“I think yes, decidedly,” said Morgan, who was rapidly getting better.
“So did I at first,” said the major; “but I have been in Africa as well as India, and have heard lions roar. When one of these gentlemen is doing a bit of nightingale he roars in one direction, then in another, now with his head up, and now with it down; and when you add to it that he roars loud and roars soft, he seems to be quite a ventriloquist, and you are puzzled.”
“But I think the animal came nearer, my dear,” said Mrs O’Halloran.
“I think so, too,” said Mrs Strong.
“I’m sure it did, papa,” cried Mary.
“Then I’m not,” said her father. “It is impossible to tell how near a cry from a jungle may be.”
“Well,” said the captain, “it is not pleasant to know that such a savage creature is close to our camp. Something must be done.”
“Seems a pity to pull up stakes and move,” said the major.
“Pity!” said the captain. “Suppose we do move to the far side, we shall still be within reach. We are fixed here, and it seems to me to be the best spot we can find, and the farthest from the volcano. I’m afraid it must be a case of war. Either our friend must be driven away or killed. What do you say, major, to an expedition in search of him?”
“I’m willing,” said the major.