Bob stopped and listened. - -"More than I know. Maybe some wild animal. Sounds---- Look out, Bob! a -big elephant!" - -There was terror in Joe's voice. He looked to his chum to use his -rifle. - -A second later the huge head of a charging elephant appeared, its -trunk thrown into the air, its eyes glaring. It must have been over -ten feet high, for it towered far above the two youths. - -Acting on the instant, Bob and Joe darted quickly to one side, their -only thought being safety from grave danger. - -Bob threw his rifle to his shoulder and fired. - -"You got him!" cried Joe. "But it doesn't seem to stop him." - -"Hide's too tough," his chum said. - -The charging beast could not turn as quickly as did the youths. It -went plunging on through the bushes. Apparently it had no intention of -seeking out its enemies, for it continued through the heavy growth and -disappeared behind a low spreading tree. - -Bob and Joe were in a state of high excitement after their thrilling -encounter. Perspiration was dripping from their bodies; their breath -was coming in short gasps. - -"Too bad I was too scared to take movies of that charge," moaned Joe. -"They'd sure have been interesting." - -"You ought to be glad you're here," said Bob. "Let's get back to the -safari." - -The chums had not gone far on the plain when they met their fathers -and Noko, who had set out to secure a better view of the distant herd -of elephants. - -"We heard a rifle shot," said Mr. Lewis. "What was the meaning of it?" - -The youths looked at each other. They had been a bit foolish in moving -so close to the elephants, especially since neither carried a rifle -large enough to be effective against such large brutes. - -"An elephant charged us," said Bob at last. - -"He did? Tell us about it." Mr. Holton's interest was aroused at once. - -Aided by his friend, Bob related the encounter as accurately as he -could. - -When he had finished, the naturalists looked grave. - -"You shouldn't take chances like that, boys," Mr. Holton said. "Luck -can't hold out forever, you know." - -They trekked back to camp, where they remained for a few hours longer. -Then, thoroughly refreshed, they resumed the march. - -Farther on, the youths caught sight of a large group of giraffes which -towered above the small, stunted trees about them. Other, more -graceful, animals could be seen. - -The explorers emerged from a dense growth of bushes when they suddenly -saw something that moved them to pity. - -Standing unsteadily, its legs trembling, its eyes glazed, was a large -eland, which was evidently at the point of death. The poor animal -remained on its feet only with the greatest of difficulty. - -But something else caused the explorers to be still more touched. -Three vultures were circling around the stricken animal, waiting for -it to fall. - -"Look over there," murmured Bob, pointing to something at the edge of -the bushes. - -A trio of hyenas was also waiting silently for the eland to die. They -never took their eyes from the animal, although they made no move to -action. - -"There's work here," said Mr. Lewis, raising his rifle. "We must put -that poor animal out of its misery." - -"And I'm going to plug those doggone hyenas," muttered Bob. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII - -Moments of Horror - - -Two reports rent the air. Without an outcry the big eland collapsed. A -hyena, too, had been hit by Bob's rifle. - -"One good turn done," said Mr. Lewis, handing his rifle to his gun -bearer. - -"Wait till I shoot the rest of those hyenas," came from Bob, who was -taking aim with a high-velocity .22 rifle. - -"Um get bigger gun. No kill um with little gun." Noko was watching Bob -curiously. - -"Watch me and see," smiled Bob. - -Using his knowledge of marksmanship, the youth killed all of the -hyenas by sending bullets through the eye to the brain. The stupid -animals had not made the slightest move to flee, even though they saw -their companions go down. - -But scarcely had the cloud of smoke lifted when the explorers saw -something else making for the body of the eland. Three large black -vultures perched on the carcass. - -More carefully aimed bullets from Bob's rifle finished them instantly. - -"Ready now?" chuckled Mr. Holton. - -"Sure," Bob answered. "That job's over. Somehow I couldn't leave -without letting those hyenas and vultures have it." - -A little farther on, the adventurers came to a narrow trail that wound -through the tall grass. As it headed in their direction, they followed -it. - -For the last ten minutes Bob and Joe had fallen to the rear of the -safari. Now, when they returned to join their fathers, Mr. Lewis -turned to them. - -"Noko says there may be a native village a little farther on," he -said. "Howard and I think it might be best to make for it, because the -blacks may be able to tell us of some big game in this vicinity. We'd -like especially to have a fine leopard skin." - -"Leopard! Boy! Sounds exciting," grinned Joe. "Here's hoping we see -one--or more, for that matter." - -They trudged on for over an hour. Then, when they were beginning to -fear that no village was near, they rounded a bend in the bushes and -found themselves facing a group of thatched huts. - -"Came to it at last," mused Bob. "But--where are the people? Looks -like nobody's at home." - -"Maybe they've gone visiting," remarked Joe with a laugh. - -Mr. Holton suggested that they move on into the village to see if -there was any evidence of recent human habitation. - -Leaving the bearers at a little clearing to wait, the four Americans -and Noko walked toward the grass huts, keeping on the alert for -anything human or animal. - -"Looks like it's deserted, all right," remarked Joe. "Not a soul -anywhere." - -"What's that?" cried Bob suddenly, stopping at once. - -"What?" questioned his chum. - -"Sounded like---- Come on, Joe. Let's go around this hut and see what -we can see." - -The youths left the naturalists and Noko and made their way to the -other side of a large thatched house. - -Then, horror stricken, they saw what had caused Bob to utter his -sudden exclamation. - -Coiled but a few scant feet away was a long black mamba, the most -poisonous snake of Africa. It was eyeing the human invaders staringly, -apparently with evil purpose. - -For one awful moment the youths gazed in terrible fascination, unable -to take their eyes from the hideous reptile. Then, sensing the need -for flight, they turned to leave. But they hesitated. - -"It's going to strike!" gasped Joe. "And neither of us has a gun!" - -Bob looked about wildly for some club or other weapon with which to -defend himself and his friend, but saw none. For a second he thought -of turning to run, but he soon realized that the deadly snake could -probably move much faster than could he. - -What greatly puzzled the youths was why the mamba appeared to be -taking the aggressive. Perhaps, however, it was angered because -frightened. - -Just then the youths heard a shout from Mr. Lewis and then the report -of a rifle. - -The snake's head was shattered into a horrid pulp, which almost -sickened the boys. It writhed about feebly, then was still. - -Mr. Lewis and Mr. Holton rushed toward their sons. - -"You sure fired that shot in time," said Bob with a shudder. "I was -beginning to think it was all over with us." - -"It was a terribly narrow escape," breathed Mr. Holton, wiping the -perspiration from his brow. "We should have warned you about mambas." - -"Why?" asked Bob. "They aren't here any more than anywhere else, are -they?" - -"Yes," returned Mr. Holton emphatically. "A deserted village nearly -always contains at least one mamba. For some reason they like to pick -on such a place. But the main thing now," he added, "is that you're -still alive." - -With one last glance at the dead reptile the explorers turned toward -the safari. As they passed through the village they kept a close watch -for any