Chapter 18
THE MEDICINE MAN
Shocked to see their friends, Jack and Ken helped to lower Mr. Livingston onto the pallet of straw.
“What happened?” Jack asked grimly.
“We were captured at the suspension bridge,” Willie explained. “The Indians surrounded us, and we didn’t have a chance. Hap’s in bad shape. He needs a doctor.”
“We’ve lost our quinine supply,” War added miserably. “Those natives stripped us of everything except our clothes.”
Many hours, of which the Scouts kept painful account, slowly passed. Mr. Livingston tossed fitfully, calling often for water.
Ken and Jack took turns sitting beside him, giving War and Willie opportunity to sleep. Repeatedly, they tried to make the guard at the hut door understand their urgent need for medicines, but he eyed them blankly.
At dusk, a native woman again brought food. By signs, the Scouts tried to convey the idea of Mr. Livingston’s desperate need. She gave no indication she understood. But shortly after she had left, a medicine man came to the hut. He wore an animal mask, and the Scouts recognized him as the same one who had danced so professionally.
“Me Ino,” the man announced.
“You speak English?” Jack cried. “Our leader is down with fever and we’ve got to get him out of here! Will you help us?”