"But he might change his course," spoke up Van.
"It doesn't matter whether he does or not," returned the young Englishman. "We will follow him wherever he goes. The professor, doctor and myself came to Africa principally for adventure, and I am sure we will get enough of it if we keep on the trail of a murderer and a number of scoundrels who are as bad as he is."
They continued on their way up the river, keeping a sharp lookout on either bank so as not to run in an ambush.
When night came they went ashore at a pleasant-looking spot and pitched their camp.
As soon as darkness set in the wild beasts of the forest began to make themselves heard.
The blacks promptly built a number of fires to keep them away.
The two tents were utilized by the six who constituted the party of whites.
The air was very warm and close, and the ceaseless hum of the insects made it almost impossible for Van to sleep during the first part of the night.
As he was to stand watch with Jack Howard the last four hours of the night, it behooved him to catch as much sleep as he could.
It was past midnight when he fell into a doze.