more of the dreaded snakes, but saw none near. They did see -another quite a distance away, although it did not apparently catch -sight of them. - -"I've been wondering just where the villagers are and why they left -their huts," remarked Mr. Lewis, when they had rejoined the others of -the expedition. - -"Maybe those mambas drove them out," suggested Bob, but Noko shook his -head. - -"No rain now, and dey go to place where is water," was the opinion -voiced by the head native. - -"By Jupiter! Perhaps you're right, Noko," exclaimed Joe's father. -"Well, then, if that is true, there is no use waiting for them to -return. Let's go." - -Under the expert leadership of the veteran Noko, the expedition was -making good time toward the little-known Forest of Mystery. If their -luck should hold, they would reach it in but a few days. - -"According to Mr. Seabury, back in Mombasa, we should come to a very -wide, shallow stream. A little beyond this is the Forest of Mystery," -said Mr. Holton, as that night they were camped at the foot of a -little knoll. "We should be nearing that stream now." - -Mention of this out-of-the-way place revived the name of Thomas -Seabury, the missing brother of the man in Mombasa. - -"Wonder if we'll find him," mused Joe, gazing off into the dark depths -of the jungle. - -"Hard telling," returned his friend. "About all we can do is to ask -natives if they have seen or heard of him. And if they haven't--well, -it doesn't look like there'll be much chance of coming across him." - -"You're right, Bob," affirmed Mr. Lewis. "Africa is a very large -place, and he might have left that unknown forest long before. But -we'll certainly do all we can to locate him." - -For two successive days the safari plunged on steadily without coming -to the stream. - -Late in the afternoon the explorers were crossing a stretch of open -country when suddenly Mr. Lewis called a halt. He pointed to -something that was coming toward them. - -It was an impala, a species of antelope, and was evidently in the last -stage of exhaustion. Running wildly and without aim, the animal was a -pitiable sight. - -Then the adventurers saw something else. Two African hunting dogs were -pursuing the impala and were gaining rapidly. In but a short time they -would be upon it. - -"Quick!" exclaimed Mr. Holton, grasping his rifle from its bearer. "We -must shoot those dogs before they get that fine big antelope. Ben, you -take the one ahead. I'll pick the one behind. Now!" - -_Bang! Crack!_ - -The sound of the guns was mingled with a last cry from one of the -hunting dogs as it rolled over. The other had been killed instantly. - -"Two less pests in the world," murmured Mr. Lewis, and then, turning -to Bob and Joe: "All the hunters in Africa couldn't kill off as many -beautiful harmless animals as the African hunting dog." - -"Why? How do they do it?" inquired Joe. - -"They usually hunt in packs," his father replied. "And the antelope or -other animal that they go after is as good as doomed. They never give -up till they get the one they're after. Worst thing is, they kill new -animals every day and eat only a small part of the flesh. Then they -single out more." - -"The pests!" growled Bob. "From now on I'm going to plug every one I -see. They----" - -He did not finish, for just at that moment the party emerged from a -thick jungle growth to see a wide stream just ahead. Beyond it was an -endless mass of towering trees, which grew so close together as to -form a veritable jungle. - -Bob uttered a cry of delight. - -"The Forest of Mystery!" he broke out. "We've found it!" - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV - -Into the Forest of Mystery - - -"I believe you're right, Son," observed Mr. Holton, his eyes scanning -the landscape. "This is certainly the wide stream that George Seabury -said we'd see. Then too, Thompson, that naturalist we saw in San -Francisco, mentioned it." - -"That distant forest sure looks mysterious," remarked Joe, gazing -ahead at the mass of towering trees. "How large is it?" - -"A good many miles across," Mr. Lewis answered. "In fact, several -score. And all heavy, untrodden wilderness." - -"So much the better for us," smiled Bob. "But say. How are we going to -cross this wide stream? Must be nearly a quarter of a mile to the -other side." - -"Hardly that," laughed his father. "But to answer your question: if -the water isn't too deep, we'll ford it; but if this isn't possible, -we'll have to build rafts." - -Noko thought it advisable to cross before night and make camp on the -other side. - -The head native walked down to the bank and waded out into the water. -Much as the explorers had expected, it was shallow, not reaching to -the waist. - -The whites donned their hip boots and, led by Noko, waded out into the -stream. They were followed by the bearers and guards. - -Although the water was sluggish and dirty, the going was good, and the -adventurers reached the opposite bank in rapid time. There Bob and Joe -and the naturalists removed their high boots and made ready to pitch -the tents, as darkness was not far off. - -"I can hardly wait to get into that Forest of Mystery," said Joe, -stopping for a moment to glance toward the west. "Something tells me -we'll see sights, all right." - -"Perhaps," came from Bob. "But then, maybe not. It might not be much -different from what we've already passed through." - -As the darkness enshrouded them, several of the natives built huge -fires which sent their warmth far afield. The cold of the African -night was soon forgotten. - -Before long the odor of delicious food made the chums smack their lips -in anticipation. - -"Tomorrow," remarked Mr. Holton during the meal, "we may see sights -for sore eyes." - -"And tomorrow can't come any too soon for me," put in Joe. - -Nothing happened during the night. The next morning all were up early -preparing to plunge into the little-known forest. They had their -belongings packed in record time and were soon again on the march. - -They covered the distance to the forest sooner than expected. All felt -the blood tingle in their veins as they entered the dense leafy -depths. For in the fastness of this unexplored place could be almost -anything. - -"Keep your guns in readiness," warned Mr. Lewis. "There's no telling -when we may need them." - -"Wish we'd see a gorilla--like that big one in the circus," mused Joe. - -"Gorillas live only in certain places, chiefly in mountainous -regions," explained Mr. Holton. "It is very unlikely that we'll run -across any. But of course we can't be sure." - -If the jungle had been dense before, it was almost impenetrable now. -More than once the explorers received cuts and bruises from sharp -thorns. Their high shoes protected them from most snakes, the dreaded -mamba being one exception. So, although there were difficulties of the -trail, the adventurers forgot them in their eagerness to explore. - -Farther on they came to something that made them gasp in wonder. - -Before them, in an open space, was a large hill of earth that must -have been at least forty feet high. Very wide at the base, it tapered -up like a cone. - -"Don't tell us this is an ant hill," muttered Bob, as he and the -others stopped to examine it. - -"It is just that," smiled his father. "Whopper, isn't it?" - -"Biggest yet," pronounced Joe. "And just think, it was built by -countless little white ants." - -As he stood looking at the hill, Joe noticed his chum going around to -one side. - -"What are you going to do?" Joe inquired. - -Bob answered the question by climbing the side of the hill. Apparently -he found the task easy, for he was soon halfway to the top. In a short -time he had reached it and was looking down at his father and friends. - -"Fine view," he smiled, gazing off into the depths of the forest. -"That is, it would be if there weren't so many trees around. One good -thing, though: I can see over the