“By Jove! that’s a possible solution to the puzzle,” exclaimed Mr. Pauling, “and even if he did not desert he may have gone off on a hunt and while away killed an Indian. Yes, I think we’ll find the answer at the plane--if we can find it.”
“It’s a plausible theory,” admitted Mr. Henderson. “But there’s a flaw in it. How did the victim of the Kenaima cross this river? Mr. Thorne says Maipurisi is to the east and as far as we know the fellows had no boat.”
“Hmm, that’s true,” mused Mr. Pauling. “Looks as if we’re up against another mystery.”
“Perhaps they carried a folding boat or found an Indian canoe,” suggested Tom.
“Yes, that’s possible,” agreed his father, “but whatever the explanation our best plan is to go to the plane at once. How far are we from Maipurisi, Thorne?”
“A good long day’s paddle,” replied the explorer. “Taguma Creek flows from the lake and empties into this river about three miles above here. We might make the lake by to-morrow noon.”
“Well, whatever’s happened has happened within the past four days,” declared Rawlins. “They were there and talking by radio then. How long should you think that man had been dead?”
“Impossible to say,” replied Mr. Thorne. “Probably not over two days. If he’d been there longer than that, there would have been nothing but bones left.”
“Gosh! the last time they talked they were asking for help,” cried Frank. “Perhaps the Kenaima was after them then.”
“You’re right!” ejaculated Mr. Pauling. “That must have been it. They knew their danger and probably tried to escape. But why didn’t they get off in their plane?”