“Perhaps that is so,” Donald answered, then went on with a smile, “And perhaps a kindness rendered a hunted lad named Yncicea and his uncle brought a blessing so great that against it the curse is not effective—”
“Perhaps,” chuckled Bob, then added softly, “I don’t mind telling you that we’re mighty happy at having met that lad at my uncle’s farm.” Suddenly his mood changed. “When do we eat?”
“There is food in the basket,” Mrs. Seaman answered, “You boys must be hollow as drums.” She made a brave attempt to shake off the horror of the hour through which she had just lived, and Barbara Harding came to her aid.
“Let’s brace up,” she urged. “We’ll all feel better when we have had something to eat.”
“Suppose we take the food and eat it on board the boat on the way home,” Mrs. Harding suggested. “I feel as if I cannot leave this place too quickly.” Her face was white as if she had suffered a long illness, and her eyes rested upon her daughters, who were safe, but she dreaded remaining with them in the encampment where the white people were so greatly out-numbered by the natives.
This plan was accepted by all of them, so they made hasty preparations to depart, while the natives, the more reasonable ones, realizing that their act might bring serious difficulties to the tribes, pitched in to help, and many of them ran to their own quarters to bring presents as peace offerings.
“We feared our own women and children were in danger, or dead,” one reminded Mrs. Seaman, who promptly held out her hand to them.
“I understand,” she said kindly. “You need have no further fear from Professor Martin. He brought about his own punishment and I am happy that your families are safe.” The man bowed low before her.
“We are your servants,” he answered—but could say no more, for at the moment the air was filled with the thunder of many airplane motors racing nearer and nearer.
The eyes of the Flying Buddies turned instantly to the sky and were astonished to see twelve tiny specks in a perfect V formation, racing without deviating an inch from their formation, high in the blue heavens. Quickly the boy took out his handkerchief, broke a twig and tied the corners to make a flag.