“Yes, here’s a couple of cans.”
“Good, bring ’em along and another dish. Now I guess we’re ready.”
They were soon at the side of the lighter again with their odd collection.
“Where is the safest place to come aboard?” asked Frank of the man, who was still up the mast.
“Right amidships,” he answered. “There’s not a snake or monkey near there now, and it’s right by the open hatch.”
“Good!” answered Frank. “That’ll do. Make our boat fast, Andy, and follow me. Bring the grub.”
His brother obeyed, and soon the two lads were aboard the lighter. They saw a group of monkeys aft, chattering and wrestling among themselves, whether in play or anger was not evident. Forward were several large snakes contentedly sunning themselves on deck. There did not seem to be so much danger as the man had said, though doubtless if the monkeys were really aroused they might injure some one, as several were very large specimens.
“Quick now!” called Frank to Andy. “Help me spread out this grub near the open hatch. Open the cans of peaches and pour them over the crackers in the dish. Do the same with the condensed milk, only put that in a separate dish. It’s lucky the snakes are forward, they’ll get a whiff of it there.”
Soon there was an array of food about the open hatch. So far the monkeys had paid no attention to the boys, for the brothers had worked silently, the man on the mast watching them curiously, but still afraid to come down.
“Now I guess we’re ready,” announced Frank. “Come over here, Andy, and we’ll hide under this pile of canvas.”