bushes and jungle growth." - -"Anything worth while around here?" queried Joe. - -Bob did not answer for a moment. Then suddenly his gaze remained fixed -on something off in the distance. - -"I believe--yes, that's what it is." - -"What?" demanded his father impatiently. "I take it that you see -something of interest." - -"There's a big rhino away over there," the youth said, keeping his -eyes glued to the distant object. - -"A rhino? Where?" Mr. Lewis looked up suddenly. - -"Down that narrow trail over there," was the answer. "It seems to be -coming this way." - -"Climb down from there, Son, and we'll investigate," said Mr. Holton, -taking his rifle. "A rhinoceros hide is what we want above -everything." - -Led by the naturalists, the party followed the narrow trail that Bob -had pointed out. It was well beaten, being probably long used by wild -animals. - -Joe, holding a movie camera, was ready to film any encounter that they -might have. Bob, as usual, carried his rifle. - -But when, fifteen minutes later, they saw no traces of the rhino, the -explorers were ready to give up the chase. For even in that short time -they had gone farther than Bob said the animal had been. - -Just when they were at the point of retracing their footsteps, Joe -burst through a mass of foliage and at once called the others. - -"Look what I've found," he said proudly. "A water hole where wild -animals come to drink. See the tracks on the ground?" - -"Jove!" exclaimed Mr. Holton. "That's exactly what it is. Looks like -about every animal imaginable comes to this place. Here are monkeys' -footprints. And over here are leopard tracks. Wild pigs and buffaloes -have been here, too." - -Joe regarded the naturalists quizzically for a moment. - -"Are we in any special hurry to go on?" he asked. - -"Not especially," returned Mr. Holton. "Why do you ask?" - -"I'd like to take movies of the animals when they come here tonight to -drink," went on Joe. "Why can't we make camp near here?" - -"Hmm!" Mr. Holton considered for a minute. - -"Why not do it, Howard?" asked Joe's father. "After all, this is a -wonderful opportunity for the boys to take movies. And while we're -waiting here, you and I can look around for new specimens." - -"I'm willing," Mr. Lewis said. "We can pitch our tents a few hundred -yards from here so as not to be too near and frighten the animals." - -Noko found a suitable camping spot quite a distance away. After the -tents were erected he set out with Mr. Lewis to explore the -surrounding country for wild life. Bob and Joe remained behind with -Mr. Holton to "take it easy," as Joe remarked. - -Late that afternoon Mr. Lewis and the native returned with several -interesting specimens, among them being a peculiar bird that so far as -the naturalists knew was unknown to the civilized world. - -"Now's when our work comes in," remarked Bob, as he and Joe started -down the path. "We're going to construct a thorn enclosure near that -water hole. Then we can hide behind it and wait for animals to come -tonight to drink. That way we can take moving pictures of them without -their suspecting us." - -"Good idea," said his father. "Need any help?" - -Bob shook his head and with his chum walked to the water hole. There -they built a _boma_, behind which they could hide. They made it look -very natural, so that animals would not become suspicious. - -After an early supper the naturalists and their sons went to the water -hole to wait, leaving Noko behind with the safari. - -Twilight came, and with it a brilliant moon. Darkness soon fell over -the vast forest. - -Their hearts beating rapidly, the two youths waited. They held the -movie cameras ready for instant action. - -"Hark!" said Mr. Lewis suddenly. "What's that noise?" - -"I didn't hear anything," said Bob, straining his ears to listen. - -Then suddenly they heard a most unearthly sound, unlike anything they -had ever known. It was repeated again and again, always more -blood-curdling. Then at last it died away in horrible moanings. - -It was some time before anyone spoke, for all had been not a little -frightened by the uncanny cries. - -"Was that a wild animal?" demanded Joe, who had almost turned pale. - -"I've never heard any wild animal that could make that kind of a -noise," returned Mr. Holton, and Joe's father shook his head. - -"It didn't sound like people, either," came from Joe. "Ugh! Gives me -the shivers. Maybe it was a ghost." - -Mr. Lewis tried to laugh. - -"Use your reason, Son," he said. "There aren't any such things as -ghosts." - -For the time being another much different sound made the explorers -forget the mysterious cries. It was a loud trumpeting that seemed to -come from but a short distance away. - -"Elephants," pronounced Mr. Holton. "They're coming this way." - - - - -CHAPTER XXV - -The Fury of the Storm - - -While all waited silently, the sound of moving footsteps could be -heard. A little later two huge elephants broke through the foliage and -made for the water hole. They drank great draughts of the refreshing -liquid, and then with their long trunks sluiced themselves thoroughly. - -Bob and Joe watched interestedly. They had but one fear. What if the -purring of the movie cameras could be heard by the huge brutes? Would -they charge the little hidden group, or would they immediately take -flight into the dark recesses of the jungle? - -As the moments passed, the adventurers grew more hopeful. Thus far the -elephants had not heard. Perhaps, after all, the noise was not loud -enough. - -"Listen!" hissed Bob, catching his chum's arm. "Something else is -coming." - -He had scarcely spoken when from another direction emerged a troop of -wildebeests, followed by three zebras. Still more wild creatures -showed up soon after, including an oryx, Thompson's gazelle, -hartebeest, and numerous monkeys. - -"Isn't that a wonderful sight?" whispered Mr. Holton, never taking his -eyes from the scene. - -"Best ever," came from Joe. - -A little later they heard a series of strange grunts, and a huge wart -hog moved in a slow, awkward gait toward the water hole. - -"A drinking place is the best spot there is to see a number of -different kinds of animals side by side," remarked Mr. Lewis, also -speaking in a very low whisper. - -"They don't seem to notice each other," observed Joe. "They just keep -on drinking as though nothing else were there." - -Again footsteps were heard, and with them the sound of a heavy body -crashing through the underbrush. Then there suddenly appeared but a -short distance away a monstrous buffalo, which was also intent upon -satisfying its thirst. - -"Be trouble now," said Bob. - -"Wait and see," smiled his father. - -Much to the boys' surprise the buffalo paid not the slightest -attention to the other animals. It found a place at the pond and -began drinking. - -"That's a new one on me," whispered Bob, and Joe nodded. "Looks like -there'd be trouble, with all those different kinds of creatures there -at once." - -"You see they have a common interest: to quench their thirst," -explained Mr. Lewis. "In such a case peace reigns." - -But ten minutes later the explorers--and very obviously the -animals--heard something that was not so suggestive of peace. It was -the deep, vibrating roar of a lion, which seemed to be coming nearer. - -The effect was immediate. Uneasiness prevailed among the more harmless -animals; some of them turned about and disappeared into the jungle -depths, while others pricked up their ears and listened. - -But there was no mistaking the distant roar. A lion was abroad -stalking for prey. - -As the minutes passed, Mr. Lewis and Mr. Holton held their rifles -ready for instant action. At every second they feared that the lion -would appear. Bob and Joe, although realizing that perhaps their lives -were in danger, continuing to film the scene, delighted at the -unusualness of the occasion. - -Suddenly the explorers' eyes opened wide, for