“I see, thank you.”
“Our Flying Buddies did not deliberately run into them,” Bradshaw said gravely.
“They did not, Sir.”
“Great guns, Goodman, the professor I mean, did run into them deliberately—” Seaman put in soberly.
“He did and he endeavored to take workers with him. That is why they deserted him,” Donald explained.
“I see. Manwell would have investigated and avoided such an act,” the Captain remarked, then went on, “Excuse me, boys. Please proceed with your story.”
“Yes sir.” Jim took it up, told of entering the forest with their arms bound, the long wearisome tramp, the destruction of Red, the loss of the batteries and food. The boy told the tale as simply as possible, and although none of the audience asked another question, there were numerous exclamations of astonishment, and several times one of the men paced up and down the floor as the facts were revealed. At last they came to the brightening of the tunnel, the change of air and finally the appearance of the Indian band with their treasures. “When the last of them passed he stopped and looked at Mills for a moment, then went on.”
“Stopped and looked at Mills?” said the doctor.
“Yes sir.” The old man looked at his young adopted son, who nodded his head gravely.
“The man you said that you left back there?”