“We’re glad to get out of the neighborhood where such inhospitable people live,” remarked Mr. Snodgrass, as he slung his collecting box over his shoulder by a strap, and prepared to help carry Jerry.
Bob brought up in the rear with the gun, after Ned had gone to the aid of the scientist, and perhaps the sight of the weapon prevented a hostile demonstration on the part of the black men. They followed the travelers for a short distance, as they went on with the wounded lad along the path that led to where they had left the Dartaway.
“I hope they don’t give us any more trouble,” remarked Bob, as they neared their craft. “If they have boats they may come after us.”
“They’d have to have pretty good boats to get ahead of ours,” observed Ned.
It was no easy task to transport Jerry along the narrow path, and, several times, the professor and Ned had to rest. But they finally made a turn in the trail that put them on the straight stretch which led directly to the boat.
“There she is!” cried Ned. “Now we’re all right!”
As he spoke there was a rustling in the grass along the path. Bob, with ready gun, turned quickly. The boys had a glimpse of several dusky faces peering at them.
“The negroes!” exclaimed Ned. “They’re following us!”
“Hurry on!” spoke Bob. “Get into the boat and start up. They’ll not come very near as long as we have a gun!”
Even as he spoke the black men seemed to melt away like shadows and the rustling was heard no longer. On they hurried to the Dartaway. Jerry was placed on a pile of cushions, and Ned started the motor. As the boat swung out toward the middle of the river they saw, emerging from the bushes and standing on the shore, half a score of negroes, who shook their fists at the travelers.