the thing that they -beheld was exceedingly large and powerful. - -A great maned lion moved slowly toward the water hole! - -Their hearts in their mouths, Bob and Joe half expected to see the -beast make toward their _boma_. But it did not. - -Long before, the horde of animals that had been drinking had vanished, -leaving the pond to take refuge from the king of beasts. The great -lion seemed to sense that this had taken place. It uttered a -tremendous roar of defiance, then bent its head to drink. - -"Good chance for a shot," murmured Bob, barely making himself heard. - -But the naturalists shook their heads. - -"One animal is enough to shoot from a _boma_," whispered Mr. Lewis. -"Somehow I feel that it doesn't give them a fair chance." - -They watched the lion silently until the latter finally turned and -left, making its way stealthily over the carpet of twigs and rotting -vines. Then Mr. Holton suggested that they get back to camp. - -"That ought to be about the most interesting scene we've filmed," -remarked Joe the next morning, as with the others he prepared to -leave. - -"No doubt you'll get others when we penetrate deeper into this -forest," said his father. - -Late the next afternoon Noko cast uneasy glances up at the distant -sky. There was a worried look on his face as he lead the safari -farther into the unknown. - -"Um big storm coming," he said with a frown. - -"A storm?" breathed Bob. "Do you think it will be here today?" - -Noko nodded, his face grave. - -"Um storm him not wait," the tall African said. "Storm come much soon. -Sky it getting dark." - -Indeed, the signs were most threatening. The distant horizon was -colored a sickly yellow, which seemed to shine ominously. Dark clouds -were forming overhead and were joining slowly but surely. - -"It certainly looks bad," murmured Mr. Lewis. "We must find shelter -somewhere. Where do you suggest going, Noko?" - -"We find um cave or um-um hollow," returned the head native. "That -only way we get out from um storm." - -A weird silence hovered about. Birds had ceased their calls; monkeys -were no longer chattering in the trees. Not the slightest suggestion -of a wind played through the leaves. - -Under the leadership of Noko they searched about desperately for some -place that would serve as a refuge from the approaching storm. But as -time passed they were still moving through the forest as before. - -Mr. Lewis suggested that they erect their tents, but the tall African -shook his head vigorously. A storm as bad as this one promised to be, -said Noko in the native language, would most certainly tear the frail -tents loose almost at once. For, he reminded them, the new rainy -season was not far off. - -With every passing minute the clouds banked tighter. An odd twilight -enveloped the adventurers, making the task of escaping even more -difficult. - -At one time Bob and Joe caught a glimpse of several monkeys huddled -closely together under a gigantic leaf. The little creatures would -under other circumstances have inspired a smile from the youths. - -"Must hurry," urged Noko, increasing his pace still more. "Must find -um cave um quick." - -Then suddenly, with the fury of a battle, the tropical hurricane was -upon them! - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI - -Waiting in Dread - - -"Above all, we must try to keep together," warned Mr. Holton, speaking -to the natives as well as the whites. "It might spell tragedy if any -of us should get lost from the rest." - -The rain was falling almost in torrents, soon drenching the -adventurers thoroughly. Wet and miserable, they were haggard-looking -creatures as they stalked through the fastness of the forest. - -Great flashes of uncanny lightning streaked across the sky. They were -followed by ear-splitting bursts of thunder, which resembled nothing -so much as the discharging of heavy cannon. Wind--violent, ruthless -wind--all but blew the explorers to the ground. - -Their hearts beating rapidly, their breath coming in short gasps, they -rushed as fast as possible in a wild search for some shelter from the -elements. And all knew that they must find some place quickly; they -could never withstand the full fury of the storm very long. - -As time passed, the sky grew still darker, until it was utterly -impossible to make out what was ahead. It was only when a violent -streak of eerie lightning would illuminate the sky that they could see -each other. - -"This is terrible!" moaned Joe, struggling to brace himself against -the violent gale. - -The sound of his voice was drowned out, however, in the uproar of the -elements. Nor could anyone else have been heard. - -Bob clutched his friend's arm and held on firmly. They would stick -together through it all, he thought. - -Suddenly the sky was lighted as brightly as day, and there followed a -terrific clap of ear-splitting thunder. It seemed so near that the -travelers jumped back instinctively. - -Then they heard a great forest giant groan and creak and split at the -base. It was very near them, and, not being able to see it, they -feared that perhaps it would fall on them. - -"Look out!" shouted Mr. Lewis, as lightning made the sky bright. "It's -coming down on us!" - -Obeying the command at once, all turned and ran for their lives. It -was torture unthinkable, for in the twilight it was most difficult to -avoid stumbling over vines or running into trees. Still side by side, -Bob and Joe followed their elders desperately, until they thought the -danger was over. - -Barely a few seconds later there was a terrific crash as the forest -giant fell to the ground. It literally shook the earth, so violently -did it strike. - -"A narrow escape!" breathed Bob. "Wouldn't have been much left of us -if that had struck us." - -The youths were a little to one side of the safari and were falling -behind. Realizing this, they hurried to catch up. - -But just at that moment Bob's foot caught in a creeper, and he -sprawled to the ground before he could catch himself. When he fell he -took Joe with him, and together they rolled over on the wet carpet of -leaves and twigs. - -"Hurry!" urged Joe, shouting to make himself heard. "The others are -far ahead of us." - -He helped his friend to his feet and then started off toward where he -thought the safari should be. But Bob called him back. - -"I--I can't make it, I guess," Bob said, wincing with pain. "Sprained -my ankle." - -Joe bent over anxiously and felt of the injured foot. - -"Isn't broken and doesn't seem to be dislocated," he said, -straightening up. "Can't you walk at all?" - -Bob made a heroic attempt but could not move a single step. - -"No use," he said. "Just have to wait a moment, I guess. Maybe--" he -stopped as a clap of thunder drowned out his voice--"it'll quit -hurting before long." - -Joe shouted at the top of his voice to his father and Mr. Holton, -hoping that they would hear and stop. But it was useless. In that -uproar sound would not travel any distance to speak of. - -He removed his revolver from its holster and pulled the trigger. But -no report followed. In some manner water had found its way to the -cartridges. - -Still hoping that Bob would soon be able to walk, he waited, listening -to the pattering of the rain and the bursts of the thunder. If -possible, the hurricane raged even more furiously than before. - -A little later Bob announced that he was able to walk. With his friend -he set off, slowly, of course, but surely. - -But by now the chums had lost all sense of direction. They had not the -slightest notion of where they could find the safari. Perhaps, for all -they knew, it was moving in just an opposite direction. - -Even when the surrounding forest was illuminated by streaks of -lightning the boys could not see far because of the trees. - -"Looks like they're gone," mourned Bob. - -"What'll we do?" - -"Nothing that I know of, only keep on going. It seems to me that they -were