The old sailor took an observation, as he called it, before he answered, so as to make sure.
“Yes,” he said thoughtfully, “and if we keep straight on we shall hit the clearing. Strikes me that if we go pretty straight we shall come upon Mr Brazier loaded down to sinking point with plants, and glad of a bit of help to carry ’em. Don’t you be down-hearted, sir! This is a bit of experience; and here we are! something at last.”
As he spoke he pointed to a tree where the sun penetrated a little, and they could see that it was swarming with small birds evidently busy over the fruit it bore. Shaddy was pressing forward, but Rob caught his arm.
“What is it, lad?”
“Look!” whispered Rob. “What’s that?”
“Eh? Where? See a tiger?”
“No, that horrible-looking thing walking along the branch. It has gone now.”
“Ugly monkey?”
“Oh no,” whispered Rob, “a curious creature. Alligators don’t climb trees, do they?”
“Never saw one,” said Shaddy. “Might if they were taught, but it wouldn’t be a pleasant job to teach one. Well, where is it?”