“Crazy?” This exclamation came from the old doctor, then he turned gravely to the captain. “I do not want to be a butt-in, Seaman, but I should like to listen to this story, also, if the boys do not mind, I wish you would permit Donald to be present.” He turned to Jim. “Donald is a full blooded native who has spent the greater part of his life with me and my wife. His mother died when he was an infant, she worked for us and we have brought the boy up. In deciding about his life we thought it best to keep him in touch with his own race so he spends a good part of his time with his native relatives. We have given him a Christian education, he is interested in things medical; and I do not mind telling you that he has given us a valuable education in many ways.”
“I am sure Don will be interested in what you have to say, boys, and you can depend upon him to the last breath. He’s a splendid fellow even if the doc did bring him up,” the captain replied promptly.
“Surely, fetch him along,” Jim agreed, then added, “But can we make the party sort of private! You are going to hear some whoppers and you’ll know whether to send someone in after Mills. We didn’t dare risk bringing him out.”
“Very good.” An orderly went in search of the doctor’s adopted son and presently a tall young chap about seventeen years old, with fine manly bearing and a neat white suit but no hat, was ushered in. He was presented to the Flying Buddies, upon whom he smiled broadly, and then Morley explained why he had been sent for.
“I am honored,” the young fellow nodded.
“Come along in my office,” the captain invited, and soon the party were assembled about a huge table in an upper room. Orders were given that they were not to be disturbed on any account.
“Let’s have a look at you,” said the doctor. “Want to be sure your hearts and things are not going to be strained by lack of rest.” He examined them quickly.
“All set?” Ruhel asked.
“You lead off, Jim,” Bob said, so Jim started the story of their arrival on the clearing in the forest. He gave the exact location exactly as it showed on the plane’s charts and indicators, and when the place was mentioned, Donald glanced at the doctor, then leaned forward lest he miss a word of the recital.
Austin told of the landing, seeing the ancient Indian who disappeared so mysteriously, their decision that one of them remain on guard and the boy drew a rough sketch of their location and position. Then Bob told them of his investigations, how much time he had spent, the sudden appearance of the javarel which split the sapling in front of him, then the three Indians, the coming of the butterflies, Jim’s attempt to reach him and the arrival of the plane which had been forced down by the cloud of insects.