traveling this way, but I'm not sure." - -Blinded by the torrents of rain, bruised and cut by the countless -pointed thorns and brambles, the young explorers moved along -painfully, hoping against hope that they would meet up with their -elders or some of the blacks. - -But luck was not with them that day. With every step they were -unknowingly moving farther into the depths of the unknown forest, -instead of following a set course. - -"Looks like we're not going to find them," said Joe, panting for -breath. "But we won't stop now." - -All the remainder of the afternoon the hurricane continued as -violently as before. Then very slowly it began to subside, although -the rain continued to fall. But at least the terrible gale was no -longer blowing, and this was what had bothered the chums most. - -"But where are we?" asked Joe, looking about as the darkness gave way -to dim light. - -The region they were in was one of the wildest they had yet seen. -Gnarled, twisted trees grew in profusion; deep gulches broke the -ground in a number of places; strange, odd plants, including huge -ferns, were everywhere. Once they caught sight of an unusually queer -animal slinking through the underbrush. - -"Maybe we're miles and miles from the safari," said Bob in a voice of -hopelessness. - -"I'm afraid of hostile natives," his chum put in. "It wouldn't be -funny to be captured and carried off into some unknown village." - -The rain had stopped completely now, but darkness was beginning to -close over them. The friends dreaded the coming of night in that wild -country. Alone and unable to build a fire, they would be at the mercy -of savage jungle beasts. - -"Suppose we stop here for the night," suggested Joe. "I'm all in after -fighting that hurricane." - -At a little elevation the youths sat down on a rotting tree trunk, -glad of the chance to rest. They knew there was no use continuing the -search for the safari, for the night was not far off. - -Bob had a few matches in a waterproofed case, but he knew it would be -useless to attempt to light a fire. - -"Guess we'll have to stick it out without anything to eat tonight," -he told his chum. "Then maybe tomorrow we'll find our dads and the -others." - -Secretly the youths feared that for them tomorrow might not come. For -they were alone in the great African jungle and would be easy prey for -lions and other dangerous beasts. But both had their revolvers -strapped to their sides, and, although not nearly as powerful as -rifles, they might spell the difference between life and death. - -Soon the short-lived twilight came, followed shortly by darkness. Then -the moon rose, and it was possible to see fairly well. - -"I'll take the first watch," remarked Joe, an hour later. "You turn in -and sleep for three hours or so. Then you can stand guard." - -Bob asked that he be given the first watch, but Joe would not listen. -Grudgingly Bob agreed to do as suggested and was soon fast asleep. - -As the night wore on, Joe heard a distant yapping of jackals. He also -could make out the howls of hyenas and other animals. Then he heard -another sound, and he sat up with a start. - -A low growl was issuing from behind a patch of jungle growth. It was -repeated again and again, always louder and more defiant. - -Joe grasped his revolver thankfully and remained silent. If the -creature were dangerous, he could only hope that it would keep its -distance. The prospects of killing a lion or leopard with the -revolver, Joe knew, were very slight. - -As the minutes passed, he was beginning to think that the animal had -retreated, when he suddenly became aware of stealthily moving feet. -They seemed to be padding slowly toward him. - -An awful fear seized Joe. If some dangerous brute were stalking him, -intent upon prey, it might well be his end. But, the youth thought, -raising the revolver slowly, it wouldn't get him and Bob without being -at least wounded. - -The seconds went by slowly, painfully. Then, horror-stricken, Joe made -out the huge body of a powerful leopard which was advancing toward -him. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII - -The White Pigmy Elephant - - -Joe's mind was in a whirl. He thought of jumping up and firing -point-blank at the oncoming leopard, but then he suddenly remembered -that he had not been able to discharge the revolver. Perhaps the -cartridges were still wet. If they were and would not fire, it would -probably spell his finish. - -He thought, too, of waking Bob, but he knew that this would cause a -commotion, which might make the leopard charge without delay. No, Joe -thought, neither of these plans would work. - -Suddenly his face brightened somewhat. A wild scheme was in his mind. -Would it work? - -As undisturbing as possible, the boy reached into his pocket and -removed the little case of matches. Protected by a tightly fitting -cap, they were unaffected by the rain. His movement had been so -cautious that apparently the leopard had not noticed. - -Knowing that the heat of the atmosphere had dried out his shirt to a -considerable degree, he resorted to a desperate measure. With a quick -movement he tore the shirt from his shoulders, struck a match, and -lighted the cloth. - -Almost at once the tiny blaze of the match increased in size until it -was quite large. When satisfied that the cloth was burning -sufficiently, Joe tied it to a twig and, with all the strength he -could muster, threw it at the leopard. - -There was a howl of fear and pain, and then the sound of retreating -footsteps. The beast had vanished into the blackness of the jungle. - -Meanwhile, Bob had jumped to his feet, having been aroused by the -howl. He looked inquiringly at his friend. - -"Anything wrong?" he queried, removing his revolver. - -"Nothing now--I hope," Joe returned, gazing off into the forest. "A -leopard was stalking us. I think he's gone now." - -"Really? Is it gone? What did you do?" - -Joe told of what had happened. When he had finished, his chum regarded -him admiringly. - -"Good for you, old boy," praised Bob, patting his friend on the back. -"I'd have never thought of doing anything like that. But now suppose I -take up the watch for a while. I'll keep on the lookout for that -leopard." - -But Joe refused, saying that his watch was not yet over. - -"I'll call you later," he said, and Bob again retired. - -Toward the end of his guard Joe heard a mysterious cry, similar to -that he had heard several days before. It was most blood-curdling, -sending chills down his spine. Whether it was of animal or human -origin the youth had no idea. - -Bob too heard the unearthly sound later during his watch, and was as -frightened as his chum had been. - -"The Forest of Mystery!" he breathed, looking about rather fearfully. -"Certainly seems mysterious. Things could be happening right at this -minute that nobody knows anything about." - -At the first streak of dawn Bob awoke Joe, although the latter was -still very sleepy. - -"Let me wait a little bit longer," pleaded the latter, rubbing his -eyes. - -But Bob stoutly refused. - -"We'll just have to get going again," he said. "Have to find our dads -and the others as soon as we can." - -Joe knew that this was necessary, and so arose without saying anything -further. - -The boys were obliged to begin the day without any breakfast, although -both were ravenously hungry. They saw several small animals dart -across their path, but decided to lose no time in shooting them. -Delay, they knew, might mean tragedy to them. - -They had not the slightest notion of which way to go in search of the -safari, but they agreed to strike out to the west, as that was the -direction previously taken. - -Along toward noon Bob called his chum over to a little clearing. - -"Look at that strange track," he pointed out. "Was that made by a wild -animal?" - -"Search me," Joe said. "I never saw anything like it before. Looks -like the footprint of a person, only it's much larger, and there -aren't any toe marks." - -The youths recalled the different animals they had come in contact -with and read about. But none, they were sure, could make footprints -anything like this. - -"I'm sure that couldn't have been a monkey--even a gorilla," said Bob, -"because there would be marks of its toes." - -"Let's get out of here," murmured Joe a bit fearfully. "Who knows what -kind of a creature that might have been?" - -They left the spot and plunged on through the forest. Bob removed his -revolver and fired two shots, hoping that they could be heard by the -safari. He refrained from firing more because of the possibility of -needing the bullets in an emergency. - -All morning they hiked on, paying little or no attention to the -country they were passing through. They observed with interest, -however, the results of the hurricane. Tall trees were lying about, -having been struck by lightning; numerous small dead animals could be -seen. - -By noon their hunger had become almost unbearable. Joe managed to -shoot a large duck-like bird, which was at once roasted over a fire. -To the two starved boys, the taste was delicious. - -They stopped only long enough to eat the meal, for every minute of -delay was maddening to them. - -"We've just got to find our party today," said Bob, gritting his -teeth. "If we don't, they'll move so far away that we never will find -them." - -Joe nodded. - -"But then," he reminded his friend, "maybe they'll stick around this -vicinity. They're probably looking for us, too, don't forget. We'll -just----" - -He ceased abruptly and suddenly turned pale. - -The reason was not far to seek. A huge spear had whizzed past his -head, missing it by only a very few inches! - -For some time neither of the youths spoke. They stared fearfully into -the green depths of the forest whence the spear had been thrown. - -Then, seeing no signs of natives, Bob broke the silence. - -"What do you think?" he asked in a low voice, never taking his eyes -from the jungle. - -Joe waited a moment before replying. He had not yet recovered from the -horror that had seized him. - -"I--I don't know what to think," he said tensely. "Savages, cannibals, -maybe." - -"But why don't they attack us?" asked Bob, greatly puzzled. - -"More than I know." - -The youths remained where they were for several minutes, fearful to -move on for fear of being struck from behind. But when after quite a -while nothing more happened they concluded it was safe to go on. - -All through the afternoon they kept a close lookout for savages but -saw none. Nor did they see any traces of human habitation. With every -step they became more mystified. Who had thrown the spear? What was -the object in throwing it? Why had the chums not been attacked? - -"This doggone Forest of Mystery gets on my nerves," said Joe, as late -that afternoon they stopped beside a small spring. "Oh, if we could -only find our safari!" - -After replenishing their water bottles, which were strapped tightly -over their shoulders, the young adventurers continued their frantic -search. - -At a little open space they suddenly caught sight of something that -made them gasp in wonder. - -Moving awkwardly from behind a low hill was the strangest creature -they had ever laid eyes on. It was an unusually small elephant--all -white! - - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII - -Finding One Lost - - -"What do you know about that?" muttered Joe Lewis, staring at the -animal. "A white pigmy elephant! Wouldn't our dads be tickled if they -could see it?" - -"That's an idea," said Bob quickly. "Why can't we shoot it for them?" - -Joe laughed. - -"Impossible," he said. "Why, these revolver cartridges wouldn't even -stop it, let alone kill it. Not much chance of doing that. Then too, -we want to find our party." - -But Bob persisted. - -"I tell you we can get that elephant some way," he went on. "As for -finding the safari, well--I don't believe a few minutes' delay would -make much difference. And I feel sure we'll find them before long. But -right now let's get that elephant." - -"But how?" demanded the other. - -The animal was about twenty yards away and seemed not to notice the -human invaders. And the wind was blowing away from it, so that it -could not get their scent. - -As silently as they could the boys crept along through the tall grass, -keeping their revolvers in readiness. Bob led the way, confident that -he could manage to get an effective shot. - -When within five yards of it, the young hunters stopped and waited. -The little elephant had its back toward them, making it impossible to -fire. - -Then it turned and faced them, perhaps sensing danger. - -"Now!" said Bob, and together the youths fired, aiming at the eyes. - -Without an outcry the elephant fell, writhed about for a second, and -then was still. - -"Yay!" cried Bob. "Killed it instantly. Both of those bullets found -their way to the brain. And," facing his chum, "you said it couldn't -be done." - -"I'm sorry," grinned Joe. "I guess there isn't anything we can't do, -eh, Bob?" - -The youths hardly knew what to do with the carcass. They could not -take the time to skin it, and yet they knew hyenas and vultures would -soon appear if it were left where it was. - -Finally they decided to do a quick job of skinning it, although -perhaps they could not perform the task as well as it should be done. - -Using their hunting knives, they hastily ripped off the white hide, -which they were finally able to move several yards from the carcass. -Then they gathered thorn bushes and surrounded it by an impenetrable -_boma_. Over the hide as well as around it they placed several -thicknesses of thorns and brambles. - -"Maybe that'll keep the vultures and hyenas away," said Joe, as he -turned to leave. "Now, if we can just find the safari." - -For a half hour the boys trudged on, their hopes slowly becoming -lessened. At frequent intervals they fired their revolvers, stopping -shortly after to listen. - -On one occasion Bob thought he heard a shout but was not sure. Again -he fired, and again he listened. - -Sure enough, a faint cry was breaking the vast stillness. It was -repeated again and again, and then came the sound of a rifle shot. - -"It's our party!" cried Joe happily. "They've heard us." - -"Come," said Bob, setting off at a rapid pace. "Let's hurry." - -Five minutes later the chums broke through the foliage and faced none -other than Mr. Lewis and Mr. Holton. - -"Boys!" cried Bob's father, his joy beyond words. "We've found you at -last!" - -Mr. Lewis was equally affected. - -"We were afraid something happened to you," he said, patting them -affectionately. "We didn't see how you could possibly go through this -forest unharmed. Especially with all the strange things here." - -"Just what do you mean by that?" demanded Bob, wondering if the -naturalists had also seen or heard unexplainable phenomena. - -"What I said," returned Mr. Lewis, his face grave. "Howard and I heard -all kinds of mysterious noises from the depths of the forest. We -haven't any idea what they were. And there's something else that we -haven't been able to explain." - -"What was that?" inquired Joe, thoroughly interested. - -"Last night we saw a strange phosphorescence very near our camp," his -father resumed. "It shone quite brilliantly, and we weren't able to -tell what caused it. We played our flashlights on it, but could make -out nothing. Some trick of nature, I suppose." - -"You weren't the only ones to see mysterious things," said Joe, and -then told of the peculiar footprint and of the long spear that had so -nearly ended his life. - -When he had finished, the naturalists looked grave. - -"You boys certainly had a thrilling experience," Mr. Holton said. "Of -course," he went on, "there's an explanation to everything that has -happened. Whether we'll be able to delve into it we have yet to see." - -"But there's something else that will interest you," put in Bob. "Joe -and I shot a white pigmy elephant." - -"What? Not fooling us, are you?" - -"Come, and we'll show you," said Bob, and led the way through the -forest. - -When they finally reached the spot, they found the _boma_ just as they -had built it. The carcass, however, had been torn to pieces by -vultures and hyenas. - -The youths removed the thorn and bramble bushes from the enclosure and -then turned to get the elephant skin. - -To their great surprise, it was gone! - -"Of all things!" exclaimed Bob, rubbing his forehead in perplexity. -"That skin has disappeared as if by magic!" - -Joe glanced at his chum, then at the _boma_. He looked around the -other side, but the white skin was nowhere in sight. Finally he -straightened up, a look of supreme bewilderment on his face. - -"Gone sure enough," he said. - -"Are you certain you put it there?" inquired Mr. Holton. - -"Certainly we did," Bob assured him. "What I can't understand is why -the _boma_ wasn't torn to pieces. If some wild animal----" - -"Maybe it wasn't a wild animal," put in Joe. - -"Then--what could it have been?" - -"Beyond me." Joe had no suggestion of an idea. - -The two naturalists took up where their sons had left off and searched -the vicinity of the _boma_. But they had to admit defeat. - -"Another mystery to add to our already long list," commented Mr. -Lewis. "It seems that there is no end to them." - -"Perhaps," suggested Mr. Holton suddenly, "natives got that skin. They -could have been watching the boys place it there. And they could have -covered up the thorn enclosure just as it was." - -"Possibly," came from Mr. Lewis. "But now let's get back to camp. -We'll have some busy days before us." - -Noko and the other natives gave Bob and Joe a royal welcome on seeing -them alive and well. For none knew better than the blacks the dangers -of a tropical hurricane. - -The two naturalists had already collected a large number of specimens. -During the days that followed they added more, many of which were -unknown. - -Bob and Joe did their share of collecting, bringing down not a few -curious wild creatures. They also spent their time in taking motion -pictures of the wild country about them. - -On one occasion they left camp on an all-day trip, taking two of the -bearers with them. They hoped to photograph unusual scenes and perhaps -solve some of the mysteries that so bewildered them. - -They were following a strictly compassed course, so as to take no -chance of becoming lost from the others. Their previous experience had -taught them to have even more respect for the great African forest. - -When the sun was overhead, they sat in the shade of a great raffia -palm, to escape the heat and partake of lunch. - -Joe gazed off rather absently through the trees. Suddenly his jaw -dropped. - -"What's the matter?" asked Bob in surprise. "What do you see?" - -"Look away over there," Joe pointed out. "See that high ant hill?" - -"Why--yes. And look. There's a hut on top of it. Who do you suppose -lives there?" - -"Let's go and see." - -Together the young explorers trekked through the forest until they -came to the ant hill. The latter was all of thirty feet in height, and -built firmly on its summit was a small thatched hut. - -"Boy, this is a mystery," murmured Bob. "Shall we go up and -investigate?" - -"I'm willing." - -There was a crude ladder running up the side of the ant hill. Up this -the chums made their way. They feared at every moment that the ladder -might collapse with their weight. - -"Keep a hand on your revolver," warned Bob. "There's no telling what -may be in that hut. Maybe some savage is asleep there, for all we -know." - -When halfway to the top, they heard a shout from below. - -Looking down they saw a man--a white man! - - - - -CHAPTER XXIX - -Angry Natives - - -"Thomas Seabury!" cried Bob and Joe almost in one breath, recognizing -the man from a picture his brother had shown them in Mombasa. - -They scrambled down the ladder in all haste, forgetting danger, -forgetting everything. - -"My name!" the man exclaimed in a bewildered voice. "How, may I ask, -did you young men get hold of it?" - -Mr. Seabury was rather a small man, with long gray hair and a heavy -beard. His fine face bore the look of a scholar. - -"We've been hunting for you," Joe told him. "Your brother, back in -Mombasa, asked us to be on the lookout for you." - -"Then--he is not here?" - -"No," returned Bob. He did not think it wise to add that George -Seabury had been injured by a rhino. "He couldn't come with us, but we -promised to be on watch for you." - -The man reeled as if to fall. Then he got a grip on himself. - -"At last," he murmured, breathing heavily, "I have seen a white -person." - -"Were you lost?" inquired Joe. - -"Lost, yes. And worse than lost," returned Mr. Seabury grimly. "I was -captured by hostile savages and was about to be sacrificed in their -horrid rites. But I managed to slip off in the night and escape from -their village. It was a horrible experience--wandering through this -trackless forest. I had given myself up for lost when I happened to -find this hut. Who built it I do not know. But it had food stored -away, and I ate it at once." - -"How long have you been here?" asked Joe. "In this vicinity, I mean." - -"Only two days," Seabury replied. "Though it seems more like two -years. I held not the slightest hope of seeing any white person. In -fact, I fully expected to die a slow death from hunger. But now," he -continued in a lighter tone, "I am saved." - -"It was just luck that we found you," Bob said. "My friend here---- -Wait. Pardon us for not introducing ourselves. This is Joe Lewis, and -my name is Holton--Bob Holton." - -Thomas Seabury extended a hand, which the youths clasped warmly. - -"As I was saying," resumed Bob, "Joe happened to see this ant hill. We -came over to investigate." - -"I am only too thankful that you did," the man said. "But how did you -happen to be here? What are you doing in Africa?" - -"We're with our dads," Joe told him. "Came to collect specimens of -wild animals and birds. And now, Mr. Seabury, suppose we go back to -camp. That is, if you're ready." - -"I am more than ready," was the answer. "Camp is a word that sounds -better to me than 'most any I can think of." - -They found the two natives waiting. The latter displayed unusual -surprise at seeing another white man in that vast jungle. Mr. Seabury -fell to talking with them, telling them in their own language of his -experience. - -Back at camp, which they finally reached, Mr. Lewis and Mr. Holton met -them. - -"But look who we've found," said Joe happily. "Thomas Seabury." - -"Well, what in the----" Mr. Lewis could hardly believe his eyes, while -Bob's father was no less surprised. - -Joe introduced Mr. Seabury to the naturalists and then told of how he -and his chum had found the missing man. - -"Good for you, boys," praised Mr. Holton. "If you hadn't found him, -perhaps he wouldn't have been found." - -"I wonder if I am dreaming," said Mr. Seabury. "If I am, I never want -to wake up." - -The youths' fathers spent the remainder of the day in telling of their -experiences since leaving Mombasa and in listening to Seabury's. - -But the next morning all were up early preparing for an extensive hunt -for specimens. Bob and Joe with their cameras, and the scientists with -their rifles, left camp and headed southward, with several of the -bearers following. - -They had not gone far when they became aware of a deep drumming noise, -which seemed to roll along the ground. - -"What's that?" asked Bob, becoming worried. "Savages?" - -Mr. Seabury, who was with them, nodded. - -"I have often heard the noise," he said, "and I believe it is made by -natives. But they are probably a great distance off. I don't believe -we are in any danger." - -All during the hunt the adventurers could hear the deep vibrating of -drums, but as it seemed to get no nearer they thought no more about -it. - -Back at camp they saw a group of strange natives, their faces -streaked with white paint, talking with Noko and the bearers. At first -the explorers hesitated to move on into camp for fear that trouble was -at hand. But they finally concluded that it would be safe. - -"What's up, Noko?" inquired Mr. Holton. - -The tall black seemed glad his masters had returned. - -"Him want sell you um _kidogo_ [little] white elephant skin," Noko -said. - -"A white elephant skin?" demanded Bob suddenly. "Let's see it." - -The natives seemed to regard the youths in some surprise. But they -soon did as asked, producing the white elephant skin. - -At sight of it Bob and Joe uttered startled exclamations. - -"Why, that's the one we killed!" cried Bob angrily. "See. There's -where our bullets entered the head." - -"You're right, Bob," said Mr. Lewis, after a moment of examining the -skin. - -"Ask them where they got it," said Joe. - -The naturalists put the question before the natives in their own -language. They replied that they had speared it several miles from -there, and, having heard of the safari, went to see if they could -sell it. - -"They're big liars!" stormed Bob, when this had been translated. "That -white elephant skin belongs to us. And," he added with determination, -"we're going to have it without pay! - -"Tell those savages to get out of here, Noko," he said. "Tell them -that if they don't they'll wish they had." He removed his revolver -from its holster and, as Noko talked, flashed it before the savages. - -When Noko had finished translating, the savages grew furiously angry. -They advanced threateningly toward the explorers, paying no attention -to Bob's gun. - - - - -CHAPTER XXX - -An Old Mystery Is Cleared - - -One big native made a grab for the white elephant skin. - -But his hand never reached it. With a powerful blow, Bob sent the man -crashing to the ground so hard that he was put in a daze. Then, -raising the revolver, the youth fired three shots into the air. - -They had the desired effect. The savages turned on their heels and -dashed off, leaving their downed companion behind. Before long he too -had disappeared. - -"Well, you certainly made quick work of them," laughed Mr. Seabury, -who had been impressed by the rapidity of Bob's action. "Couldn't see -them for the dust." - -"They were glad enough to get out of it," grinned Joe. "Old Bob would -have cleaned up on the whole bloomin' bunch." - -Everyone had to laugh, now that the danger was over. Even Noko joined -in. - -"Um strong fella," he said, feeling Bob's arms. "You make um leave -ver' quick." - -The naturalists examined the elephant skin and were delighted with it. -For they knew that it was one of the rarest of the rare. - -"Here's hoping we shoot another pigmy white elephant," said Joe, "and -a lot more new specimen's besides." - -During the weeks that followed they did shoot another of the strange -elephants, and in addition brought down a large number of other wild -creatures. The latter were carefully skinned and labeled by the -naturalists. - -Bob and Joe found themselves constantly occupied in working at some -interesting task, such as photographing the mysterious forest. They -exposed several thousand feet of motion-picture film. - -On one afternoon a heavy drizzle fell, making it impossible for the -adventurers to go on with their work. And many of the days that -followed were not without their thunderstorms. - -"Now that the rainy season is at hand," remarked Mr. Lewis one morning -as he sat in a tent, "I suggest that we start back to the coast. We've -collected more than enough specimens, and the boys have taken scores -of motion-picture scenes." - -The explorers attended to packing their belongings, assembling the -specimens, oiling their firearms, and the like. It required nearly a -week to complete preparations, but at last they were ready for the -return journey. - -Through the dark Forest of Mystery and then over the many plains and -wooded tracts they hiked, at last coming to Mbarara. From there they -went by automobile to a terminal on the railroad, and then by train -back to Mombasa. - -In this city the youths and their fathers were induced to stop for a -week at George Seabury's house. That gentleman fairly hugged his -brother at seeing him alive and well. He thanked the explorers, -particularly Bob and Joe, again and again for finding him and bringing -him back with them. - -The Americans finally succeeded in obtaining passage on an American -ship. Bob and Joe in particular found the return voyage very -interesting, even though they had made it before. - -They were sitting on deck one morning in the midst of a row of -passengers when a stranger leaned toward them. - -"Beg pardon, fellows," he said, "but I wonder if you'd mind telling me -where you got those rings you have." - -"Rings?" asked Bob. "Oh, those. A Chinaman back in San Francisco gave -them to us." - -"Let me take a good look at them," said the stranger, whose name was -Walker. - -He examined the rings carefully for several minutes. - -"Why?" asked Joe. "Is there anything wrong?" - -"Wrong? Absolutely not," Walker said, straightening up with a nod. -"You fellows are most fortunate in possessing such rare pieces of -jewelry. Those rings once belonged to an emperor of China." - -"What!" cried Bob, while Joe's eyes opened wide. "How do you know -this?" - -"By the inscriptions that are on them," Walker returned at once. - -"Inscriptions?" Bob looked baffled. "Can you read those?" - -"Most assuredly," was the answer. "I can speak and read seven -languages. Chinese is one of them." - -At once the youths were all excitement. - -"But," began Bob, when the hubbub of chattering had subsided, "I -thought China was a republic with a president. Then how do you explain -this emperor stuff?" - -"At one time China was an absolute monarchy, governed by rulers," -Walker told them. "The rings, unless they were faked--and I do not -think they were--were once the property of one of the emperors." - -"Then--that explains everything," murmured Joe. - -"How is that?" inquired Walker, very much interested. - -Joe told him how much the rings were desired by numerous Chinamen. - -"I shouldn't wonder that they are coveted, considering their worth," -the man said when Joe had finished. "Chinese especially would prize -them very highly." - -The chums sought out their fathers and told them the good news. - -"That puts a glorious climax to everything," said Mr. Holton. "With -this ring mystery cleared up, you can feel much better." - -"But there were others that we weren't able to solve," remarked Bob. - -"What do you mean?" inquired Joe. - -"Those in the Forest of Mystery," returned Bob. - - THE END - - - - -BIBLIOGRAPHY - - - _Africa Speaks_, by Hoefler. The John C. Winston Co., Chicago. - - _Big Game Hunting and Collecting in East Africa_, by - Kitterberger. Longmans, Green & Co., New York. - - _Animal Life in Africa_, by Stevenson-Hamilton. E. P. Dutton & - Co., New York. - - _African Game Trails_, by Theodore Roosevelt. Charles Scribner's - Sons, New York. - - _Camera Trails in Africa_, by Johnson. Grosset & Dunlap, New - York. - - Wood's _Natural History_. A. L. Burt Co., New York. - - _Africa View_, by Huxley. Harper & Brothers, New York. - - _Natural History Animals_, by Jennison. The Macmillan Company, - New York. - - _The New Natural History_, by Thompson. G. P. Putnam's Sons, New - York. - - - - - * * * * * * - - - - -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 THE FOREST OF MYSTERY*** - - -******* This file should be named 43269.txt or 43269.zip ******* - - -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: -http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/4/3/2/6/43269 - - - -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. 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